What economic initiative was launched to counter the Great Depression in the United States?

The New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, which began in 1929. The New Deal aimed to provide immediate economic relief, recovery from the economic downturn, and reform to prevent future depressions. It encompassed a wide range of initiatives, including job creation programs, financial reforms, infrastructure improvements, and social welfare measures.

Key components of the New Deal included the establishment of agencies such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Public Works Administration (PWA), and the Social Security Administration (SSA). These initiatives helped to provide jobs, support to the unemployed, and a safety net for the elderly and disadvantaged, significantly impacting the United States' economic landscape during a time of deep crisis.

In contrast, the other initiatives mentioned focus on different historical contexts. The Marshall Plan was designed to aid Western Europe's recovery after World War II, the Fair Deal was President Truman's program for domestic reforms post-World War II, and the G.I. Bill provided benefits to World War II veterans. Thus, the New Deal is specifically recognized as the critical response to the economic challenges presented by the Great Depression.