New Deal

Definition

The New Deal was a series of programs and policies enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at providing economic relief, recovery, and reform. This comprehensive approach fundamentally changed the role of the federal government in American life and laid the groundwork for future social welfare policies, reshaping the relationship between citizens and the state.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Deal consisted of two main phases: the First New Deal (1933-1934), focusing on immediate relief and economic recovery, and the Second New Deal (1935-1936), emphasizing social welfare and long-term reform.
2. Key programs of the New Deal included the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Public Works Administration (PWA), and the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA), which aimed to boost job creation and stabilize industries.
3. The New Deal faced significant opposition from both conservatives who believed it expanded government power too much and progressives who felt it did not go far enough in addressing social inequalities.
4. The Supreme Court struck down several New Deal measures, leading to Roosevelt's controversial proposal to increase the number of justices on the court, known as the 'court-packing plan'.
5. The legacy of the New Deal includes a more active role for the federal government in economic regulation and social welfare, influencing American politics and policy-making for decades to come.

Review Questions

• How did the New Deal programs address the economic challenges posed by the Great Depression?
  • The New Deal programs were specifically designed to tackle the severe economic challenges brought on by the Great Depression by providing immediate relief through job creation, financial support for struggling families, and infrastructure projects. Initiatives like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) created jobs while also promoting environmental conservation. These efforts not only aimed at alleviating poverty but also focused on stimulating economic recovery by increasing consumer spending and stabilizing various industries.
• Discuss how the New Deal transformed the relationship between American citizens and the federal government.
  • The New Deal significantly transformed the relationship between American citizens and the federal government by establishing a precedent for federal involvement in economic welfare and social issues. It marked a shift from a limited government approach to a more active role in ensuring citizens' well-being through social programs like Social Security. This new dynamic set the stage for an ongoing dialogue about governmental responsibility in addressing social problems and providing support during times of economic distress.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the New Deal on American social policy and governance.
  • The long-term impacts of the New Deal on American social policy and governance are profound, as it established frameworks for modern social safety nets and regulatory measures. Programs initiated during this era laid the groundwork for contemporary policies such as Social Security, unemployment insurance, and labor rights protections. The New Deal also fostered expectations among citizens that the government should play a role in protecting their economic security, ultimately shaping political discourse around social welfare in subsequent decades.

Related terms

Great Depression: A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, leading to massive unemployment, poverty, and widespread social challenges.

Social Security Act: A 1935 law that created a social insurance program designed to provide financial assistance to retirees, the unemployed, and people with disabilities.

WPA (Works Progress Administration): A key agency of the New Deal responsible for creating jobs through public works projects, including construction of roads, schools, and other infrastructure.