New Deal Period

Definition

The New Deal Period refers to the series of programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1939 in response to the Great Depression. This era aimed to provide relief for the unemployed, recovery of the economy, and reform of the financial system to prevent future depressions. The New Deal significantly expanded the role of the federal government in economic and social affairs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Deal was composed of two phases: the First New Deal (1933-1934) focused on immediate economic relief, while the Second New Deal (1935-1938) emphasized social welfare programs.
2. Key legislation such as the National Industrial Recovery Act and the Agricultural Adjustment Act were part of the New Deal's approach to stabilize prices and stimulate industrial growth.
3. The New Deal created numerous agencies including the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided millions of jobs through public works projects.
4. Critics of the New Deal included both conservatives who believed it expanded government too much and some progressives who argued it did not go far enough in addressing social inequality.
5. The legacy of the New Deal set a precedent for a more active government role in the economy and laid the foundation for future social welfare programs.

Review Questions

• How did the New Deal Period change the relationship between the federal government and American citizens?
  • The New Deal Period fundamentally transformed the relationship between the federal government and American citizens by establishing a precedent for government intervention in economic and social matters. Through various programs aimed at job creation, financial reform, and social welfare, Americans began to view their government as a source of support during times of crisis. This shift led to increased expectations for government involvement in addressing economic challenges and helping individuals in need.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of specific New Deal programs in addressing unemployment during the Great Depression.
  • Specific New Deal programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) were highly effective in reducing unemployment. The CCC employed young men in conservation projects across the country, while the WPA provided jobs through various public works initiatives like road construction and artistic projects. Together, these programs not only offered immediate employment opportunities but also helped improve infrastructure and cultural resources, contributing to long-term economic recovery.
• Analyze how criticisms of the New Deal influenced its evolution and subsequent reforms in American policy.
  • Criticisms from both conservative and progressive factions shaped the evolution of the New Deal by prompting Roosevelt to adjust his strategies. Conservatives feared that extensive government intervention threatened capitalism and individual freedoms, leading to challenges against certain policies. Conversely, progressives pushed for more radical reforms addressing income inequality. This dual pressure resulted in a more refined Second New Deal with stronger labor rights protections and social welfare initiatives like Social Security. These adaptations reflected an ongoing dialogue about government's role that would continue to influence American policy long after the New Deal's official end.

Related terms

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC):

A public work relief program that employed young men in environmental conservation projects, part of the New Deal's focus on providing jobs and combating unemployment.

Social Security Act:

Legislation passed in 1935 that established a social insurance program designed to provide financial support to the elderly, unemployed, and disabled.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA):

A federally owned corporation created in 1933 to provide navigation, flood control, electricity generation, and economic development in the Tennessee Valley region.