By: Juan Rodriguez, Jasmine Smith and Sharlene Markham

Before the election of 1932 Pres. Hoover was very unpopular amongst public. Most Americans blamed him for the Depression Hoover brought the blame upon himself by refusing to involve government in the economy and not introducing enough policies to help out the American public. Why was Hoover so unpopular?

Complete opposite of Hoover. Believed in an “Active Government” Planned on spending public money to create jobs and boost economy -something Hoover had strongly resisted. Many people in Gov., such as factory owners, union leaders and economists; asked them for their opinions and suggestions.

Roosevelt went on a train tour throughout nation to give speeches and gain support. Promised people more action and assured them help was on the way with a ‘New Deal’. With Hoover losing popularity Roosevelt was confident in winning the election but took no chances and campaigned all throughout the nation.

Roosevelt won by a landslide, with a margin of 7 million votes. Democrats won majority seats in congress. Republicans were handed the worst defeat they had ever suffered.

Used the full power of Government to get country back on its feet The extent of the new deal was unheard of at the time Getting Americans back to work Protecting Americans savings and property Provide relief for elderly, sick and unemployed Getting Industry and Agriculture running again What was The New Deal?

Roosevelt’s first hundred days in office; during this time he implemented many laws that helped bring the publics trust back to the Gov. On the second day as President, Roosevelt closed down all the banks. Trustworthy banks were reopened a few days later and were backed by the Gov. Emergency Banking Act and Securities Exchange Commission regulated banks and aimed to prevent reckless speculation.

Federal Relief Administration spent around 500 million on soup kitchens, blankets, unemployment schemes and nursery schools. Civilian Conservation Corps gave young unemployed men short term jobs. Agricultural Adjustment Administration was set up to help farmers modernize and bring food prices up. National Industrial Recovery Act set up two organizations: The Public Works administration and the National Recovery Administration.

PWA used gov. money to build public works and thus create millions of jobs. NRA aimed to improve working condition, outlaw child labor and set fair wages and levels of production.

Organization which set out to build a series of damns on the Tennessee River in order to revitalize the dried out land. Provided electricity to the undeveloped area Created thousands of jobs for an area hit hard by the depression.

Facing much criticism for New Deal Roosevelt decided to form an improved New Deal. The Wagner Act forced all employers to allow trade unions to form in their companies. Social Security Act aimed to provide pensions for the elderly and help the sick and disabled. Works Progress Administration brought together all organizations that created jobs and worked to create more jobs. Resettlement Administration helped farmers who hadn’t been helped by AAA and gave them better land and housing; was re[laced by Farm Security Administration in Why was the Second New Deal formed?

Some argued that despite new measures many americans were still very poor and weren’t receiving enough help. African Americans and poor farming areas were the most affected. Senator Huey long highly criticized The New Deal and even proposed his own strategy ‘The Share Our Wealth Plan’. Dr. Francis Townsend founded Townsend clubs to campaign for higher pensions for people over 60

Some argued it was too complicated Government shouldn’t support trade unions or petitions for higher wages. Programs such as TVA created unfair competition for private companies Economic plans were carried ot in communist manner and were unfit for a democracy. Wealthy were rich because of their hard work and shouldn’t be taxed so much.

Began after an incident with a poultry company which deemed the NRA unconstitutional. Roosevelt asked congress to allow him to six more judges who were more sympathetic of New Deal. Request was denied and the public was appalled by Roosevelt’s request.