What was the New Deal?

The New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the economic crisis of the Great Depression that began in 1929. This comprehensive initiative aimed to provide relief to the millions suffering from unemployment, economic instability, and hardship during this difficult period.

The New Deal included a wide range of measures, such as job creation programs, financial reforms, and social safety nets designed to relieve poverty, stabilize the economy, and restore public confidence. Key components of the New Deal included initiatives like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided jobs in public works projects, as well as the Social Security Act, which established a system of social insurance for the elderly and unemployed.

In this historical context, understanding the New Deal is crucial as it profoundly impacted the American economic landscape, government policies, and the role of the federal government in individual welfare. It marked a significant shift in how the government interacted with its citizens, establishing precedents that influenced future social and economic policies.