Final answer:
The statement regarding John Steinbeck's focus on the demise of the Californian political system in response to the Great Depression is false. His concern was more with the social and economic hardships faced by individuals during this time. The Great Depression led to shifts in American government interventions and societal attitudes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that John Steinbeck is most concerned about the demise of the Californian political system in its response to the Great Depression is false. Steinbeck's work, particularly The Grapes of Wrath, does deal with the Great Depression and its impact on American society, but his focus is more on the plight of the displaced farmers and the social injustices they faced rather than the Californian political system itself. The Great Depression indeed brought about significant changes in American society, perceptions, and government intervention.
During the era, the New Deal programs initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed to provide relief and recovery. These programs not only helped alleviate immediate suffering but also brought about long-term social and economic reform that reshaped the role of the federal government. This was a period when different political ideologies came to the forefront, challenging the capitalist system and the government's role in economic recovery. Left-wing critics like Upton Sinclair proposed alternative solutions like the 'End Poverty in California' program, while others debated the New Deal's effectiveness and the balance between support for big business versus smaller companies and individuals.