New Deal

Definition

The New Deal was a series of programs and reforms implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform to the American economy and society. It marked a significant expansion of federal government involvement in the economy and introduced various social welfare measures that reshaped the role of the government in addressing economic challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Deal included a variety of initiatives, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), that aimed to provide jobs and improve infrastructure.
2. One of the major goals of the New Deal was to stabilize the banking system, which led to reforms like the Glass-Steagall Act, separating commercial and investment banking.
3. The New Deal faced criticism from both the political left, who felt it didn't go far enough in reforming capitalism, and the right, who believed it expanded government power excessively.
4. The New Deal led to significant changes in the relationship between the federal government and citizens, establishing expectations for government intervention in times of economic distress.
5. The Supreme Court initially struck down several New Deal programs, leading to conflicts between Roosevelt and the judiciary over the limits of executive power.

Review Questions

• How did the New Deal transform the role of the federal government in addressing economic crises?
  • The New Deal significantly transformed the role of the federal government by expanding its involvement in economic recovery efforts during the Great Depression. Prior to this period, government intervention in the economy was limited, but Roosevelt's initiatives marked a shift towards a more active government role. The introduction of various programs and agencies under the New Deal established a precedent for federal responsibility in ensuring economic stability and providing social welfare.
• Evaluate the impact of key New Deal legislation on labor rights and social welfare programs.
  • Key New Deal legislation like the Wagner Act and Social Security Act had profound impacts on labor rights and social welfare. The Wagner Act empowered workers by protecting their rights to unionize and bargain collectively, which strengthened organized labor movements. Meanwhile, the Social Security Act laid the foundation for a social safety net that continues to support vulnerable populations today. Together, these measures significantly altered American labor dynamics and social policy.
• Assess how conflicts over New Deal policies reflected broader debates about executive power and judicial authority in American governance.
  • Conflicts over New Deal policies illustrated deeper debates about executive power and judicial authority during a critical period in American governance. As Roosevelt pushed for innovative solutions to economic challenges, many of his programs faced legal challenges that questioned their constitutionality. The Supreme Court's initial rulings against certain New Deal initiatives sparked significant tension between Roosevelt and the judiciary, culminating in his controversial court-packing plan. This clash highlighted ongoing struggles regarding the limits of presidential authority and the role of the courts in checking that power.

Related terms

Social Security Act: A key piece of legislation from the New Deal that established a social insurance program designed to provide financial assistance to the elderly, unemployed, and disabled individuals.

Wagner Act: Also known as the National Labor Relations Act, this law protected workers' rights to organize unions and engage in collective bargaining, significantly strengthening labor's position during the New Deal era.

Public Works Administration (PWA): A New Deal agency responsible for large-scale public works construction projects aimed at providing employment and boosting the economy through infrastructure development.