Central to the debate surrounding economic policies following the Great Depression was the role of government intervention. Economies faced unprecedented unemployment and financial instability, raising questions about laissez-faire capitalism and its effectiveness. Proponents of intervention argued for measures like the New Deal, emphasizing that government action was necessary to stimulate the economy and provide relief to affected populations. Critics, however, feared that extensive government control could lead to socialism and loss of individual liberties. This debate shaped economic thought and policy, influencing later approaches to managing economic cycles and establishing social safety nets in the U.S. and beyond.