Who were the "Brain Trust" that advised President Roosevelt?

The term "Brain Trust" refers to a group of young university professors and specialists who advised President Franklin D. Roosevelt during his early presidency, particularly in the formulation of policies to combat the Great Depression. This informal group, composed of intellectuals and academics, provided innovative ideas and solutions that shaped key components of the New Deal, which aimed to bring economic relief, recovery, and reform to the struggling nation. Their expertise in various fields allowed them to offer diverse perspectives on the social, economic, and political challenges facing the country at that time, leading to significant legislative initiatives that had a lasting impact on American society.

The other options do not accurately describe the Brain Trust. Wealthy industrialists and state governors were typically involved in broader policy discussions or interests that often contradicted the more radical ideas of the New Deal thinkers. Military generals were focused on defense and wartime strategy, which was of less immediate relevance during the early years of the Great Depression compared to the economic and social reforms that the Brain Trust advocated. Thus, the group of young university professors and specialists stands out as the driving intellectual force behind Roosevelt's groundbreaking policies.