APUSH: New Deal Programs

Emergency Banking Relief Act (EBRA)

This act was passed in 1933 to stabilize the banking system during the Great Depression. It allowed the government to inspect banks and reopen only those that were financially secure. This restored public confidence and stopped bank runs. It is mainly considered recovery.

Economy Act (EA)

The Economy Act reduced federal spending by cutting government salaries and veterans’ benefits. Its goal was to balance the budget and restore confidence in the economy. It showed Roosevelt was willing to limit spending early on. This is considered reform.

Beer Act (BA)

The Beer Act legalized the sale of low-alcohol beer and wine before full repeal of Prohibition. It helped generate tax revenue and create jobs in brewing and distribution. It also improved public morale. This is considered recovery.

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)

The AAA paid farmers to reduce crop production to raise food prices. By limiting supply, farmers could earn more money. It helped stabilize the agricultural sector, though it hurt some tenant farmers. This is considered recovery.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

The CCC provided jobs for young men working on environmental projects like planting trees and building parks. Workers earned wages and sent money home to their families. It also improved national parks and conservation efforts. This is relief.

Federal Emergency Relief Act (FERA)

FERA gave direct federal aid to states to help the unemployed. It funded local relief programs, including food and shelter. It was one of the first major federal relief efforts. This is relief.

Farm Credit Act (FCA)

The FCA provided loans to farmers to help them keep their land and avoid foreclosure. It reduced debt and gave farmers financial stability. This supported the agricultural economy. This is recovery.

Truth in Securities Act (SEC)

The FCA provided loans to farmers to help them keep their land and avoid foreclosure. It reduced debt and gave farmers financial stability. This supported the agricultural economy. This is recovery.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

The TVA built dams to control flooding, generate electricity, and improve agriculture in the Tennessee Valley. It created jobs and modernized a poor region. It also provided cheap electricity. This is both relief and recovery.

Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC)

HOLC refinanced home mortgages to prevent foreclosures. It allowed homeowners to make smaller, more manageable payments. This helped stabilize the housing market. This is relief.

Public Works Administration

The PWA funded large construction projects like bridges, schools, and dams. It created jobs and improved infrastructure. The projects boosted the economy over time. This is recovery.

Railroad Coordination Act (RCA)

The RCA reorganized struggling railroads to make them more efficient. It helped prevent bankruptcies and improve transportation. This stabilized a key industry. This is recovery.

National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA/NRA)

The NIRA set rules for fair competition, wages, and working hours. It also encouraged industrial growth and labor protections. Though later declared unconstitutional, it had major early impact. This is recovery.

Glass-Steagall Banking Act (FDIC)

This act separated commercial and investment banking to reduce risk. It also created the FDIC to insure bank deposits. This restored trust in banks. This is reform.

Works Progress Administration (WPA)

The WPA created millions of jobs through public works projects like roads, buildings, and art programs. It supported artists, writers, and laborers. It was one of the largest job programs. This is relief.

Resettlement Administration (RA)

The RA helped relocate struggling farmers to more productive land. It also provided loans and planned communities. Its goal was to improve rural living conditions. This is relief.

Social Security Act (SSA)

The SSA created a system of pensions for the elderly and support for the disabled and unemployed. It provided long-term financial security. It is still in use today. This is reform.

Rural Electrification Administration (REA)

The REA brought electricity to rural areas that lacked power. It improved quality of life and economic opportunities. Farmers could use modern equipment. This is recovery.

National Youth Administration (NYA)

The NYA provided jobs and education opportunities for young people. It helped students stay in school while earning money. It reduced youth unemployment. This is relief.

National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act/NLRB)

This act protected workers’ rights to unionize and bargain collectively. It created the NLRB to enforce labor laws. It strengthened organized labor significantly. This is reform.

Judicial Procedures Reform Bill (Court Packing)

Roosevelt proposed adding more Supreme Court justices to gain support for New Deal laws. The plan was controversial and ultimately failed. However, it pressured the Court to become more supportive. This is considered reform.

Fair Labor Standards Act

The FLSA established a minimum wage, maximum work hours, and banned child labor. It improved working conditions across the country. These standards still exist today. This is reform.