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key term - New Deal program

Definition

The New Deal program was a series of federal initiatives launched by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at economic recovery and social reform. It fundamentally reshaped the relationship between the American government and its citizens by expanding the role of the federal government in economic affairs, promoting job creation, and establishing social safety nets.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The New Deal encompassed two main phases: the First New Deal (1933-1934), which focused on immediate economic relief and recovery, and the Second New Deal (1935-1938), which aimed at social reform and long-term recovery.
  2. Key programs included the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which created millions of jobs through public works projects, and the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA), which sought to stimulate industrial growth.
  3. The New Deal faced significant opposition from conservatives who viewed it as an overreach of federal power and from some progressives who argued it did not go far enough in addressing economic inequality.
  4. The legacy of the New Deal has been a subject of debate, with supporters arguing it helped pull the U.S. out of the Great Depression while critics claim it prolonged economic difficulties.
  5. The New Deal set a precedent for future government intervention in the economy and established many programs that still exist today, influencing the role of government in American life.

Review Questions

  • How did the New Deal program change the relationship between the federal government and American citizens?
    • The New Deal program significantly altered the relationship between the federal government and American citizens by expanding government involvement in economic affairs. Under Roosevelt's leadership, the government took on a more active role in providing relief and support to individuals facing hardship during the Great Depression. This included establishing programs aimed at job creation, social welfare, and financial reform, which marked a shift towards a more interventionist approach in American governance.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of one major New Deal program in addressing economic challenges during the Great Depression.
    • The Works Progress Administration (WPA) is often cited as one of the most effective New Deal programs in tackling economic challenges. Established in 1935, it employed millions of Americans in various public works projects, such as building roads, bridges, and schools. By providing immediate jobs to those struggling with unemployment, the WPA not only boosted individual incomes but also contributed to significant infrastructure improvements across the country, helping stimulate economic recovery during a dire period.
  • Critically analyze how opposition to the New Deal reflected broader debates about the role of government in American society during the 1930s.
    • Opposition to the New Deal showcased deep-seated ideological divides regarding the role of government in American society. Conservatives argued that Roosevelt's policies represented an overreach of federal authority that threatened individual liberties and free enterprise. In contrast, progressives criticized the New Deal for not going far enough in promoting social justice and reducing inequality. This conflict highlighted an ongoing debate about how much responsibility the government should bear for economic welfare and laid the groundwork for future policy discussions regarding social safety nets and regulatory frameworks.