Poor

Definition

The term 'poor' refers to individuals or groups who lack sufficient financial resources to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. During the era of the New Deal, the poor became a focal point for government intervention as the Great Depression left many people struggling economically. The response to poverty was crucial in shaping social and economic policies that aimed to provide relief and support for those affected by widespread unemployment and financial instability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Deal aimed to address the widespread poverty caused by the Great Depression through various relief programs and reforms.
2. Federal agencies like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) were created to provide jobs for the unemployed and help improve infrastructure.
3. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) was established to distribute funds directly to state governments for local relief efforts.
4. Poverty during this time often resulted in homelessness and food insecurity, prompting the government to intervene with support systems.
5. The New Deal's focus on the poor helped reshape the American government's role in addressing economic hardship and laid the groundwork for future social welfare policies.

Review Questions

• How did the New Deal specifically address the needs of the poor during the Great Depression?
  • The New Deal introduced several programs specifically aimed at alleviating poverty among those affected by the Great Depression. Initiatives like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) provided job opportunities to millions of unemployed individuals, while the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) offered direct financial assistance to state governments for local relief efforts. These actions were critical in helping the poor regain stability and dignity during a time of crisis.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of New Deal programs in improving conditions for the poor. What were some successes and failures?
  • New Deal programs had mixed results when it came to improving conditions for the poor. Successes included job creation through programs like the WPA and improvements in infrastructure that benefited communities. However, some programs faced criticism for not reaching all populations equally, especially marginalized groups who continued to experience discrimination in access to jobs and benefits. Overall, while many people benefited from these initiatives, systemic inequalities persisted.
• Analyze how the perception of poverty changed in American society as a result of New Deal policies, and what long-term impacts this had on government responsibility towards its citizens.
  • The New Deal significantly shifted public perception of poverty from being seen as a personal failing to recognizing it as a societal issue requiring government intervention. This change led to an expectation that the government should play an active role in providing support for those in need. Long-term impacts included the establishment of a social safety net through programs like Social Security, influencing future legislation and shaping public attitudes toward welfare and economic justice throughout American history.

Related terms

Great Depression:

A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, characterized by mass unemployment, bank failures, and a significant decline in industrial production.

Relief Programs: Government initiatives designed to provide immediate assistance to those in need, particularly during times of economic crisis, such as unemployment benefits and food assistance.

Social Security Act:

A 1935 law that established a system of old-age benefits, unemployment insurance, and aid to families with dependent children, marking a significant step towards a social safety net for the poor.