New Deal

Definition

The New Deal refers to a series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at economic recovery and social reform. It transformed the role of the federal government in American life by establishing various agencies and initiatives designed to provide relief, recovery, and reform to the nation’s economy and its people.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Deal was launched in response to the economic devastation caused by the Great Depression, which left millions unemployed and destitute.
2. Key agencies created during the New Deal included the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Federal Art Project (FAP), which provided jobs and funded artistic endeavors.
3. The New Deal marked a significant shift in federal government policy, expanding its role in economic regulation and social welfare.
4. Opposition to the New Deal came from various groups, including conservatives who viewed it as an overreach of government power and progressives who believed it did not go far enough.
5. The legacy of the New Deal includes lasting programs such as Social Security and a new framework for labor relations, which continue to influence American policies today.

Review Questions

• How did the New Deal reshape the relationship between the federal government and American citizens?
  • The New Deal significantly altered the relationship between the federal government and American citizens by expanding government intervention in the economy. Programs aimed at job creation, financial assistance, and social welfare established a new expectation that the government would play an active role in ensuring economic stability and supporting its citizens during times of crisis. This shift laid the foundation for future social safety nets and increased reliance on federal aid.
• Analyze how the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Federal Art Project (FAP) reflected the goals of the New Deal.
  • The Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Federal Art Project (FAP) were key initiatives under the New Deal that showcased its goals of providing relief and creating jobs. The WPA employed millions in various public works projects, stimulating economic recovery through infrastructure development. Meanwhile, the FAP supported artists by commissioning works that reflected American life, ensuring that culture thrived even during economic hardship. Both programs emphasized not just economic recovery but also social enrichment, demonstrating a holistic approach to overcoming the Great Depression.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the New Deal on American society, particularly regarding art and culture.
  • The long-term impacts of the New Deal on American society are profound, especially concerning art and culture. Programs like the Federal Art Project not only provided employment for artists but also democratized access to art by funding public murals, sculptures, and community art projects across the country. This investment in cultural development helped establish a national identity through art that reflected diverse experiences. Additionally, it fostered an appreciation for arts education and public art initiatives that persist today, making artistic expression an integral part of American life.

Related terms

Social Security Act: A landmark piece of legislation passed in 1935 that established a system of old-age benefits for workers, unemployment insurance, and aid for dependent mothers and children.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): A public work relief program established in 1933 as part of the New Deal, which employed young men in environmental conservation projects like reforestation and flood control.

National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA): A law enacted in 1933 that aimed to stimulate industrial growth and improve labor conditions through fair competition codes and collective bargaining rights.