Chapter 23: The New Deal
What was the Brain Trust?
A carefully picked group of people by FDR consisting of professors, lawyers, journalists, academics, and businesspeople during the time period between his election victory and his inauguration to formulate policy on the new deal, a program designed to alleviate the problems of the Great Depression.
Who was Charles Coughlin?
A father from the suburbs who broadcasted radio sermons every Sunday that combined economic, political, and religious ideas. He initially supported the New Deal, but later turned against him. He favored a guaranteed annual income and the nationalization of banks. His anti-Semitic views cost him support.
What was The Hundred Days?
A period of intense activity of the Roosevelt administration. During this period, more than 15 major pieces of New Deal legislation was passed by Congress. These laws significantly expanded the federal government's role in the nation's economy. People wanted reform.
Who was Dr. Francis Townsend?
A physician and health officer in California who believed that FDR wasn't doing enough to help the poor and elderly. He devised a pension plan that would provide monthly benefits to the aged. This plan found strong support among the elderly, undermining their support for FDR.
What was the New Deal?
A program designed by the Brain Trust and FDR to alleviate the problems of the Great Depression. It became known as the New Deal from a phrase taken from a campaign speech in which FDR promised "a new deal for the American people." New deal policies focused on three general goals: relief for the needy, economic recovery, and financial reform
What acts provided rural assistance?
AAA - sought to raise crop prices by lowering production, paid farmers to not farm and slaughter pigs TVA - renovated and built dams along depressed Tennessee River Valey, creating jobs and providing flood control, hydroelectric power, industry, and other benefits.
How did FDR help farmers in the second hundred days?
After the AAA was struck down, a replacement, the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, was passed. It paid farmers for cutting production of soil-depleting crops and rewarded farmers for practicing soil conservation methods. The second AAA was created, which brought back many features of the first but left out features that were previously declared unconstitutional and changed the language. Sharecroppers, migrant workers,and other poor farmers were also helped through the Resettlement Administration, which provided loans to small farmers to buy land. It was then replaced by the Farm Security Administration, which loaned over $1 billion to help tenant farmers become landholders and migrant farm workers. The FSA also hired photographers.
Explain the legacy of the environment with the New Deal.
Americans continue to benefit from New Deal efforts to protect the environment. FDR was committed to conservation and promoted policies that would protect the ation's rural resources. The CCC planted trees, created hiking tails, and built fire lookout towers. The Soil Conservation Service taught farmers how to conserve the soil. Congress also passed an act to help reduce grazing on public lands. Such grazing had contributed to the erosion that brought about the dust storm. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) harnessed hydroelectric power and helped prevent floods in the Tennessee Valley. The gov also added to the nationwide park system, established new wildlife refuges, and set aside large wilderness areas. On the other hand, the gov sponsored strip-mining and coal burning that caused air, land, and water pollution.
What was the New Deal Coalition?
An alignment of diverse groups dedicated to supporting the Democratic Party. The creation was one of FDR's greatest achievements. The coalition included Southern whites, various urban groups, immigrants, Catholics, Jews, AAs, and unionized industrial workers. Labor unions were heavily involved in the Dem party. These were all groups democratic politicians can count on and legislation would be passed in their favor. Democrats dominated politics thanks to the Coalition. The Coalition put in many democratic presidents.
How did Labor Unions flourish?
As a result of the Wagner act and other prolabor legislation passed in the New Deal, unions flourished as they had more power. They viewed FDR as a friend. They donated money to FDR's campaigns and voted for him. Union membership went from 3 million to over 10 million.
How did the literature of the time reflect issues of the Depression?
Books and authors examined the difficulties of life during the depression, including works that showed a bleak picture of work-class life in an Irish neighborhood, and the violence and poverty of a coalfield, where the author's own father and brother died in a mine disaster. Other writers found hope in the positive values of American culture. One book, Let us Now Praise Famous Men, portrays the dignity and strength of poor farmers with difficult lives.
What was Roosevelt's first step as president?
Carry out reforms in banking and finance. Widespread bank failures had caused Americans to lose faith in the banking system. People didn't trust banks because they didn't know if it was safe. One day after taking office, Roosevelt declared a 'bank holiday' and closed all banks to prevent further withdrawals. He passed the Emergency Banking Relief Act, which authorized the Treasury Department to inspect the country's banks. They looked at everything about the banks and if they were working properly. Those that were safe reopened, and those that were unsafe and couldn't pay their debts remained closed. Those that needed help could receive loans. This restored faith in the banking system, since customers now knew that the banks they used were in good financial shape.
Who were the three fiery critics against FDR?
Charles Coughlin, Dr. Francis Townsend, and Huey Long.
What was the CCC?
Civilian Conservation Corps was one of the programs to provide relief through work projects and cash payments. It put 3 million young men 18-25 to work building roads, developing parks, planting trees, and helping soil-erosion and flood-control projects. $30 was paid a month, with $25 automatically sent home to the worker's family. Free food, uniforms, and lodging in work camps were supplied. They planted 200 million trees in the Great Plains in a reforestation program aimed at preventing another Dust Bowl. Many people viewed these programs as make-work, but they were instead need-work. WWII took away the young men for the CCC but by this time infrastructure projects had been completed.
How did FDR regulate banking?
Congress reorganized the baking system by passing the Glass-Steagall Act, which established the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The FDIC provided federal insurance for individual bank accounts up to $5,000, reassuring customers their money were safe. It also required banks to act cautiously with their customer's money. The act restored confidence in banks once again, because if the economy would take another hit the person would have money. He passed the Emergency Banking Relief Act, which authorized the Treasury Department to inspect the country's banks. Inspections occurred when FDR declared a 'bank holiday' and closed all banks for a day. They looked at everything about the banks and if they were working properly. Those that were safe reopened, and those that were unsafe and couldn't pay their debts remained closed. Those that needed help could receive loans. This restored faith in the banking system, since customers now knew that the banks they used were in good financial shape.
Why did industrial production drop and unemployment go up again in 1938?
During his second term in office, FDR hinted at plans to launch a Third New Deal. However, FDR did not favor deficit spending. The economy had also improved enough to convince many Americans that the Depression was finally ending. FDR also faced rising pressure from Congress to scale back New Deal programs, which he did. As a result, industrial production dropped again and the number of unemployed increased again. The New Deal was officially over, and Roosevelt was increasingly concerned with events in Europe such as Hitler's rise to power in Germany.
What acts regulated banking and finance?
Emergency Banking Relief Act - Authorized Treasury Department to inspect banks and reopen safe ones and keep bad ones closed after a 'bank holiday' was declared, closing banks for a day Glass-Steagall Act - Gave up to $5,000 as federal insurance to individual bank accounts Federal Securities Act - Required corporations to provide complete info on all stock offerings and made them liable for any misrepresentations Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) - Regulated stock market, prevent people with inside info about companies from "rigging" stock market for their own profit. 21st Amendment - repealed prohibition, purpose was to raise government revenues by taxing alcohol
Who was Woody Guthrie?
Experiencing firsthand the tragedies of the Depression, singer and songwriter Woody Guthrie used music to capture the hardships of America. Guthrie, traveling the country with thousands of people forced from their homes because of the dust bowl to seek a better life, searched for brighter opportunities and told of his troubles in his songs. He wrote many songs about the plight of Americas during the Depression. His honest lyrics appealed to those who suffered similar hardships.
What were fireside chats and why were they important?
FDR gave many fireside chats, radio talks about issues of public concern. It earned its name because people would sit and listen to the chats around fires. He explained his New Deal measures in clear, simple language. These informal talks made Americans feel as if the president were talking directly to them. This way of communication is effective because there are no interuptions, and the language FDR used was very clear and nice.
What was the Second Hundred Days?
FDR was seeking ways to build on the programs established during the Hundred Days. Although the economy improved since he went in office, the gains weren't as good as he expected, as unemployment and production still lagged. In the Second Hundred Days, he created and revised new policies. He called on Congress to provide more extensive relief for farmers and workers.
Why was life difficult for farm laborers during the Depression?
Farming was an occupation that was essentially unprotected. Farm wages fell as low as 9 cents. Farm workers who tried to unionize were met by violence. Although the CC and WPA helped some Mexican Americans, these agencies also discriminated them.
How did FDR react to the supreme court?
Fearing that the Court would ruin the New Deal, he proposed that 6 more supreme court justices should be added. There is no law limiting the number of supreme court justices, it only has to be an odd number. This "Court-packing" aroused protest in Congress and the press. FDR would appoint judges in his favor that would support the New Deal. Many believed FDR was violating principles of judicial independence and the separation of powers. FDR ended up never needing it, as a justice retired, shifting the balance of power in FDR's favor as he elects a new justice. Further resignations occured, allowing FDR to appoint new justices.
Why were films so popular?
Films were popular for many different reasons. Some films, such as comedy, light romantic comedies, or dramatic films, offered escape from the harsh realities of the depression because they presented visions of wealth, romance, and good times. For films with darker plots and settings, such as gangster films, they showed hard-bitten characters struggling to succeed in a harsh environment. Much of the audience could relate to those character's struggles, as they too struggled to succeed in the depression. Some films also portrayed honest, kindhearted people winning over greedy people.
How did women get involved in the government?
Frances Perkins was America's first female cabinet member. She played a major role in creating the Social Security system and supervised labor legislation. FDR, encouraged by Eleanor and seeking the support of women voters, appointed two female diplomats and a female federal judge
Why did FDR win in 1936?
He had the support of labor unions and urban voters. Support for the Democratic party was big in large Northern cities where powerful city political organizations provided services such as jobs in exchange for votes. Various religious and ethnic groups, Roman Catholics, Jews, Italians, Irish, Slavic, AA, and Polish people supported FDR. His appeal to this group was based on New Deal labor laws and work-relief programs which aided the urban poor. FDR appointed many officials with immigrant and religious backgrounds to gov positions.
How did FDR fail to support civil rights?
He was never committed to full civil rights for AAs, he only made it seem so. He was afraid of upsetting white Democratic voters in the South who were an important and large group of his supporters. He refused to approve federal antilynching laws and to end the poll tax and end literacy tests, which were key goals of the civil rights movement. A number of the new deal agencies discriminated against AAs such as the NRA, the CCC, and TVA. FDR did not object when they gave lower wages to AAs and favored whites. Many white Democratic congressmen were racist, anti-black, and from the KKK They recognized the need to fight and improve themselves, so they organized the Southern Tenant Farmers Union, which sought to protect the rights of both white and black tenant farmers and sharecroppers. The union launched campaigns to increase job opportunities. Even so, AAs generally supported FDR and the New Deal, seeing it as their best hope for the future.
How were the arts in Depression America?
In contrast to the radios and movies, much of the art, music, and literature of the time was sober and serious. Despite grim artistic tones, however, much of the artistic work conveyed a more uplifting message about the strength of character and democratic values of the American people. A number of artists and writers supported the spirit of social and political change fostered by the New Deal. Many received direct support through New Deal work programs from gov officials who believed that art played an important role in national life. They also believed that artists deserved work relief just as other employed Americans did.
What was the Social Security Act?
It provided insurance for retirees 65 or older and their spouses. It was a retirement plan. Not many people lived that long. It also made an unemployment compensation system. If you get laid off, you can collect compensation. If you were fired, you can't. If you felt you were fired unjustly and could prove that the the NLRB, you would get collection. It finally gave aid to families with dependent children and the disabled. Those with physical, and later on mental, disabilities and their families received aid. Also, if a parent died, the children would get a check until they're 18 years old. The check is to be used by the guardian
How did motion pictures and radios improve during the Depression?
It was a profitable and golden age for the motion picture and radio industries. 65% of the nation attended the movies once a week. The US boasted more than 15,000 theaters, more than the number of banks and double the amount of hotels. Sales of radios also increased greatly. Nearly 90% of American households owned a radio. Radios and motion pictures took America by storm.
What was the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO)?
It was originally the Committee for Industrial Organization, but it was expelled by the AFL and had its name changed to the Congress of Industrial Organizations. The Committee for Industrial Organization was created by the fact that the American Federation of Labor (AFL) being restricted to only craft unions. The CIO was formed for industrial unions that had unskilled and semi-skilled workers. It received recognition in the steel and automobile industries.
How did liberal and conservative critics differ in their opposition to the New Deal?
Liberal critics felt the New Deal did not do enough to help the poor and reform the nation's economic system. They wanted the gov to spend more. Conservative critics felt Roosevelt spent too much on direct relief and used New Deal policies to control business and the economy. Conservatives were angered by the AAA and NIRA, feeling like they gave the federal gov too much control over agriculture and industry. Many critics felt the New Deal interfered too much into a free-market economy and private industry.
What were writers like during the Depression?
Many writers received support through the Federal Writer's Project, another program of the WPA. The project helped a future Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winner, and Richard Wright, an AA author, complete is first acclaimed novel, Native Son, about a young man trying to survive in a racist world. John Steinbeck, one of the country's most famous authors, received assistance from the Federal Writer's Project and was able to publish his epic novel The Grapes of Wrath, which revealed the lives of Oklahomans who left the Dust Bowl and ended up in California, where their struggles continued. Before his success, however, Steinbeck endured the difficulties of the Depression like most other writers. Other books and authors examined the difficulties of life during the depression, including works that showed a bleak picture of work-class life in an Irish neighborhood, and the violence and poverty of a coalfield, where the author's own father and brother died in a mine disaster. Other writers found hope in the positive values of American culture. One book, Let us Now Praise Famous Men, portrays the dignity and strength of poor farmers with difficult lives. Although artists and writers recognized America's flaws, they contributed to the New Deal legacy. They praised the virtues of American life and took pride in the country's traditions and accomplishments.
How were Mexican Americans with the New Deal?
Mexican Americans also tended to support the New Deal, even though they received fewer benefits than AAs. Many Mexican Americans came into the US during the depression, settling mainly in the Southwest. Some worked on farms, an occupation that was essentially unprotected. Farm wages fell as low as 9 cents. Farm workers who tried to unionize were met by violence. Although the CC and WPA helped some Mexican Americans, these agencies also discriminated them.
Why did the New Deal fund art projects?
New Deal officials believed that art played an important role in the life of the American people. They also believed that artists deserved work relief just as other employed Americans did. Much of the artistic work conveyed a more uplifting message about the strength of character and democratic values of the American people. A number of artists and writers supported the spirit of social and political change fostered by the New Deal
Explain the legacy of the rural scene with the New Deal.
New Deal policies had a significant impact on the nation's agriculture. New Deal farm legislation set quotas on the production of crops. Under the second Agricultural Adjustment Act, loans were made to farmers. The value of a loan was determined by the amount of a farmer's surplus crops and the parity price, a price intended to keep farmers' income steady. Establishing agricultural price supports gave aid to farmers. Other government programs such as rural electrification helped to improve conditions in rural America.
Explain the legacy of Banking and Finance in the New Deal.
New Deal programs established new policies in the area of banking and finance. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to monitor the stock market and enforce laws regarding the sale of stocks and bonds. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), created by the Glass-Steagall Act, reassured individuals that their saving are protected against loss in the event of bank failure.
How did Labor Unions settle disputes?
One of the main bargaining tactics of the labor movement was the sit-down strike. Instead of walking off their jobs, workers remained inside their plants but refused to work to prevent strikebreakers being hired. Some Americans disapproved of the sit-down strike, calling it a violation of private property. Nonetheless, it was an effective bargaining tool. Not all labor disputes were peaceful. In the clash at the Republic Steel plant in Chicago on Memorial Day, police attacked striking steelworkers outside the plant. Ten people were killed and 84 wounded in what became known as the Memorial Day Massacre. After, the NLRB required the head of Republic Steel to negotiate with the union.
Explain the legacy of Social Security with the New Deal.
One of the most important legacies of the New Deal was the federal gov assuming some responsibility for the social welfare of ts citizens. The Social Security system helps a large number of needy Americans receive some assistance. The Social Security Act provides an old-age insurance program, an unemployment compensation system, and aid to the disables and families with dependent children. It has has a major impact on the lives of millions of Americans since its creation.
How did people support and criticize the New Deal?
Opinions ranged from harsh criticism to high praise. Most conservatives thought that FDR's policies made the federal gov too large and powerful. They believed that the gov stilted free enterprise and individual initiative. Liberal critics argued that FDR didn't do enough to socialize the economy and eliminate social and economic inequalities. Supporters of the New Deal said FDR struck a reasonable balance between two extremes - unregulated capitalism and overregulated socialism, and helped the country recover from its economic difficulties.
Why was FDR elected in 1932?
People desperately needed change. Hoover was so unpopular that anyone could have run and win. People were suffering. Americans blamed Hoover for doing too little about the depression and wanted a new president. FDR was a two-term governor of Ny and a distant cousin of Theodore Roosevelt. As governor, he was an effective, reform-minded leader who worked to combat the problems of unemployment and poverty. He possessed a "can-do" attitude and was friendly and confident, attracting voters. He won an overwhelming victory. In the Senate and House, Democrats took majorities.
How did FDR regulate the stock market?
People lost all faith in the stock market after the crash. The Federal Securities Act required corporations to provide complete information on all stock offerings and made them liable for any misrepresentations. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was created to regulate the stock market. One goal was to prevent people with inside info about companies from "rigging" the stock market for their own profit.
What were radios like?
Radios embodies the democratic spirit of the times. Families spent hours a day gathered together listening to their favorite programs. FDR also used a radio in his "fireside chats" as a direct means of access to the American people. Radios offered a range of entertainment, such as excellent dramas and variety programs. Orson Welles an actor, director, producer, and writer created one of the most renowned radio broadcasts of all time, "The War of the Worlds." He later directed movie classics. Soap operas, named that way because they were usually sponsored by soap companies, played late morning to early afternoon for homemakers, while children's programs generally aired later in the afternoon when children were from school. One of the first radio broadcasts described for listeners the horrific crash of the German zeppelin Hindenburg. The news coverage became a staple in society.
What were the goals of the New Deal?
Relief, Recovery, Reform. He launched programs of direct relief to aid the nation's unemployed workers. To stimulate the recovery of businesses and industries, Roosevelt poured money into the economy through federal loans and government spending. He wanted to help farmers and called for them to cut production. He reformed banks and the stock market.
How did AAs take leadership roles?
Roosevelt appointed over 100 AAs to key gov positions. Mary McLeod Bethune, an educator who dedicated herself to promoting opportunities for young AAs, was appointed. She worked to ensure that the NYA hired AA administrators and provided job training and other benefits to minority students. She helped organize a "Black Cabinet" of influential AAs to advice Roosevelt on racial issues. Although it was unofficial, never before had so many AAs had a voice in the White House. Eleanor opened doors for AAs in the gov. She also played a role in a dramatic cultural event: a performance by an AA. When she was refused a performance because of her race, Eleanor arranged for her to preform at the Lincoln Memorial.
What was the 21st Amendment and what happened to it?
Roosevelt persuaded Congress to approve a bill allowing the manufacture and sale of some alcoholic beverages. The purpose of the bill was to raise government revenues by taxing alcohol. The passage of the 21st amendment repealed prohibition, the banning of alcohol.
Who was Huey Long?
Senator of Louisiana, He was an early support of the New Deal but turned against it like Father Charles Coughlin. He wanted the presidency to himself. e proposed a nationwide social program called Share-Our-Wealth that promised something for everyone. His program was popular, having many clubs and millions of members. At the height of his popularity, he was assassinated by a lone gunman.
What was the AAA?
The Agricultural Adjustment Act sought to raise crop prices by lowering production. The gov paid farmers to leave a certain amount of every acre of land unfarmed. They hoped that reducing the supply would boost prices, because prices are all about scarcity. Too much of one product drives the prices down. For example, there was too much cotton, so they paid cotton growers $200 million not to grow cotton. The gov also paid hog farmers to slaughter 6 million pigs. Many people were upset and protested the destruction of food when many people were going hungry. It did, however, raise farm prices and put more money in farmers' pockets. Farmers were not only paid to not farm, but the prices of food also went up.
How did the supreme court struck down New Deal acts?
The Court declared the NIRA as unconstitutional, saying the law gave legislative powers to the executive branch and that the enforcement of industry codes within states went beyond the federal gov's powers to regulate interstate commerce. It also struck down the AAA, saying that agriculture is a local matter and should be regulated by the states rather than by the federal government.
How did the WPA impact art?
The Federal Art Project, a branch of the WPA paid artists a living wage to produce public art. It also aimed to increase public appreciation of art and to promote positive images of American society. The WPA's Federal Theater Project hired actors to perform plays and artists to provide stage sets and props for theater productions that played around the country. Many writers received support through the Federal Writer's Project, another program of the WPA. The project helped a future Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winner, and Richard Wright, an AA author, complete is first acclaimed novel, Native Son, about a young man trying to survive in a racist world.
What were artists like in America?
The Federal Art Project, a branch of the WPA, paid artists a living wage to produce public art. It also aimed to increase public appreciation of art and to promote positive images of American society. Project artists created posters, taught art in schools, and painted murals that typically portrayed the dignity of ordinary Americans at work. Outstanding works of art were produced, including American Gothic, which was painted by Grant Wood. The WPA's Federal Theater Project hired actors to perform plays and artists to provide stage sets and props for theater productions that played around the country.
How was food, clothing, and shelter provided to the needy?
The Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) provided government loans to homeowners who faced foreclosure because they couldn't meet their loan payments. It provided a win-win for both homeowners and banks. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) furnished loans for home mortgages and repairs. Its still active today. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) was funded with $500 million to give direct relief to the needy. Half of the money was given to the states as direct grants-in-aid to help give food and clothing to the unemployed, old, and ill. The rest was given to states to support work relief programs. For every $3 in the state program, FERA donated $1
What was the Indian Reorganization Act?
The Indian Reorganization Act moved away from assimilation and toward Native American autonomy. It restored some reservation lands to tribal ownership. It mandated changes in three areas: Economic - Native American lands would belong to an entire tribe. This strengthened NA land claims by prohibiting the gov from taking over unclaimed reservation lands and selling them to people. Cultural - The number of boarding schools for NA children was reduced, and children could attend school on the reservations. Political - Tribes could elect tribal councils to govern their reservations
How were labor conditions improved in the second hundred days?
The NIRA was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, citing the fed gov violated legislative authority reserved for individual states. The Wagner Act was passed, which reestablished the NIRA provision of collective bargaining. The rights of workers to join unions and engage in collective bargaining was once again protected. The Act also prohibited unfair labor practices and set up the NLRB to hear testimony about unfair practices. If you felt you were hired unjustly or was threatened with no help from your hirer, you could bring the issue to the NLRB. The Fair Labor Standards Act was also passed, setting max hours at 44 hours per week, which was later decreased. Minimum wages was set, increasing later on. It also banned hazardous work for those under 18. Those jobs would instead go to adults.
What was the NIRA?
The National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) created the Public Works Administration (PWA). It provided money to states to create jobs mainly in the construction of schools and other community buildings such as schools and hospitals. When these programs failed to make a dent in unemployment, FDR established the Civil Works Administration. It provided 4 million jobs during the winter. Some critics claimed the programs were "make-work" projects and a waste of money. However, the CWA built 40,000 schools and paid the salaries of more than 50,000 schoolteachers in America's rural areas. It also built more than half a million miles of roads. The NRA created jobs and infrastructure.
What was the NYA?
The National Youth Administration provided education, jobs, counselling and recreation for young people. It provided student aid to students in exchange for part-time positions at their schools. For those unable to find jobs, or youth who dropped out of school, the NYA provided part-time jobs.
Explain the legacy of worker's rights protection in the New Deal.
The New Deal had a lasting effect on the protection of worker's rights. New Deal legislation such as the Wagner Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act set standards for wages and hours, banned child labor, and ensured the right of workers to organize and bargain collectively with employers. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), created under the Wagner Act, continues today to act as a mediator in labor disputes.
How were utilities expanded in regulated in the second hundred days?
The Second New Deal promoted rural electrification and regulation of public utilities. The Rural Electrification Administration (REA) worked to bring electricity to isolated areas. The Public Utility Holding Company Act outlawed the ownership of utilities by multiple holding companies.
What was the TVA?
The Tennessee Valley Authority focused on the badly depressed Tennessee River Valley. The TVA renovated 5 existing dams and constructed 20 new ones, creating thousands of jobs and also providing flood control, hydroelectric power, and other benefits to an impoverished region. Industry now moved there since floods were not a threat and cheap hydroelectric power was there.
What was the WPA?
The Works Progress Administration created as many jobs as possible and quickly as possible for mostly unskilled workers. They built public buildings and roads. Women sewed garments for the needy. Although criticized as a make-work project, the WPA gave people hope and purpose. The WPA also employed professionals and Eleanor Roosevelt urged the WPA to make efforts for women, minorities, and young people.
What was the significance of FDR's reelection?
The election saw an overwhelming victory for the Democrats, winning a majority in both houses. This was the first time most AAs voted Democratic rather than Republican, Lincoln's party, and the first time that labor unions gave united support to a presidential candidate. It showed the confidence in FDR and the New Deal.
How were movies a hit?
The end of silent films and the rise of "talking" pictures and new stars rising from Hollywood, the center of the film industry, helped launch a new era in Hollywood. Some films offered pure escape from the harsh realities of the Depression by presenting visions of wealth, romance, and good times. One of the most famous films of the era, and perhaps the most popular of all time, was Gone With the Wind, a sweeping drama about life among Southern plantation owners during the civil war. Light romantic comedies were also created, as well as the Wizard of Oz and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which showcased the animation of Walt Disney. Comedies, including ones starring the zany Marx brothers, became popular. So did films that combined escapist appeal with more realistic plot and settings. Gangster films that presented dark images of urban America and featured hard-bitten characters struggling to succeed in a harsh environment that the Depression-era audience could understand also became popular Some films presented the social and political accomplishments of the New Deal in a positive light. The films portrayed honest, kindhearted people winning over greedy people.
How did the nation go into debt?
The federal gov had to go into deep debt to provide job and aid. The federal deficit increased. Cutbacks in federal spending made dropped the deficit, but the next year it rose again. The massive amount of spending by the gov for equipment and supplies the country needed for the WWII effort caused the deficit reached a high during.
How was the Government's role in the economy expanded by the New Deal?
The federal gov's power was expanded, giving it a more active role in shaping the economy. The gov shaped the economy by giving the nation millions of dollars, creating federal jobs, attempting to regulate supply and demand, and increasing the gov's active participation in settling labor and management disputes. Agencies such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) were established to regulate banking and investment activities. Although the New Deal didn't end the depression, it helped reduce the suffering of thousands of people by providing them jobs, food, and money. It also gave people a sense of dignity.
What was deficit spending?
The government spending money they don't have. FDR reluctantly agreed to a policy of deficit spending, considering it a necessary evil to be used in times of great economic crisis.
What did FDR do before his election?
There is an amount of time between Roosevelt's victory and his inauguration. He did not stay idle in that time, and instead worked together with a team of carefully picked people, professors, lawyers, journalists, academics, and businesspeople to formulate policy on the new deal. They became known as the "Brain Trust." With them, he formulated new policies.
What changes occurred for Native Americans as a result of the New Deal?
They received strong gov support from the New Deal. They received full citizenship by law. John Collier was appointed by FDR as commissioner of Indian Affairs. He helped create the Indian Reorganization Act. It moved away from assimilation and toward Native American autonomy. It restored some reservation lands to tribal ownership. It mandated changes in three areas: economic, cultural, and political. Some NAs who valued their tribal traditions liked the act, while others objected because they were tired of white people telling them what was good for them.
Who was Eleanor Roosevelt?
Wife of FDR who encouraged him. She was a humanitarian social reformer with great political skills. She travelled the country and reminded FDR if the suffering of the nation's people. She also urged him to appoint women to gov positions.
How did women still face discrimination?
Women faced discrimination from male workers in the workplace who believed that working women took away jobs from men. A poll reported that 82 percent of Americans said that a wife should not work if her husband has a job. Women were paid less than men. The National Recovery Administration set wage codes, some of which lowered minimum wages for women. The FERA and CWA hired far fewer men than women and the CCC hired only men. Despite this, women still entered the workplace. The percentage of women working still increased. Widespread criticism of working women did not halt the long-term trend of women working outside the home.
How did the NIRA seek to promote fair practices?
the NIRA established codes of fair practice for individual industries. It created the National Recovery Administration (NRA), which set prices of many products and established standards. The aim of the NRA was to promote recovery by interrupting the trend of wage cuts, falling prices, and layoffs. These codes of fair practices were made in meetings by business, consumer, and labor representatives. The codes limited production and set min and max prices on products. It also established standards on working hours and banned child labor so that adults would get jobs instead of kids. Children were hired instead of adults because they would get paid less. To meet the demands of workers, workers' rights to unionize and bargain collectively were guaranteed. People were critical of the NRA.
