What was the New Deal?

The New Deal was a series of programs and reforms implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression during the 1930s. The primary aim was to promote economic recovery and provide relief to the suffering populations affected by the economic downturn. This initiative included a wide range of measures such as job creation programs, financial system reforms, and social safety nets, which were intended to restore public confidence, stimulate the economy, and address the dire conditions faced by millions of Americans.

Key aspects of the New Deal involved initiatives like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), both designed to provide jobs for the unemployed, as well as reforms in banking and finance to prevent future economic crises. By establishing critical infrastructure and social welfare programs, the New Deal played a significant role in reshaping the role of the federal government in the economy and society.

The other options refer to unrelated themes: military strategies and foreign policy do not pertain to domestic economic reforms, and civil rights movements primarily focus on social justice issues rather than economic recovery efforts. Thus, the identification of the New Deal as a collection of reforms aimed at economic recovery accurately captures its historical significance and objectives.