New Deal

Definition

The New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at providing economic relief, recovery, and reform. It transformed the role of the federal government in the economy, emphasizing direct intervention and assistance to struggling Americans while reshaping financial regulations and social welfare systems.

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 measures, while the Second New Deal (1935-1936) emphasized long-term reform and social welfare.
2. Key initiatives of the New Deal included the establishment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which protected bank deposits, and the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), which regulated the stock market.
3. The New Deal faced opposition from various groups, including conservatives who believed it expanded government power too much and leftists who argued it did not do enough for the working class.
4. The New Deal helped to lay the groundwork for modern American liberalism, promoting ideas of federal responsibility for economic stability and social welfare.
5. While the New Deal did not fully end the Great Depression, it provided crucial support that alleviated some suffering and restored faith in government action during a time of crisis.

Review Questions

• How did the New Deal reshape the relationship between the federal government and American citizens?
  • The New Deal significantly altered how Americans viewed their relationship with the federal government by introducing direct government intervention in economic matters. Prior to this period, many citizens believed that economic problems were best solved through individual effort and market forces. However, Roosevelt's policies highlighted the need for federal assistance and intervention to address widespread suffering and stabilize the economy, leading to a more active role for the government in people's lives.
• Evaluate the impact of specific New Deal programs on American society during the 1930s.
  • Programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Social Security Act had profound effects on American society during the 1930s. The CCC provided jobs to millions of young men, helping to alleviate unemployment while contributing to environmental conservation. The Social Security Act established a safety net for vulnerable populations, including retirees and unemployed workers. Together, these programs not only addressed immediate economic hardships but also set precedents for future government involvement in social welfare.
• Analyze how opposition to the New Deal reflected broader ideological divides in American politics during the 1930s.
  • Opposition to the New Deal revealed significant ideological divides within American politics during the 1930s. Conservatives criticized it for increasing government power and reducing individual freedoms, fearing that such intervention would lead to socialism. In contrast, leftist critics argued that it failed to address systemic inequalities and did not go far enough in supporting labor rights or wealth redistribution. This clash of ideas highlighted ongoing debates about the role of government in regulating the economy and providing for citizens' welfare, shaping future political discourse in America.

Related terms

Great Depression: A severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted throughout the 1930s, characterized by massive unemployment, bank failures, and a significant drop in consumer spending.

Social Security Act: A 1935 law that established a system of old-age benefits, unemployment insurance, and aid to families with dependent children, marking a significant expansion of the social safety net in the United States.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): A public work relief program established in 1933 as part of the New Deal, aimed at providing jobs for young men while promoting environmental conservation through projects like reforestation and park development.