New Deal

Definition

The New Deal was a series of programs, public work projects, and financial reforms enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression. It aimed to provide relief for the unemployed, recovery of the economy, and reform of the financial system to prevent future depressions. The initiatives under the New Deal transformed the role of the federal government in American life, laying the groundwork for future social policies and redefining expectations of government responsibility.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Deal consisted of two phases: the First New Deal (1933-1934), which focused on immediate economic relief and recovery, and the Second New Deal (1935-1936), which aimed at long-term reforms.
2. Programs like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) created millions of jobs through public works projects, significantly reducing unemployment during the Great Depression.
3. Eleanor Roosevelt played a pivotal role in advocating for social justice and addressing issues like civil rights and women's rights as part of her husband's New Deal initiatives.
4. The New Deal faced criticism from both conservatives, who believed it expanded government power too much, and progressives, who thought it did not go far enough in addressing economic inequality.
5. The legacy of the New Deal is significant, as it established a new relationship between government and citizens, with increased expectations for federal involvement in economic and social welfare.

Review Questions

• How did the New Deal change the relationship between American citizens and their government?
  • The New Deal fundamentally altered the relationship between American citizens and their government by expanding federal involvement in economic and social issues. Through various programs designed to provide relief, recovery, and reform, citizens began to expect that their government would play a significant role in ensuring their welfare. This shift set a precedent for future social policies and increased government responsibility toward its citizens.
• What role did Eleanor Roosevelt play in shaping the priorities of the New Deal?
  • Eleanor Roosevelt was instrumental in shaping the priorities of the New Deal by advocating for marginalized groups and pushing for social justice initiatives. She used her position to address issues such as civil rights, labor rights, and women's rights. Her influence helped bring attention to these causes within the context of her husband's policies, ensuring that they were included in discussions about economic recovery and reform.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the New Deal in addressing the economic challenges of the Great Depression and its long-term impacts on American society.
  • The effectiveness of the New Deal can be evaluated by examining both its immediate impact on alleviating poverty and unemployment during the Great Depression and its long-term influence on American society. While it provided crucial relief through job creation and social programs, critics argue that it did not fully resolve economic disparities or restore pre-depression prosperity. However, its lasting impacts include the establishment of social safety nets like Social Security, a stronger role for federal government intervention in economic matters, and a shift in public expectations regarding government responsibility for citizen welfare.

Related terms

Social Security Act:

A key piece of legislation passed in 1935 that established a social insurance program designed to provide financial assistance to the elderly, disabled, and unemployed.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): A New Deal program that provided jobs for young men to work on environmental conservation projects, such as reforestation and flood control.

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