chapter 23- the new deal

Franklin Roosevelt

1932 presidential election against Hoover, Democrats put hopes on this man who was the two-term governor of New York, “can do” attitude and won an overwhelming victory

New Deal

During the period between Roosevelt’s victory and his inauguration, this program was designed to alleviate the problems of the Great Depression. Became known as a phrase taken from a campaign speech of Roosevelt. These policies focused on 3 general goals

1. Relief for the needy

2. Economic recovery

3. Financial reform

Glass-Steagall Act

Another step Congress took to reorganize the banking system. Passed this in 1933, which established the FDIC- which then provided federal insurance for individual bank accounts

Federal Securities Act

Passed in May 1933, required corporations to provide complete information on all stock offerings and made them liable for any misrepresentations

Agricultural Adjustment Act

(AAA), sought to raise crop prices by lowring production

Civilian Conservation Corps

(CCC) put young men aged 18-25 to work building roads, developing parks, planting trees, and helping in soil-erosion and flood-control projects. Small wage, but supplied free food, uniforms, and lodging. By the time the program ended, 3 million young men passed through it

National Industrial Recovery Act

(NIRA) provided money to states to create jobs chiefly in the construction of schools and other community buildings

deficit spending

spending more money than the government receives in revenue

Huey Long

Most serious challenge to the New Deal, Senator of Louisiana. Early support of the New Deal but then turned against Roosevelt to win presidency himself. Proposed program called Share-Our-Wealth

Eleanor Roosevelt

Roosevelt’s wife, social reformer who combined her deep humanitarian impulses with great political skills. Traveled the country, observing social conditions and reminded president about nation’s suffering

Works Progress Administration

(WPA), headed by Harry Hopkins, set out to create as many jobs as quickly as possible. Spent $11 billion to give jobs to more than 8 million unskilled workers

National Youth Administration

(NYA) created specifically to provide education, jobs, counseling, and recreation for young people. Provided student aid to high school and college students and in exchange students worked part-time experiences

Wagner Act

One of the first reforms of the Second New Deal, named after its sponsor Senator of NY. Established the NIRA provision of collective bargaining, prohibited unfair labor practices

Social Security Act

Passed in 1935, three-part act. Most important achievement of New Deal

1. Old age insurance for retirees 65 or older and their spouses

2. Unemployment compensation system

3. Aid to families with dependent children and people with disabilities

Frances Perkins

America’s first female cabinet member. Secretary of Labor, she played role in creating Social Security System

Mary McLeod Bethune

educator who dedicated herself to promoting opportunities for young African Americans, one appointee to key role in government

John Collier

President Roosevelt appointed this man as commissioner of Indian affairs. Helped create Indian Reorganization Act of 1934- an act that moved away from assimilation and toward Native American autonomy

New Deal coalition

An alignment of diverse groups dedicated to support the Democratic Party, included Southern whites, various urban groups, African Americans, and industrial workers

Congress of Industrial Organizations

(CIO), what Committee for Industrial Organization changed its name to, signed up unskilled and semiskilled workers and gained union recognition in steel and automobile industries

Gone With the Wind

Most famous film of 1920s, and most popular of all time

Orson Welles

An actor, director, producer, and writer, crated one of the most renowned radio broadcasts of all time, “The War of the Worlds”

Grant Wood

During New Deal era, outstanding works of art were produced, his work includes famous painting American Gothic

Richard Wright

African American author, complete his acclaimed novel Native Son about a young man trying to survive in a racist world

The Grapes of Wrath

John Steinback received assistance from Federal Writers’ Project, able to publish epic novel which reveals the lives of Oklahomans who left the Dust Bowl and ended up in California 

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

(FDIC), established with the SEC to regulate banking and investment activities

Securities and Exchange Commission

(SEC), established with the FDIC to regulate banking and investment activities

National Labor Relations Board

(NLRB), created under Wagner Act, continues to act as mediator in labor disputes between unions and employers

parity

The value of a loan was determined by the amount of a farmer’s surplus crops and this price, a price intended to keep farmers income steady

Tennessee Valley Authority

(TVA), harnessed waterpower to generate electricity and prevent disastrous floods in the Tennessee Valley