What does increased spending during economic downturns aim to achieve according to Keynesian economics?

In Keynesian economics, increased spending during economic downturns is designed to stimulate the economy. During periods of recession or economic slowdown, aggregate demand tends to fall, leading to reduced consumer spending, lower business investment, and generally sluggish economic activity. By increasing government spending, the intent is to create a multiplier effect that encourages businesses to invest and consumers to spend. This injection of spending can help to boost overall demand, reduce unemployment, and ultimately support a quicker recovery from the downturn.

The rationale behind this approach is rooted in the belief that during tough economic times, the private sector alone may not be able to drive recovery due to decreased consumer confidence and lower income levels. Therefore, government intervention through increased spending becomes vital to kickstart economic activity and restore consumer confidence.