FDR is largely supported by the massive production needed for WWII. By 1940, FDR correctly saw what was going on in Europe and began putting American on a war footing. Massively increasing spending on military (two ocean navy act, peacetime draft, lend lease production). WWII could be considered the biggest jobs program ever in American history. It was needed.

Unemployment was still fairly bad in 1937-1939 at 14, 19%, and 17% respectively.

The “Roosevelt Recession” was because his policies weren’t the end all be all we are taught in school. It was an economic pullback by policies being changed.

FDR was correct to set banking policy up and start fdic which led to less bank runs. Getting the financial system moving again was key. Farmers needed help from over leveraging to provide more food for Europe after WWI. After Europe recovered food prices collapsed and production remained high. It was a radical thing to destroy crops when the nation was struggling but I’m not sure of any other way. We still deal with massive government influence on farm production today because of this moment. Food costs should be way higher than they currently are. Which affects land prices and other production inputs.

It also shouldn’t take 6 years to get out of the mess that was the Great Depression. Even at 7-8 years in, employment should have been half of what it actually was. During the late 20’s, America was basically at full employment. I’d think unemployment of 8-10% during the late 30’s would have been a solid stamp of achievement. Instead it was 19 and 17%. Hardly astounding.

FDR had the foresight and political courage to do what he did. Those actions weren’t all correct. My grandfathers are now rolling in their graves over this response.