What was the primary focus of the New Deal initiated by Franklin D. Roosevelt?

Study for the US History Regents Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for success!

The primary focus of the New Deal initiated by Franklin D. Roosevelt was on relief, recovery, and reform. This comprehensive set of programs and policies was designed to address the severe economic challenges posed by the Great Depression, which had caused massive unemployment, widespread poverty, and a major downturn in economic activity.

Relief measures aimed to provide immediate assistance to those suffering from the economic fallout, such as jobless individuals and families in need. Recovery efforts sought to stimulate economic growth and restore the nation’s economy to a stable condition. Finally, reform initiatives were meant to create safeguards against future economic crises by restructuring financial and banking systems, regulating the stock market, and implementing social welfare programs.

In contrast, military expansion, healthcare reform, and tax reduction were not focal points of the New Deal. The New Deal was primarily domestic in nature, aimed at stabilizing and revitalizing the U.S. economy during one of its most challenging periods rather than addressing military concerns or overhauling the healthcare system. The emphasis on direct support for citizens and strategic economic policies was what defined Roosevelt's approach to overcoming the Great Depression.

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