The major architect of the New Deal was Franklin D. Roosevelt, who implemented a series of programs and reforms during the Great Depression to provide relief, recovery, and reform. The New Deal aimed to combat economic turmoil through job creation, infrastructure projects, and financial system reforms. Roosevelt's vision transformed the federal government’s role in the economy and established a safety net for the American populace. His approach fundamentally shifted the political landscape, leading to the emergence of a more active government in addressing social and economic challenges.