The Impact and Legacy of the New Deal in U.S. History

What was the primary goal of the New Deal?

To promote relief for those in need, recovery of the American economy, and reform of the economic system to prevent future depressions.

What was the Emergency Banking Act?

Legislation designed to protect larger banks and restore public confidence in the banking system.

What did Roosevelt's 'bank holiday' accomplish?

It temporarily closed all American banks to prevent panic and allow Congress to consider banking reforms.

What was the Glass-Steagall Act?

A law that established a wall between commercial banking and investment banking and created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

What was the purpose of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)?

To police the stock market and protect investors by ensuring accurate information about securities.

What was the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA)?

A program that provided cash grants to states to support bankrupt relief agencies.

What was the Civil Works Administration (CWA)?

A program that provided temporary jobs for millions of people in various public works projects.

What was the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)?

A program designed to provide employment to young men through conservation projects in rural settings.

What was the significance of Roosevelt's personality in his presidency?

His ebullient personality helped alleviate public despair and build support for his policies.

What was the impact of the New Deal on trade unions?

Trade unions experienced an increase in power during the New Deal era.

What was the Truth in Securities Act of 1933?

Legislation requiring corporations to provide full and accurate information about new securities to the public.

What were the main objectives of the New Deal programs?

To provide relief, promote recovery, and implement reforms in the economy.

What was Roosevelt's approach to addressing the financial crisis?

He took immediate action, including closing banks and proposing reforms to restore confidence.

What did the establishment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) achieve?

It guaranteed bank deposits up to $2,500, protecting depositors' funds.

What was the main criticism of the New Deal from conservatives?

They believed it expanded government power too much and limited individual freedoms.

What role did Eleanor Roosevelt play during the New Deal?

She worked to advocate for the rights and welfare of disadvantaged groups.

What was the long-term impact of the New Deal on the relationship between the public and private sectors?

It established a precedent for government-managed currency and increased federal involvement in the economy.

What was the primary focus of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)?

The CCC focused on projects like planting trees, building reservoirs, developing parks, and improving agricultural irrigation.

Who primarily worked in the CCC camps?

Young men, as women were largely excluded from the program.

How were CCC camps organized in terms of race?

CCC camps were segregated by race, with the majority being restricted to African Americans.

What was the purpose of the Frazier-Lemke Act?

It enabled some farmers to reorganize their mortgages.

What was the role of the Federal Housing Administration established by 1936?

It aimed to assist homeowners and provide mortgage relief.

What was one significant criticism of the New Deal?

Critics argued it was an attack on American liberty and that it favored certain groups over others.

What was the American Liberty League?

A group formed in 1934 by Roosevelt's opponents to oppose the New Deal and its policies.

What was the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)?

A law passed in May 1933 aimed at reducing crop production to end agricultural surpluses and stabilize farm prices.

What was the Economy Act designed to do?

To balance the federal budget by cutting salaries of government employees and reducing veterans' pensions.

What was the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act?

Legislation that allowed the government to pay farmers to reduce production to conserve soil and prevent erosion.

What was the purpose of the Resettlement Administration?

To provide loans to help farmers with submarginal soil relocate to better lands.

What was the Rural Electrification Administration?

An agency created in 1935 to make electric power available to farmers through utility cooperatives.

What was the National Industrial Recovery Act?

A law that allowed trade associations to stabilize prices within their industries and promote fair competition.

What was the significance of the Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States case?

The Supreme Court ruled that the National Industrial Recovery Act was unconstitutional.

How did the New Deal affect agricultural prices?

It helped bring about a rise in prices for farm commodities after 1933.

What was the outcome of the New Deal on the agricultural economy by the end of the 1930s?

The agricultural economy emerged much more stable and prosperous than it had been in many years.

What was the significance of the Twenty-First Amendment?

It repealed Prohibition, allowing the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages.

What was the primary purpose of the TVA?

To control floods and provide hydroelectric power in the Tennessee Valley region.

What was a significant outcome of the TVA's efforts?

It improved water transportation, eliminated flooding, and provided electricity to many residents.

What was the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA)?

A 1933 act aimed at stimulating economic recovery through industrial regulation.

What was Section 7(a) of the NIRA?

It promised workers the right to form unions and engage in collective bargaining.

What was the role of the National Recovery Administration (NRA)?

To oversee the implementation of the NIRA and promote industrial recovery.

Who was the director of the NRA?

Hugh S. Johnson.

What was the 'blanket code' established by the NRA?

A minimum wage of 30-40 cents an hour, a maximum workweek of 35-40 hours, and the abolition of child labor.

What was a major criticism of the NRA?

The codes were poorly written and favored large producers over smaller firms.

What was the outcome of the Schechter case regarding the NRA?

The Supreme Court ruled that the NRA was unconstitutional and that Congress had unconstitutionally delegated legislative power to the president.

What was one of the TVA's goals besides providing electricity?

To encourage the development of local industries.

What was a significant failure of the NRA?

Industrial production declined after the NRA's establishment.

What was the economic context that led to the creation of the TVA?

The collapse of major utility companies and public demand for affordable electricity.

What was one of the TVA's achievements in terms of electricity access?

It provided electricity to thousands who had never had it before.

What was the significance of the PWA in relation to the NIRA?

The Public Works Administration was established to administer the spending programs of the NIRA.

What was the primary goal of New Deal programs like the TVA and NRA?

To stimulate economic recovery during the Great Depression.

What was the Farm Credit Administration's role during the New Deal?

To refinance farm mortgages and provide relief to farmers.

What did the Frazier-Lemke Farm Bankruptcy Act of 1933 allow?

It enabled some farmers to regain their land after foreclosure.

What was the Home Owners Loan Corporation established to do?

To refinance mortgages for homeowners.

What was the public sentiment towards Roosevelt during his first two years in office?

He enjoyed remarkable popularity.

What was the 'Second New Deal'?

An ambitious new program of legislation launched by Roosevelt in response to public criticism.

Who led the American Liberty League?

Members of the Du Pont family and other wealthy opponents of the New Deal.

What was the main criticism of the New Deal from the American Liberty League?

They opposed the New Deal's 'dictatorial' policies and attacks on free enterprise.

What was Dr. Francis E. Townsend's plan for the elderly?

To provide monthly government pensions of $200 to Americans over sixty.

What was Father Charles E. Coughlin known for?

His weekly radio sermons advocating for monetary reforms and banking system changes.

What was the primary goal of the Wagner Act?

To provide stronger legal protections for labor unions.

What was the significance of the sit-down strike employed by autoworkers in 1936?

It was a controversial tactic that prevented companies from using strikebreakers.

What was the main outcome of the labor militancy in the 1930s?

The emergence of a powerful trade union movement.

What was the role of the National Industrial Recovery Act in labor organization?

It inspired workers to demonstrate assertiveness and seek collective bargaining.

What was the primary demographic affected by the CCC?

Young men, primarily white, with some programs available for African Americans, Mexicans, and Indians.

What was the impact of the New Deal on American farm owners by 1934?

25 percent of all American farm owners had lost their land.

What did the Federal Housing Administration do?

It insured mortgages for new construction and home repairs.

What was the main criticism from the far left regarding the New Deal?

They believed it did not go far enough in addressing economic justice.

What was the primary focus of the American Federation of Labor (AFL)?

To organize workers based on their skills.

How did the New Deal evolve in response to public criticism?

It transitioned into the Second New Deal with more ambitious legislation.

What was the outcome of the Townsend Plan in Congress?

It was defeated, but it helped build support for the Social Security system.

What role did female supporters play during the strikers' movement?

They demonstrated on behalf of the strikers, lobbied with officials, and provided necessities.

What was the response of Michigan's governor to the strikers?

Governor Frank Murphy refused to call up the National Guard to clear out the strikers.

What significant recognition did General Motors achieve in February 1937?

GM became the first major manufacturer to recognize the United Auto Workers (UAW).

What labor technique did the sit-down strike prove effective for?

It was effective for rubber workers and others but was short-lived due to public opposition.

What concept of labor organization emerged during the 1930s?

Industrial unionism, which aimed to organize all workers in a particular industry into a single union.

Who was a prominent advocate for industrial unionism?

John L. Lewis, leader of the United Mine Workers.

What was the outcome of the AFL convention in 1935 regarding industrial unions?

Lewis faced confrontations and eventually walked out, leading to the formation of the Committee on Industrial Organization.

What did the Committee on Industrial Organization become known as?

The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO).

How did the CIO differ from the AFL in terms of membership?

The CIO was more receptive to women and minorities and targeted previously unorganized industries.

What major organizing drive did the Steel Workers' Organizing Committee (SWOC) begin in 1936?

A major organizing drive in the steel industry involving thousands of workers and strikes.

What tragic event occurred during the Memorial Day demonstration in 1937?

Police opened fire on demonstrators, killing ten and wounding ninety.

What was the result of the 1937 strike for Little Steel companies?

The strike failed, but it marked the end of brutal strikebreaking tactics.

How many strikes occurred in 1937, and what percentage favored unions?

There were 4,720 strikes, with over 80% settled in favor of the unions.

What was the membership count of organized unions by the end of 1937?

More than 8 million workers were members of organized unions.

What was the purpose of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) established in 1935?

To provide work relief for unemployed Americans.

What was the budget of the WPA in its first two years?

$5 billion.

What types of projects did the WPA undertake?

Building or renovating public buildings, roads, and airports.

How many workers did the WPA keep employed on average?

2.1 million workers.

What was the Federal Writers' Project?

A WPA initiative that provided unemployed writers with government salaries.

What assistance did the National Youth Administration (NYA) provide?

Work and scholarship assistance to high-school and college-age individuals.

What was the Emergency Housing Division of the Public Works Administration responsible for?

Federal sponsorship of public housing.

How did the new welfare system in the 1930s treat men and women?

It dealt with them in very different ways, reflecting societal gender roles.

What was the primary goal of the Social Security Act of 1935?

To provide long-range financial support, including pensions for the elderly.

What was a major benefit of the Social Security system for working Americans?

A monthly pension for those who had paid into the system.

What was the significance of the 1937 strike for labor unions?

It highlighted the growing power and organization of labor unions despite setbacks.

What was the impact of the CIO on the labor movement?

It expanded the labor movement's constituency and was more militant than the AFL.

What was the relationship between the CIO and the AFL?

The CIO was established as a rival to the AFL after being expelled from it.

What was the primary focus of government aid for men during the New Deal?

Work relief programs such as the CCC, CWA, and WPA.

What type of assistance was primarily provided to women during the New Deal?

Cash assistance, notably through the Aid to Dependent Children program.

What assumption influenced the disparity in treatment between men and women in New Deal programs?

The assumption that men constituted the bulk of the paid workforce and women needed support within the family context.

Who was the Republican candidate opposing Roosevelt in the 1936 election?

Alf M. Landon, the moderate governor of Kansas.