Second New Deal

Definition

The Second New Deal refers to a series of programs and reforms launched by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935 aimed at addressing the ongoing economic struggles during the Great Depression. This initiative built upon the earlier New Deal and focused on social welfare, labor rights, and public works projects to provide relief, recovery, and reform, while seeking to alleviate poverty and support the unemployed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second New Deal was initiated in response to criticism of the first New Deal, which some believed did not go far enough in providing relief or addressing economic inequality.
2. Key initiatives of the Second New Deal included the Social Security Act and the establishment of the National Labor Relations Board to oversee labor disputes.
3. The WPA became one of the largest employers in the United States during this time, creating jobs for over 8 million Americans between 1935 and 1943.
4. The Second New Deal emphasized not just economic recovery but also social justice, reflecting Roosevelt's belief in using government action to promote fairness and equality.
5. Critics of the Second New Deal argued that it expanded federal government power too much, while supporters believed it was essential for restoring public confidence and combating poverty.

Review Questions

• How did the Second New Deal address the criticisms of the First New Deal?
  • The Second New Deal was created in response to growing criticism that the First New Deal did not adequately address issues like poverty and economic inequality. By introducing significant programs such as the Social Security Act and strengthening labor rights through the Wagner Act, Roosevelt aimed to provide more comprehensive support for those affected by the Great Depression. This shift represented a commitment to a more active role of the government in ensuring social welfare and protecting workers' rights.
• Evaluate the impact of the Works Progress Administration on American society during the Second New Deal.
  • The Works Progress Administration (WPA) had a transformative impact on American society by providing millions of jobs during a time of widespread unemployment. It not only helped alleviate poverty by offering work to those struggling financially but also contributed significantly to infrastructure development across the nation. Projects funded by the WPA included roads, bridges, schools, and parks, leaving a lasting legacy on American communities and enhancing public facilities.
• Analyze how the Second New Deal set a precedent for future government involvement in economic welfare and labor rights in America.
  • The Second New Deal marked a significant shift in American governance by establishing a framework for future government involvement in economic welfare and labor rights. The introduction of social programs like Social Security laid the groundwork for a safety net that would be expanded in later decades. Additionally, laws that protected workers' rights reflected a growing recognition of labor's importance in securing economic stability. This expansion of government responsibility foreshadowed later policies during times of crisis and set a standard for federal engagement in economic matters that continues today.

Related terms

Social Security Act:

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

Wagner Act:

Also known as the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, this law protected workers' rights to organize unions and engage in collective bargaining.

Works Progress Administration (WPA):

A key agency created in 1935 that provided millions of jobs through public works projects, employing artists, writers, and laborers to build infrastructure across the country.