What was the primary aim of the New Deal during the Great Depression?

The primary aim of the New Deal during the Great Depression was to provide relief, recovery, and reform. This comprehensive program, initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the severe economic crisis of the 1930s, focused on addressing the immediate needs of those suffering from unemployment and poverty while also implementing long-term economic reforms to prevent future crises.

Relief efforts included programs that directly supported the unemployed and those in need, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Recovery measures aimed to stimulate economic growth and restore confidence in the financial system, exemplified by initiatives like the National Industrial Recovery Act. Finally, reform sought to address the underlying issues that led to the Great Depression, through financial regulations like the Glass-Steagall Act, which separated commercial and investment banking.

By focusing on these three pillars—relief, recovery, and reform—the New Deal aimed to stabilize the economy and provide a safety net for American citizens, thereby restoring hope and facilitating a more equitable society in the aftermath of the Great Depression.