U.S. History II - Depression and the New Deal - Quick Guides | History

Preview (3 of 10 Pages)

100%

U.S. History II - Depression and the New Deal - Page 1 preview image

Loading page ...

Study GuideU.S. History II–Depression and the New Deal1. Roosevelt and the New DealIn1933, theTwentieth Amendmentchanged the presidential inauguration date from March 4 toJanuary 20. Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) became the last president elected under the old system.During the four months between his election and inauguration, theGreat Depression worseneddramatically. Industrial production hit record lows, millions lost jobs, and banks were failing so fastthat nearly all were closed by the time he took office.FDR brought in a group of experts called theBrain Trust, created a diverse cabinet (including the firstfemale cabinet member,Frances Perkins, Secretary of Labor), and inspired Americans with hisfireside chats—radio addresses that encouraged hope and confidence.1.1The Hundred DaysTheHundred Days(March–June 1933) refers to FDR’sfirst flurry of legislationaimed at tacklingthe economic crisis and jump-starting recovery.•Banking Reforms:oAfour-day bank holidayclosed all banks to prevent further collapses.oTheEmergency Banking Reform Actallowed only financially sound banks toreopen.oTheGlass-Steagall Actcreated theFDIC, which insured deposits up to $5,000,restoring public trust in banks.•Job Programs:oTheCivilian Conservation Corps (CCC)gave work to young men (ages 18–25) innational parks, road construction, flood control, and reforestation.oTheFederal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), led by Harry Hopkins,provided money to states for direct relief and public works projects.•Regional Planning and Public Power:oFDR supported public power projects, inspired by his experience in New York.

U.S. History II - Depression and the New Deal - Page 2 preview image

Loading page ...

Study GuideoTheTennessee Valley Authority (TVA)(established May 1933) built dams andpower plants, bringingelectricity, flood control, and recreationto seven southernstates along the Tennessee River.1.2Changes in AgricultureThe New Deal greatlyexpanded federal involvement in farming, helping struggling farmers andrural communities:•Farm Credit Act (1933): Protected farmers from losing their land to foreclosure.•Commodity Credit Corporation: Gave loans to farmers using their crops as collateral.•Rural Electrification Administration (1935): Brought electricity to farms, doubling access by1941.•Agencies like theSoil Conservation Service, Resettlement Administration, and FarmSecurity Administrationimproved farming methods and supported poor farmers, tenantfarmers, and migrant workers.TheAgricultural Adjustment Act (AAA, 1933)was the most important program:•Farmers werepaid to reduce crop productionto raise prices (by plowing under crops orleaving some land uncultivated).•Targeted products includedwheat, cotton, corn, tobacco, rice, milk, and hogs.•A tax onmiddlemen and food processorsfunded the program.•By 1934,crop production dropped, prices rose, and farm income increased.Ironically,drought in the Great Plainsalso reduced crop production, worsening conditions forfarmers there. Many endured dust storms and hardships, though some migrated to California insearch of work.1.3Industrial RecoveryThe New Deal also targetedindustry and labor:•National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA, June 1933):oSuspended antitrust laws and set upcodes of fair competitionfor industries.oRecognized workers’ rights tounionize and bargain collectively.

U.S. History II - Depression and the New Deal - Page 3 preview image

Loading page ...

Study GuideoCodes set a40-hour workweek, minimum wages, and banned child labor under16.oBusinesses that followed the codes could display theBlue Eagle, encouragingconsumer support.oCritics argued the NIRAlimited competition and encouraged monopolies. TheSupreme Court later declared it unconstitutional in 1935.•Public Works Administration (PWA):oPart of the NIRA, it funded$3.3 billion in public worksto create jobs and stimulatethe economy (“priming the pump”).oFocused onlong-term projects, such as federal housing, reclamation projects,bridges, lighthouses, and support for public power.oLed byHarold Ickes, the PWA aimed for permanent improvements that wouldbenefit communities for years.2.The Second New DealAlthough the earlyNew Dealprograms helped some Americans, about10 million people were stillunemployedby 1935. Support for PresidentFranklin D. Rooseveltremained strong, and Democratsevengained seats in Congress in 1934. After these elections, Roosevelt launched theSecond NewDeal, focusing more onsocial reform, while facing challenges from political rivals, critics, and theSupreme Court.2.1Challenges to the New Deal1.From the Left:oHuey Long(Louisiana Senator) proposed theShare the Wealth Plan, giving everyfamily $5,000 and a guaranteed annual income of $2,500. He was assassinated in1935, but his ideas remained popular.oDr. Frances Townsendsuggested giving$200 a month to Americans over 60whoretired, to free up jobs for younger workers. By 1936, 3.5 million people supported hisplan.

Preview Mode

This document has 10 pages. Sign in to access the full document!

Report

U.S. History II - Depression and the New Deal

Study Now!

Document Details

Related Documents

U.S. History II - The United States Since 1980

U.S. History II - The United States as a World Power

U.S. History II - The Second World War, 1941–1945

U.S. History II - The Rise of the Cold War, 1945–1953

U.S. History II - The Progressive Era, 1900–1920

U.S. History II - The New Frontier and the Great Society

U.S. History II - Settling the West

U.S. History II - Politics, Farming, Empire, 1876–1900

U.S. History II - Industrial America

U.S. History II - From Nixon to Carter, 1968–1980

Company

Explore

Study Tools