Short Answer 
Roosevelt and Hoover both advocated for government intervention during the Great Depression, albeit with differing approaches. Their policies, however, failed to effectively combat deflation and stabilize the economy, prolonging the crisis, while the real recovery is attributed to the economic boost from World War II rather than the New Deal.
Step 1: Understand Government Intervention
Both Franklin Roosevelt and Herbert Hoover were influential figures during the Great Depression who believed in government intervention as a solution. Despite being a Republican, Hoover’s approach was more interventionist than his predecessors, Harding and Coolidge, as he pushed for federal aid to be distributed through states rather than directly to individuals. This deviation from laissez-faire economics sets the stage for further government involvement during this economic crisis.
Step 2: Analyze the Impact of Their Policies
Both leaders inadvertently extended the Great Depression due to their opposition to market deflation. They could have stabilized the economy by lowering both prices and wages, which would have helped maintain purchasing power and preserved jobs. Instead, their policies did not adequately address the fundamental issues causing economic decline, allowing the crisis to endure longer than necessary.
Step 3: Identify the True Turning Point
It’s important to recognize that the true recovery from the Great Depression was not due to the New Deal but rather the economic activity spurred by World War II. The war generated significant manufacturing orders which revitalized the economy. As noted by economist John Maynard Keynes, the war preparations served as a crucial impetus for spending and improved living standards, overshadowing any benefits from Roosevelt’s policy initiatives.