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 relief, recovery, and reform to the American economy and its citizens. It significantly reshaped the role of the federal government in economic and social welfare, establishing various agencies and initiatives to address unemployment, poverty, and economic instability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Deal was initiated in response to the widespread economic devastation caused by the Great Depression, which began with the stock market crash of 1929.
2. One of the most significant aspects of the New Deal was the creation of agencies like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), which aimed to create jobs and provide direct relief to those in need.
3. The New Deal led to significant changes in labor laws, including the establishment of minimum wage standards and the right to unionize through the National Labor Relations Act.
4. The programs and policies of the New Deal were often met with both support and criticism, leading to a political realignment that reshaped American politics for decades.
5. The legacy of the New Deal continues to influence contemporary discussions about government intervention in the economy and social welfare programs.

Review Questions

• How did the New Deal address the challenges faced by Americans during the Great Depression?
  • The New Deal implemented a variety of programs aimed at providing immediate relief to struggling Americans, creating jobs through public works projects, and reforming financial systems to prevent future economic crises. Programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) provided employment while also addressing environmental concerns. Additionally, initiatives such as Social Security helped establish a safety net for individuals facing unemployment or old age, fundamentally changing how the federal government interacted with its citizens during economic hardships.
• Evaluate the impact of the New Deal on American society and government structure.
  • The New Deal significantly transformed American society by increasing government involvement in economic affairs and laying the groundwork for modern social welfare programs. It established a precedent for federal responsibility in providing economic stability and support for citizens. This shift not only changed public expectations regarding government roles but also led to lasting institutions like Social Security, illustrating a new relationship between citizens and their government where citizens could rely on federal support during tough times.
• Assess how the New Deal's policies influenced future economic reforms and societal expectations in the United States.
  • The policies introduced during the New Deal set a framework for future economic reforms by embedding government intervention as a necessary tool in managing economic crises. The establishment of agencies dedicated to job creation and financial stability has influenced subsequent responses to economic downturns, such as during the 2008 financial crisis. Furthermore, societal expectations evolved to view government as an active participant in ensuring citizen welfare, prompting debates about social safety nets that persist today, revealing how deeply rooted these ideas became in American political culture.

Related terms

Franklin D. Roosevelt: The 32nd President of the United States who implemented the New Deal programs to combat the effects of the Great Depression.

Social Security Act: A key piece of legislation enacted in 1935 as part of the New Deal, which established a system of old-age benefits for workers and unemployment insurance.

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