What did FDR mean when he stated he was trying to "save capitalism"?

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s statement about trying to "save capitalism" reflects his belief that the economic system was in crisis during the Great Depression and required reform rather than outright abandonment or radical transformation. By seeking to reform capitalism through governmental actions, FDR aimed to address the excesses and failures of the market system that had led to widespread poverty and unemployment.

His New Deal programs were designed to provide relief for the unemployed, stimulate economic recovery, and prevent future economic crises, while still maintaining the framework of a capitalist economy. This included actions such as creating jobs through public works programs, regulating the banking system, and establishing social safety nets like Social Security. By doing so, FDR intended to stabilize the economy and restore public confidence in the capitalist system, rather than rejecting or nationalizing it.