just want to say it is possible that FDR "helped" to save it -- I was born in Feb 1931 (note will be 80 next month) in western MT -- based on my experience, the core strength of the recovery was the indomitable spirit of the people of the USA -- hard times were endured with work for dimes and quarters per day/week -- credit was available at the grocery store -- neighbor helped neighbor -- the "bums" at the back door were fed --
Do not think FDR was the major factor in this -- if my memory is correct
"We are from the gov't (WPA/PWA/etc) and are here to help you)
was not a welcome phrase (but the outhouses they built were firstclass -- we were never able to get one -- guess my parents did not vote for FDR)
but that is a memory from the hills of W/MT -- maybe different elsewhere
lord, I loved those hills -- fished the streams from 6yo till 12yo
moved to town in 1943 -- electricity, running water & indoor plumbing (and a telephone, "number please")
Life is good -- you cannot go home again