history

Federal Unemployment Insurance

A program requiring employers with more than eight employees to pay a tax to support unemployment benefits for up to 16 weeks at half the normal rate.

Federal Support for Disadvantaged Groups

Provided financial assistance through federally matched grants for very poor elderly individuals, families with dependent children, and disabled groups.

National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933

Legislation that offered protection to labor unions but was declared invalid by the Supreme Court in 1935.

Wagner Act (National Labor Relations Act)

Strengthened labor unions by legally entitling workers to join unions and banning unfair practices against them.

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)

Established by the Wagner Act to supervise union negotiations and defend workers' rights.

Banking Act of 1935

Introduced reforms in bank control, created a Board of Governors for the Federal Reserve System, and strengthened the central banking system.

Rural Electrification

An initiative aimed at providing electricity to rural farms, which initially had low access due to economic viability.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

The first New Deal program focused on rural electrification that built dams and provided loans for rural electricity.

Challenges to Rural Electrification

Utility companies built 'spite lines' to profit-rich areas, creating barriers to bringing electricity to poorer farms.