The historical significance of the New Deal in U.S. politics lies in its response to the Great Depression. Introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the New Deal encompassed a series of programs and reforms aimed at economic recovery and social welfare. Its legacy includes the establishment of key social safety nets like Social Security and the expansion of federal government roles in economic management. This period marked a shift in the relationship between government and citizens, laying the groundwork for modern liberalism and ongoing debates about federal intervention in the economy.