What was the main goal of the New Deal?

The main goal of the New Deal was to recover the economy during the Great Depression. Introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the severe economic downturn that began in 1929, the New Deal comprised a series of programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations aimed at providing relief to the unemployed, stimulating economic recovery, and reforming the financial system to prevent a future depression.

Key aspects of the New Deal included the establishment of Social Security, the creation of jobs through programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA), and the introduction of measures to stabilize the banking system. These initiatives were designed to address the immediate economic crisis by providing jobs, supporting struggling farmers, and revitalizing industry and infrastructure.

The other options do not accurately reflect the New Deal's objectives. Reducing taxes for the wealthy would not address the economic hardships faced by the majority of Americans during the Great Depression. Promoting foreign trade was not a primary focus, especially during a time when the U.S. economy was struggling domestically. Enhancing military preparedness was not relevant to the New Deal's economic recovery goals, as it was more focused on domestic issues rather than military concerns.