The New Deal Flashcards

Flashcards covering the key programs and policies of the New Deal during the Great Depression.

Bank Holiday

One of the first acts taken by Roosevelt to restore faith in the banking system. Banks could only reopen after government inspection. Congress established the FDIC insuring individual bank accounts up to $5000.

Agricultural Adjustment Act

Achieved higher crop prices by paying farmers to leave a certain amount of every acre unseeded. In 1938, a new act was passed that put surplus crops in government storage until prices rose.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

Program that helped provide jobs, provide hydroelectric power, and control floods in the impoverished South. They constructed and maintained over 20 dams on the Tennessee River.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

Put men (age 18-25) to work building roads, developing parks, and planting trees. Had to send home most of the money they earned – they were provided with food, lodging, and uniforms. Most of the work was done in the Great Plains.

National Industrial Recovery Act

Act to support industry recovery by increasing prices and reducing wasteful competition. Created the National Recovery Administration.

National Recovery Administration (NRA)

Businesses were encouraged to cooperate to come up with a “code of fair practice” for each industry. Each code set standard prices, limited production, and reduced the work week to 40 hours. Once approved, business who voluntarily followed the code could advertise as NRA members.

Works Progress Administration (WPA)

Part of the 2nd New Deal in 1935. Increased employment by creating new public works projects. Built airports, roads, public buildings. Also sewed clothes for the needy, painted murals, and performed in theater groups.

Social Security Act

One of the most important acts passed during the New Deal – still exists today. Provides Americans with a “safety net” – unemployment insurance, retirement benefits, and aid for disabled and orphaned Americans.

National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act)

Replaced the unconstitutional National Industry Recovery Act – gave workers the right to form unions, engage in collective bargaining, and submit grievances to the National Labor Relations Board.

Sit Down Strike

A strike in 1936 where workers refused to leave the General Motors factory (preventing it from being used). Federal government refused to interfere and GM eventually agreed to recognize the workers’ union.

Great Depression in Florida

In Florida, the legislature legalized gambling on horse and dog racing hoping to improve the economy. CCC and WPA were active in Florida – planting trees, rebuilding the Overseas Railroad, creating state parks, and building schools, playgrounds, and seawalls.