Final answer:
The U.S. increased government regulation of businesses after the New Deal, creating programs like the FDIC and WPA to protect consumers, stimulate the economy, and generate employment, thereby combating the effects of the Great Depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the ways the U.S. attempted to combat the Great Depression after the New Deal was D) By increasing government regulation of businesses. The New Deal consisted of a range of social welfare programs and economic regulations aimed at addressing the crisis of the Great Depression.
Notably, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Social Security Administration were established to protect consumers and the elderly, while stimulating economic growth and job creation through diverse programs. The Works Progress Administration (WPA), another key component, provided federal funds for public works projects, generating employment and revitalizing infrastructure.
These implementations signify a departure from laissez-faire capitalism toward a government-regulated economic structure to prevent financial catastrophes and stabilize the economy.