Which major social program was established in the New Deal?

The major social program established in the New Deal that is widely recognized is Social Security. Introduced in 1935 as part of the Social Security Act, it aimed to provide financial assistance to the elderly, unemployed, and disadvantaged populations during the Great Depression. The program created a safety net for Americans, ensuring that those who were unable to work or had reached retirement age would receive financial support.

This was a transformative shift in the role of the federal government, as it marked the beginning of a systematic approach to social welfare in the United States. It addressed critical issues of poverty and insecurity among the elderly, which were prevalent during that era. The establishment of Social Security laid the groundwork for many future social safety nets and welfare programs.

Affordable housing, Medicare, and public education, while integral to the social fabric of the country, were either not established during the same period or were addressed through different means and policies outside of the New Deal's immediate scope.