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

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    Study Guide U.S. History II – Depression and the New Deal 1. Roosevelt and the New Deal In 1933 , the Twentieth Amendment changed the presidential inauguration date from March 4 to January 20. Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) became the last president elected under the old system. During the four months between his election and inauguration, the Great Depression worsened dramatically . Industrial production hit record lows, millions lost jobs, and banks were failing so fast that nearly all were closed by the time he took office. FDR brought in a group of experts called the Brain Trust , created a diverse cabinet (including the first female cabinet member, Frances Perkins, Secretary of Labor ), and inspired Americans with his fireside chats — radio addresses that encouraged hope and confidence. 1.1 The Hundred Days The Hundred Days (March – June 1933) refers to FDR’s first flurry of legislation aimed at tackling the economic crisis and jump - starting recovery. • Banking Reforms : o A four - day bank holiday closed all banks to prevent further collapses. o The Emergency Banking Reform Act allowed only financially sound banks to reopen. o The Glass - Steagall Act created the FDIC , which insured deposits up to $5,000, restoring public trust in banks. • Job Programs : o The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) gave work to young men (ages 18 – 25) in national parks, road construction, flood control, and reforestation. o The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) , led by Harry Hopkins, provided money to states for direct relief and public works projects. • Regional Planning and Public Power : o FDR supported public power projects, inspired by his experience in New York.

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    Study Guide o The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) (established May 1933) built dams and power plants, bringing electricity, flood control, and recreation to seven southern states along the Tennessee River. 1.2 Changes in Agriculture The New Deal greatly expanded federal involvement in farming , helping struggling farmers and rural 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 by 1941. • Agencies like the Soil Conservation Service, Resettlement Administration, and Farm Security Administration improved farming methods and supported poor farmers, tenant farmers, and migrant workers. The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA, 1933) was the most important program: • Farmers were paid to reduce crop production to raise prices (by plowing under crops or leaving some land uncultivated). • Targeted products included wheat, cotton, corn, tobacco, rice, milk, and hogs . • A tax on middlemen and food processors funded the program. • By 1934, crop production dropped, prices rose, and farm income increased . Ironically, drought in the Great Plains also reduced crop production, worsening conditions for farmers there. Many endured dust storms and hardships, though some migrated to California in search of work. 1.3 Industrial Recovery The New Deal also targeted industry and labor : • National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA, June 1933) : o Suspended antitrust laws and set up codes of fair competition for industries. o Recognized workers’ rights to unionize and bargain collectively .

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    Study Guide o Codes set a 40 - hour workweek, minimum wages, and banned child labor under 16 . o Businesses that followed the codes could display the Blue Eagle , encouraging consumer support. o Critics argued the NIRA limited competition and encouraged monopolies . The Supreme Court later declared it unconstitutional in 1935. • Public Works Administration (PWA) : o Part of the NIRA, it funded $3.3 billion in public works to create jobs and stimulate the economy (“ priming the pump ”). o Focused on long - term projects , such as federal housing, reclamation projects, bridges, lighthouses, and support for public power. o Led by Harold Ickes , the PWA aimed for permanent improvements that would benefit communities for years . 2. The Second New Deal Although the early New Deal programs helped some Americans, about 10 million people were still unemployed by 1935. Support for President Franklin D. Roosevelt remained strong, and Democrats even gained seats in Congress in 1934 . After these elections, Roosevelt launched the Second New Deal , focusing more on social reform , while facing challenges from political rivals, critics, and the Supreme Court. 2.1 Challenges to the New Deal 1. From the Left: o Huey Long (Louisiana Senator) proposed the Share the Wealth Plan , giving every family $5,000 and a guaranteed annual income of $2,500. He was assassinated in 1935, but his ideas remained popular. o Dr. Frances Townsend suggested giving $200 a month to Americans over 60 who retired, to free up jobs for younger workers. By 1936, 3.5 million people supported his plan.

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