New Deal

Task: Select one propaganda poster and one advertisement to write essays on.
Essays: 500 words for each image, totaling 1000 words; can be one document or two.
Submission: Submit via Canvas by Friday midnight.

Choose one image from each category: - Propaganda Poster
- Advertisement

A series of programs initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat economic hardship during the Great Depression.
The emphasis was on relief, recovery, and reform.

First New Deal: - Focused on immediate relief and recovery efforts during the first 100 days.
Second New Deal: - Launched in 1935, focused on long-term economic security and structural changes. - Resulted from political gains by Democrats and public desire for economic equality.

Rural Electrification Agency (REA): - Brought electric power to rural homes.
United States Housing Act (1937): - First national effort to build affordable housing for the poor.
Works Progress Administration (WPA): - Created jobs for white-collar professionals and blue-collar laborers, focusing on public works.
National Youth Administration (1935): - Provided job training and employment for youth.

National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act, 1935): - Known as the Labor Magna Carta; protected unions and workers' rights to organize. - Outlawed unfair labor practices such as firing union organizers.
Fair Labor Standards Act (1938): - Established minimum wage (initially 40¢ per hour), banned child labor, and mandated overtime pay.
Labor Movement: - Growth of unions like the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO); - Notable events include the 1937 sit-down strike at General Motors in Flint, Michigan.

Former President Hoover’s opposition based on the fear that the New Deal would undermine American democracy.
Emphasized the need to restore the economy by continuing traditional policies rather than government intervention.

Advocated for wealth redistribution through his “Share Our Wealth” program.
Proposed a minimum wealth threshold for every citizen (citing a specific figure) to combat poverty.

Roosevelt argued for the continuation of the New Deal, emphasizing its successes and the need for perseverance.

The Supreme Court struck down several key New Deal policies, citing constitutional issues. - Example: Unconstitutionality of the National Recovery Act and Agricultural Adjustment Act.
Roosevelt’s failed court-packing plan aimed to influence the Court composition in his favor.

Economic downturn due to budget cuts and decreased spending after initial recovery efforts.
Unemployment rose significantly during this period, leading to a renewed focus on government spending.

The Roosevelt administration's shift towards Keynesian economics highlighted deficit spending as a means to stimulate demand.
Government involvement became crucial for economic recovery.

Established an enduring belief in government responsibility for economic welfare.
Realigned political loyalties, particularly among African Americans and urban voters.
Introduced a framework for future government interventions in the economy.

The New Deal alleviated immediate suffering but did not resolve the Great Depression or radically redistribute power.
It initiated changes in government policy and public perception about economic intervention.
Political cartoons from the era illustrate mixed public sentiment towards government expansion and New Deal effectiveness.

The New Deal represented both progress and limitation in American governmental efforts. It instilled hope but also faced significant challenges, which would define American political philosophy for decades to come.