New Deal program

Definition

The New Deal program was a series of initiatives and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform to the struggling American economy. This program marked a significant expansion of federal government power and involvement in economic affairs, establishing a new relationship between the government and its citizens. It set a precedent for future governmental intervention in the economy, reshaping the role of the presidency in response to national crises.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Deal included a series of programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Public Works Administration (PWA), and Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) aimed at job creation and economic recovery.
2. It was characterized by a significant expansion of government powers, allowing for increased regulation of industries and financial institutions.
3. The New Deal also fostered a new political coalition, aligning labor unions, African Americans, and urban voters with the Democratic Party.
4. The programs created under the New Deal laid the foundation for modern social welfare policies in the United States.
5. The Supreme Court initially struck down several New Deal measures, leading to Roosevelt's controversial court-packing plan to expand the number of justices who would support his initiatives.

Review Questions

• How did the New Deal program expand the role of the federal government in American society?
  • The New Deal program greatly expanded the role of the federal government by intervening directly in the economy to provide relief to those suffering from the Great Depression. Through various programs aimed at job creation, financial regulation, and social welfare, it shifted responsibilities from state and local governments to federal oversight. This marked a fundamental change in how Americans viewed government involvement in economic and social issues.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the New Deal programs in addressing the economic challenges of the Great Depression.
  • The effectiveness of New Deal programs is debated among historians. While they provided immediate relief to millions through job creation and financial assistance, critics argue they did not fully resolve unemployment or revive the economy on their own. It wasn't until World War II's mobilization that significant economic recovery occurred. Nonetheless, the New Deal established a framework for modern welfare policies and increased government responsibility for citizens' well-being.
• Discuss how the New Deal's legacy has influenced contemporary debates about government's role in economic intervention.
  • The legacy of the New Deal continues to shape contemporary discussions regarding government's role in economic intervention. Proponents of expanded government involvement often cite the successes of New Deal programs as evidence that federal action can effectively address economic downturns. Conversely, critics argue that reliance on government solutions can lead to inefficiencies and dependency. These contrasting views echo historical debates around government size and responsibility that originated with Roosevelt's initiatives.

Related terms

Social Security Act:

A law enacted in 1935 that created a social insurance program designed to provide financial assistance to the elderly, disabled, and unemployed.

Emergency Banking Relief Act: A 1933 act that allowed the government to inspect and regulate banks to restore public confidence in the banking system.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): A public work relief program established in 1933 that provided jobs for young men in environmental conservation projects.