APUSH Unit XVI 1930s Vocab

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)

aimed to boost agricultural prices by paying subsidies to farmers who reduced production, thereby addressing the economic struggles faced by the agriculture sector during the Great Depression.

American Liberty League

a conservative organization critical of President Roosevelt's New Deal policies, viewing them as too interventionist and a threat to individual liberties.

Bonus Army

A group of World War I veterans who marched on Washington in 1932 to demand immediate payment of the bonuses promised to them. The movement ended with forceful eviction by the U.S. Army.

Brain Trust

A group of academic advisers assembled by Franklin D. Roosevelt during his presidential campaign, renowned for contributing ideas and policy recommendations, especially during the early years of the New Deal.

Father Charles Coughlin

A charismatic Catholic priest and radio personality in the 1930s who became known for his populist and anti-Semitic views, often criticizing President Roosevelt and the New Deal.

Court-packing Scheme

A plan proposed by FDR in 1937 to expand the Supreme Court by adding justices, with the intention of securing favorable rulings for New Deal legislation. The proposal faced significant opposition and was not implemented.

Fireside Chats

Informal radio broadcasts by President Roosevelt, using a conversational tone to explain his policies and address the American public directly, fostering a sense of connection during the Great Depression.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

The 32nd President of the United States (1933-1945) who led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II, implementing the New Deal to address economic challenges.

Hawley-Smoot Tariff

Enacted in 1930, this tariff aimed to protect American industries by raising import duties. However, it is widely criticized for exacerbating the Great Depression by reducing international trade.

Herbert Hoover

The 31st President of the United States (1929-1933) whose presidency was marked by the onset of the Great Depression, and he faced criticism for his handling of the economic crisis.

Hoovervilles

Shantytowns that emerged during the Great Depression, reflecting the widespread poverty and homelessness of the time.

Huey Long

served as governor of Louisiana and later as a U.S. Senator, advocating for populist policies during the 1930s + prominent critic of the New Deal

Hundred Days

The initial period of Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency, starting in 1933, during which numerous New Deal programs were introduced to address the economic challenges of the Great Depression.

John Maynard Keynes

An influential economist whose theories on government intervention in the economy influenced the development of New Deal policies, emphasizing the need for active government involvement during economic downturns.

Dust Bowl

A severe environmental disaster during the 1930s, characterized by prolonged drought and extensive soil erosion in the Great Plains, leading to widespread agricultural devastation and migration.

Wagner Act

Also known as the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), enacted in 1935, it protected the rights of workers to organize and bargain collectively, promoting labor unions.

National Recovery Administration (NRA)

aimed to stimulate economic recovery by promoting fair business practices, supporting industrial codes, and eliminating competition. It was later declared unconstitutional in 1935.

New Deal

A series of programs, reforms, and relief measures initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the 1930s to address the economic challenges of the Great Depression.

Reconstruction Finance Corp. (RFC)

provided financial support to banks, railroads, and other industries during the Great Depression to stabilize the economy.

Rugged Individualism

A term associated with Herbert Hoover, reflecting his belief in individual self-reliance and limited government intervention, an approach criticized during the economic hardships of the Great Depression.

Bank Holiday

Declared by FDR in 1933, this temporary closure of banks aimed to restore confidence in the banking system during the early days of his presidency.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC)

insures bank deposits, providing stability and preventing bank runs by assuring customers that their deposits are protected.

20th Amendment

Ratified in 1933, it changed the presidential inauguration date from March 4th to January 20th, shortening the time between election and inauguration.

21st Amendment

repealed Prohibition, ending the nationwide ban on the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

aimed to develop the Tennessee River Valley region through infrastructure projects, providing economic relief and electrification.

Glass-Steagall Act

Enacted in 1933, the act aimed to reform banking practices by separating commercial and investment banking activities, fostering stability and reducing the risk of financial crises.

Securities & Exchange Comm. (SEC)

regulates securities markets, protecting investors and maintaining fair and efficient markets.

Civilian Conservation Corp. (CCC)

provided employment for young men in environmental conservation projects, addressing both unemployment and natural resource conservation.

Social Security Act

Enacted in 1935, this landmark legislation established a system of social insurance, providing economic security for retirees, the unemployed, and disabled individuals.

Works Progress Administration (WPA)

provided employment for millions through public works projects, contributing to infrastructure development and cultural initiatives.