What was the New Deal?

The New Deal refers to a series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, which began in 1929. The primary goal of the New Deal was to provide immediate economic relief, promote recovery, and reform the financial system to prevent a future depression. It encompassed a wide range of initiatives, including job creation through public works projects, financial assistance programs for the unemployed, and regulatory reforms aimed at stabilizing the banking sector and the stock market.

Key components of the New Deal included the creation of the Social Security Administration, the establishment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and various works programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA). These initiatives not only aimed to address the economic crisis but also sought to provide a safety net for American citizens, demonstrating a significant shift in the government's role in economic and social issues.

The other options do not accurately reflect the essence of the New Deal. Rebuilding the military, tax reforms, and foreign policy initiatives do not capture the comprehensive and domestic-focused nature of the programs and policies aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by Americans during the Great Depression.