What was the purpose of the New Deal?

The New Deal was primarily designed to address the severe economic devastation caused by the Great Depression, which began in 1929 and resulted in widespread unemployment, poverty, and a collapse of the banking system. The initiatives and programs included in the New Deal aimed to provide immediate relief to those suffering from the economic downturn, to promote recovery of the economy, and to institute reforms to prevent future economic crises.

Relief measures were targeted at those who lost their jobs and savings due to the economic collapse, through programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration which provided employment opportunities. Recovery efforts focused on revitalizing the economy by stimulating demand and increasing job creation, while reforms were implemented to stabilize the banking system and the stock market, such as the establishment of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Each of these efforts worked towards ensuring not only immediate support but also the long-term stability and growth of the U.S. economy. This multifaceted approach is what defined the New Deal and made it a significant governmental response to one of the most challenging economic times in American history.