Final answer:
The US military response to the Great Depression chiefly revolved around the economy's transition to wartime production, which significantly helped alleviate the Depression's impact. The federal government's control over the economy led to increased production, a post-war consumer boom, and a fundamental role in establishing the post-World War II international order.
Step-by-step explanation:
The US military response to the Great Depression involved the transition of the economy to a wartime footing, which was crucial in mitigating the effects of the Depression. During World War II, factories that had suffered from underproduction began to produce military vehicles instead of consumer goods. Savings accumulated in anticipation of the post-war economy allowed Americans to participate in a consumer boom after the war, further aiding economic recovery. Moreover, the federal government implemented several New Deal-like programs to oversee this transition to full wartime production.
Under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the federal government assumed near unlimited power to manage the economy as if facing an 'invading foe,' even before the US entered World War II. Post-war, the surplus in the balance of trade due to exports of military equipment and consumer goods to the Allied powers contributed significantly to the recovery from the Great Depression.
The economic challenges of the 1930s, including high unemployment and low industrial output, spurred the government to take control of the economy, leading to full utilization of American manufacturing capabilities. This ultimately positioned the United States favorably for leading the creation of the post-World War II international order, which aimed to maintain global peace and economic prosperity.