Key Economic Policies and Figures of the 1920s and 1930s

These flashcards encapsulate key economic policies and notable figures relevant to the 1920s and 1930s, providing definitions for use in exam preparation.

Dawes Plan

A plan to resolve World War I reparations that involved loans from the U.S. to Germany.

AAA (Agricultural Adjustment Act)

A U.S. federal law of the New Deal that reduced agricultural production to raise crop prices.

Hoovervilles

Shantytowns built by homeless people during the Great Depression, named after Herbert Hoover.

Stimson Doctrine

A U.S. policy that refused to recognize territorial changes made by force, notably regarding Japan's invasion of Manchuria.

Four Power Treaty

An agreement between the U.S., UK, France, and Japan on Pacific territory, replacing the Anglo-Japanese Alliance.

Emergency Tariff Act

A 1921 farmer focused U.S. law designed to protect American industry by raising tariffs on imports.

Bonus Army

A group of World War I veterans who marched on Washington, D.C., in 1932 to demand payment of their war bonuses.

McNary-Haugen Bill

A proposed U.S. farm bill that aimed to subsidize farmers by buying surplus crops.

Nine Power Treaty

An agreement among nine nations, including the U.S., to uphold the Open Door Policy in China.

Fordney-McCumber Tariff

A 1922 permanent comprehensive tariff law that significantly raised tariffs on imported goods to protect American industry.

Emergency Banking Relief Act

A 1933 law that allowed the U.S. government to regulate banks and support failing banks.

Reconstruction Finance Corporation

A government agency established in 1932 to provide financial support to banks and businesses.

Brain Trust

A group of academic advisors and experts who assisted Franklin D. Roosevelt in developing New Deal policies.

Father Coughlin

A Catholic priest and radio broadcaster known for his controversial political views during the 1930s.

Glass-Steagall Act

A 1933 law that established the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and separated commercial and investment banking.

CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps)

A New Deal program that employed young men in environmental conservation projects.

FERA (Federal Emergency Relief Administration)

A New Deal agency that provided direct relief to the needy.

CWA (Civil Works Administration)

A New Deal program that created jobs by funding temporary construction projects.

Frances Perkins

The first female U.S. cabinet member, serving as Secretary of Labor under Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Francis Townsend

A physician who proposed the Townsend Plan, which advocated for pensions for the elderly.

Huey Long (Kingfish)

A Louisiana politician known for his populist policies and the Share Our Wealth program.

NRA (National Recovery Administration)

A New Deal agency that aimed to stimulate economic recovery by regulating industry.

WPA (Works Progress Administration)

A New Deal agency that created jobs through public works projects.

PWA (Public Works Administration)

A New Deal agency that funded large-scale public works to create jobs.

20th Amendment

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that changed the dates of presidential and congressional terms.

The Dust Bowl

A severe drought in the 1930s that caused massive agricultural damage and displacement in the Midwest.

Social Security Act

A 1935 law that established a system of old-age benefits and unemployment insurance.

Truth in Securities Act

A law requiring greater transparency in the securities industry and protecting investors.

Schechter (sick chicken) case

A Supreme Court case that ruled against the NRA, declaring it unconstitutional.

FHA (Federal Housing Administration)

A government agency that sets standards for construction and insures loans for building homes.

Securities and Exchange Commission

A federal agency created in 1934 to oversee and regulate the securities industry.

National Labor Relations Act

A 1935 law that protected the rights of workers to organize and bargain collectively.

Fair Labor Standards Act

A law establishing minimum wage, overtime pay, and restrictions on child labor.

court packing scheme

A controversial plan by Franklin D. Roosevelt to increase the number of Supreme Court justices.

trickle down theory

An economic theory that suggests benefits for the wealthy will eventually benefit the broader population.