What did the New Deal aim to address?

The New Deal aimed to address the economic problems of the Great Depression, a period marked by unprecedented financial turmoil, massive unemployment, and widespread poverty in the United States during the 1930s. Implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the New Deal consisted of a series of programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations, all designed to provide immediate relief to those suffering from the effects of the Depression, spur economic recovery, and implement structural changes to prevent future economic crises.

The central focus was on revitalizing the economy by creating jobs, supporting agricultural production, stabilizing the banking system, and boosting consumer confidence. Programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) directly provided employment, while policies such as the Social Security Act laid the foundations for a safety net to protect vulnerable populations. Overall, the New Deal represented a fundamental shift in the role of the federal government in economic affairs, signifying a broader commitment to ensuring greater economic security for all Americans.