FDR’s New Deal

Definition

FDR's New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform to a struggling nation. The New Deal transformed the role of the federal government, expanding its reach into the economy and providing direct assistance to millions of Americans. This sweeping initiative included numerous agencies and initiatives designed to address unemployment, restore economic stability, and promote social welfare.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Deal consisted of two main phases: the First New Deal (1933-1934) focused on immediate relief and recovery efforts, while the Second New Deal (1935-1938) emphasized long-term reforms and social welfare programs.
2. FDR's administration established numerous agencies as part of the New Deal, including the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided jobs for millions of unemployed Americans.
3. The New Deal faced opposition from various groups, including conservatives who believed it expanded government power too much, and critics on the left who thought it didn't go far enough to help the poor and working class.
4. Key legislation from the New Deal included the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) and the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA), which aimed to stabilize prices and improve economic conditions for farmers and industries.
5. The legacy of FDR's New Deal is still felt today, as many of its programs laid the foundation for modern social welfare policies and established the principle of federal responsibility for economic stability.

Review Questions

• How did FDR's New Deal change the relationship between the federal government and American citizens?
  • FDR's New Deal fundamentally changed the relationship between the federal government and American citizens by expanding the government's role in economic and social welfare. Before the New Deal, there was a limited expectation of government intervention in people's lives. However, through various programs aimed at providing relief and recovery during the Great Depression, citizens began to rely on federal assistance for employment and basic needs. This shift established a precedent for future government involvement in economic stability and social services.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the New Deal in addressing the issues caused by the Great Depression.
  • The effectiveness of the New Deal can be evaluated through its success in providing immediate relief to millions of Americans facing unemployment and poverty during the Great Depression. Programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) created jobs and improved infrastructure. However, some critics argue that while it alleviated some hardships, it did not fully end the Depression; unemployment rates remained high until World War II. Overall, it significantly transformed American society but had mixed results regarding complete economic recovery.
• Analyze how FDR's New Deal initiatives reflected broader societal changes occurring in America during the 1930s.
  • FDR's New Deal initiatives reflected broader societal changes in America during the 1930s by responding to the urgent needs for economic security and social justice amid widespread hardship. The rise of labor unions, increased activism among marginalized groups, and demands for greater government accountability influenced these initiatives. Additionally, social programs like Social Security highlighted a shift towards recognizing government responsibility for citizens' welfare. This period marked a transition towards a more active role for federal governance in addressing socioeconomic disparities, shaping modern expectations of government responsibilities.

Related terms

Social Security Act:

A 1935 law that created a system of old-age benefits, unemployment insurance, and aid to families with dependent children, representing a significant expansion of the social safety net.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC):

A public work relief program established in 1933 that employed young men in environmental conservation projects, providing jobs while improving the nation's natural resources.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA):

A federally owned corporation created in 1933 to provide navigation, flood control, electricity generation, and economic development in the Tennessee Valley region.