The New Deal and Great Society

Flashcards covering key components of the New Deal and Great Society, including major programs and comparisons between the two.

New Deal

A series of programs and policies in the 1930s aimed at providing emergency relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression.

Great Society

A set of domestic programs in the 1960s aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice during a time of economic prosperity.

Social Security Act (1935)

Established pensions for the elderly, unemployment insurance, and aid for disabled citizens.

Works Progress Administration (WPA)

Provided jobs for millions in construction, arts, and infrastructure.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

Built dams for flood control and electricity in the Tennessee Valley.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

Insured bank deposits to stabilize the banking system.

National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act)

Protected workers' rights to unionize.

Medicare (1965)

Federal health insurance for seniors aged 65 and older.

Medicaid (1965)

Federal health insurance for low-income individuals.

Civil Rights Act (1964)

Legislation that ended segregation and protected voting rights for minority groups.

Economic Opportunity Act (1964)

Created programs to combat poverty, including the Office of Economic Opportunity, Job Corps, and Head Start.

Elementary and Secondary Education Act (1965)

Provided federal funding for schools to improve education for low-income students.

Comparison of New Deal and Great Society

The New Deal focused on immediate relief and economic security; the Great Society focused on equality, opportunity, and elevating the quality of life.

Context of New Deal and Great Society

The New Deal was launched during 25% unemployment; the Great Society was implemented during economic prosperity.

Scope of New Deal and Great Society

Both expanded the federal government's role, but the Great Society took a more direct role in civil rights and social welfare.