The Great Depression drew attention to problems with the United States
economy that needed government regulation. To address these problems,
the Roosevelt administration implemented a "New Deal" of work and
benefit programs that established the idea that the federal government was
responsible for the well-being of Americans. As the Depression worsened,
Americans from the left and right questioned the effectiveness of New Deal
programs to relieve people's suffering. In spite of this opposition, Roosevelt
benefited from popular attitudes that reflected a communitarian spirit.![]()
Coming out of an unprecedented period of prosperity, the Great Depression revealed structural problems with the economy, pointing to the need for government regulation, and calling into question the viability of democracy and capitalism. More
A shift in popular attitudes questioned the rise of American individualism and a purely market-based economy, creating a community atmosphere that was reflected in popular culture. More
The New Deal and World War II fundamentally changed the relationship between the people and the federal government. More