What influential events led to a significant increase in the federal bureaucracy's activism in the twentieth century?

The Great Depression and World War II were pivotal in shaping the role and scope of the federal bureaucracy in the twentieth century. During the Great Depression, the United States faced an unprecedented economic crisis, which necessitated immediate intervention and support from the federal government. This led to the establishment of various agencies and programs aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform, such as the Works Progress Administration and the Social Security Administration. These programs expanded the federal government's involvement in the economy and people's lives significantly.

World War II further accelerated this trend, as the government took on a vast array of responsibilities to mobilize the economy for the war effort. The establishment of agencies like the War Production Board exemplified the bureaucratic expansion and the need for regulatory controls, resource allocation, and production management during wartime. The complexity and urgency of the tasks required a larger and more active bureaucratic framework, which left a lasting impact on the structure and functions of federal agencies.

In the aftermath of these events, the increased participation of the federal bureaucracy became institutionalized, shaping the nature of U.S. government for decades. The need for federal oversight and intervention in both the economy and social issues solidified the federal bureaucracy's expanded role, leading to a significant increase in its activism in the