How did FDR's administration's view of government intervention evolve in response to the Great Depression?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Study for the Texas AandM University HIST106 History of the United States Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

FDR's administration significantly expanded the role of government intervention as a response to the Great Depression. This shift was largely aimed at addressing the economic crisis and its widespread social impacts. When Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in 1933, the nation was facing unprecedented economic hardship, with high unemployment rates and widespread poverty. In recognizing the need for direct government action, FDR launched a series of initiatives known as the New Deal, which included various programs aimed at economic recovery, job creation, and social welfare.

The New Deal encompassed a wide range of federal programs, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which provided jobs in public works, and the Social Security Act, which established a safety net for the elderly and unemployed. This marked a significant departure from the previous hands-off approach associated with laissez-faire economics. The government actively intervened not just in the economy, but also in the lives of everyday Americans, promoting a belief that government had a responsibility to ensure the welfare of its citizens in times of crisis.

In subsequent years, FDR's administration continued to implement and refine these programs, demonstrating a long-term commitment to a more interventionist stance in economic affairs, which shaped the relationship between the American government and its citizens for decades to come