The New Deal During the 1930’s, America witnessed a breakdown of the Democratic and free enterprise system as the US fell into the worst depression in history. The economic depression that beset the United States and other countries was unique in its severity and its consequences. At the depth of the depression, in 1933, one American worker in every four was out of a job. The great industrial slump continued throughout the 1930’s, shaking the foundations of Western capitalism. The president began a campaign called the New Deal.. which created many policies that relieved the American people. Despite the relief however, the New Deal