Franklin D. Roosevelt laid the groundwork for the modern welfare state through his New Deal policies during the Great Depression. These initiatives aimed to provide economic relief, job creation, and social welfare programs to millions of Americans suffering from economic hardship. The establishment of programs like Social Security and the Works Progress Administration marked significant government intervention in the economy. Roosevelt's legacy includes redefining the role of government in American life and laying the foundation for future social safety nets, influencing political discourse for generations.