USA features- part 4- roosevelt and the new deal- 1933-41

Describe two features of Roosevelt’s First 100 Days

Feature 1 – Emergency Banking Act to Restore Confidence:

One feature was Roosevelt’s quick action to stabilise the banking system. Just after his inauguration in March 1933, he declared a four-day bank holiday to stop panic withdrawals. He then passed the Emergency Banking Act, which only allowed financially stable banks to reopen. This helped restore public confidence—$1 billion was deposited back into banks within a month.

Feature 2 – Use of Fireside Chats to Reassure the Public:

Another feature was Roosevelt’s introduction of fireside chats, which were informal radio broadcasts used to explain his policies directly to the American people. The first one, in March 1933, explained the banking crisis in simple terms. These chats helped reassure the public, rebuild trust in the government, and made Roosevelt seem honest and approachable—60 million Americans were estimated to have listened to some of these broadcasts.

Two features of the Tennessee valley authority- (TVA)

Feature 1 – Development of Infrastructure and Electricity:

One feature was that the TVA built dams and power plants across the Tennessee Valley, a poor rural area suffering from frequent flooding and lack of electricity. By 1938, the TVA had constructed 20 dams which controlled flooding and provided cheap, reliable electricity to homes and businesses, greatly improving the quality of life for millions of people.

Feature 2 – Economic and Social Improvements:

Another feature was that the TVA created jobs and boosted the local economy during the Great Depression. It employed thousands in construction and maintenance projects, while also modernising farming and improving soil conservation. This helped raise living standards and brought modern technology to a previously underdeveloped region.

Two features of the agricultural adjustments administration-(AAA)

Feature 1 – Reducing Crop Surpluses to Raise Prices:

One feature was that the AAA aimed to increase farm prices by reducing crop production. It paid farmers subsidies to leave some of their land unplanted, which helped lower surpluses and raise prices for key crops like cotton, wheat, and corn. By 1936, farm income had increased by 50% compared to 1932.

Feature 2 – Farmers Slaughtered Excess Livestock:

Another feature was that farmers were paid to slaughter excess livestock, such as pigs, to reduce supply and increase prices. Approximately 6 million pigs were killed during the early 1930s, which caused controversy because many Americans were starving during the Great Depression while food was being wasted.

two features of the National Recovery Administration (NRA).

Feature 1 – Setting Fair Competition Codes:

One feature was that the NRA introduced codes of fair practice for industries, which set minimum wages, maximum working hours, and rules to regulate production and prices. This aimed to reduce unfair competition and help businesses recover from the Great Depression.

Feature 2 – Use of the Blue Eagle Symbol:

Another feature was the use of the Blue Eagle symbol, which businesses displayed to show they complied with NRA codes. This encouraged consumers to support companies following the rules, promoting cooperation between businesses and the government.

Two features of the WPA (works progress administration)

Feature 1 – Large-Scale Employment Programme:

The WPA provided jobs for around 8 million unemployed Americans between 1935 and 1943. It focused on public infrastructure projects like building roads, bridges, schools, and airports. This not only helped reduce unemployment but also improved essential facilities across the country, boosting the economy.

Feature 2 – Support for Arts, Music, and Literature:

The WPA funded arts-related projects through the Federal Art Project, Federal Writers’ Project, and Federal Theatre Project. These programmes gave jobs to thousands of artists, writers, and performers, preserving American culture and providing work for creative individuals during the economic crisis.

Two features of the Wagner act- (1935)

Feature 1 – Right to Unionize and Collective Bargaining:

The Wagner Act gave workers the legal right to join trade unions and bargain collectively with employers. This strengthened unions’ power to negotiate better wages, hours, and working conditions. After the Act, union membership grew significantly, from around 3 million in 1933 to over 9 million by 1939.

Feature 2 – Establishment of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB):

The Act created the NLRB, a government agency responsible for enforcing workers’ rights. The NLRB investigated unfair labor practices by employers, supervised union elections, and ensured companies complied with the law. This provided workers with real protection and helped reduce conflicts between labor and management.

Two features of FERA (Federal Emergency Relief Administration)

Feature 1 – Direct Relief to the Unemployed:

FERA provided direct financial assistance to the unemployed and homeless during the Great Depression. By 1935, it had given over $3 billion to state and local agencies to support relief programs like soup kitchens and shelters.

Feature 2 – Creation of Work Programs:

FERA also funded public work projects to provide jobs for unemployed people, helping them earn money rather than relying solely on handouts. This helped reduce the worst effects of poverty and gave people dignity through work.

Two features of SSA (Social Security Administration)

Feature 1 – Introduction of Old-Age Pensions:

The SSA introduced pensions for people over 65, providing them with a regular income after retirement. Before this, many elderly Americans lived in poverty. By 1940, around 10 million people were receiving benefits, helping reduce elderly poverty significantly.

Feature 2 – Unemployment Insurance and Disability Benefits:

The SSA also established unemployment insurance, which gave temporary financial support to people who lost their jobs. It provided disability payments to workers unable to work due to illness or injury, creating a safety net that protected vulnerable groups during economic hardship

Two features of PWA (Public Works Administration)

Feature 1 – Large-Scale Construction Projects:

The PWA funded massive infrastructure projects such as building roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals. By 1939, it had spent over $6 billion and helped create jobs for millions of unemployed workers.

Feature 2 – Long-Term Economic Stimulus:

These projects not only provided immediate jobs but also improved the country’s infrastructure, boosting long-term economic growth and improving living standards across America.

Two features of CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps)

Feature 1 – Jobs for Young Men in Conservation:

The CCC employed about 3 million young men between 1933 and 1942 to work on environmental projects like planting trees, building parks, and preventing soil erosion. This reduced unemployment and improved the environment.

Feature 2 – Provided Education and Training:

Besides work, the CCC offered education and vocational training, helping many young men gain skills and discipline, which improved their future job prospects.

Two features of welfare for farmers

Feature 1 – Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA):

The AAA paid farmers to reduce crop and livestock production in order to raise prices. This helped tackle overproduction and increase farm income. For example, 6 million pigs were slaughtered in 1933, and farm income rose by around 50% between 1933 and 1936.

Feature 2 – Support for Poorer Farmers through the FSA:

The Farm Security Administration (FSA) was set up in 1937 to help poor tenant farmers and sharecroppers. It provided low-interest loans so they could buy their own land and escape poverty. It also offered education on better farming methods and built camps for migrant workers affected by the Dust Bowl.

Two features of rural electrification

Feature 1 – Expansion of Electricity to Rural Areas:

In 1935, Roosevelt created the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) to bring electricity to poor, isolated farming areas. At the time, only around 10% of rural homes had electricity. The REA helped set up electricity cooperatives, allowing small communities to install power lines and access affordable electricity.

Feature 2 – Transformation of Rural Life and Productivity:

By 1941, around 40% of rural homes had electricity thanks to the REA. This improved quality of life—farmers could use electric lights, milking machines, and refrigerators, which increased productivity and reduced physical labour, helping modernise the countryside.

Roosevelt’s aims and the new deal

RECOVERY: farm income rose, banks reopened, unemployment fell by 3 million

• unemployment wasn’t down to levels in 1929 (3.2%)- it was 17.2% in 1939

RELIEF:WPA,SSA- 35% of people received governmental relief

• it varied from state to state and some still needed money and houses to live in

REFORM: SSA, unions, rural electrification, financial regulation

• there was still a large gap between rich and poor, men/women, black ppl/white ppl