New Deal

Fireside Chats

Radio addresses by FDR used to explain New Deal programs directly to the public, build trust, and calm fears during the Great Depression.

Hundred Days

The first 100 days of FDR’s presidency in 1933, marked by rapid passage of New Deal legislation to stabilize banks, industry, and agriculture.

Bank Holiday

Temporary closure of all banks in March 1933 to stop bank runs and allow the federal government to inspect and stabilize the banking system.

Emergency Banking Relief Act

1933 law that allowed the Treasury to inspect banks and reopen only those deemed financially sound, restoring confidence in banks.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

New Deal agency that insured mortgages, encouraged home construction, and expanded homeownership (but reinforced redlining).

Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA)

Provided direct federal aid (cash grants) to states to help the unemployed and impoverished during the Depression.

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)

Paid farmers to reduce production in order to raise crop prices; controversial for destroying food during widespread hunger.

Works Progress Administration (WPA)

Massive New Deal jobs program that employed millions to build infrastructure and support artists, writers, and musicians.

Public Works Administration (PWA)

Government program that funded large-scale public works projects like bridges, dams, and schools to stimulate the economy.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Federal agency created to regulate the stock market and prevent fraud after the 1929 crash.

Social Security Act

Established pensions for the elderly, unemployment insurance, and aid for the disabled; cornerstone of the modern welfare state.

Dr. Francis Townsend

Proposed the Townsend Plan, which called for $200 monthly pensions for elderly Americans, pressuring FDR to expand Social Security.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

Insured individual bank deposits to prevent bank panics and restore public confidence in the banking system.

Glass-Steagall Act

Separated commercial and investment banking and created the FDIC to reduce risky financial speculation.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

Jobs program for young men focused on conservation projects like planting trees and building parks; highly popular.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

Government-owned corporation that built dams to provide electricity, flood control, and jobs in the impoverished South.

Rural Electrification Administration (REA)

Brought electricity to rural areas by providing loans for the construction of power lines.

National Recovery Act (NRA)

Attempted to regulate industry by setting wages, prices, and production quotas; later ruled unconstitutional.

Wagner Act (National Labor Relations Act)

Guaranteed workers the right to unionize and bargain collectively; strengthened labor unions.

Growth of Unions

Rapid increase in union membership during the New Deal due to federal protections like the Wagner Act.

Supreme Court Packing

FDR’s failed attempt to add more justices to the Supreme Court after it struck down New Deal laws; seen as executive overreach.

Frances Perkins

Secretary of Labor under FDR and first woman cabinet member; key architect of Social Security and labor reforms.

20th Amendment

Moved presidential inaugurations from March to January, reducing the “lame duck” period.