The New Deal

Communicating with a Scared Nation FDR first President to effectively use national radio Fireside Chats –President Roosevelt’s speeches to America explaining his plans for recovery –Tone was set to gain the people’s confidence

The Hundred Days Time period FDR pushed many new laws through Congress to fight the Great Depression Every President after this is judged by how much is accomplished during this timeframe

Securing the Nations Money Emergency Banking Act: Banks close and are inspected by the government. Many banks are closed. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)- Insures Deposits up to a specified amount of money

Securing the Nations Money (cont) Federal Securities Act: Required companies to provide information about their finances. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – The power to tell companies what information must be included in their financial statements.

Improving Life for Americans Wagner Act: Legalized collective bargaining and closed shops. Also made it illegal for companies to use spies or blacklisting to fight unions. Social Security: Provided old age pensions, unemployment insurance, and support for the physically disabled

Improving Life for Americans (cont) Works Progress Administration: Built roads, parks, airports, dams, and electrical lines. Also worked to build the culture of America paying artists, historians, musicians, and writers.

Improving Life for Americans (cont)2 Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) – Young, unmarried men worked in camps to build parks, trails, and rebuilt and restored forests and beaches.

“Packing the Court” The Supreme Court finds several of FDR’s programs unconstitutional FDR proposes a law to add a Justice of the Supreme Court for each one over the age of 70 (6 of the 9 are over 70) Plan Backfired. –American people & Congress feel that FDR is taking too much power (like dictators in Europe)

Criticism of the New Deal Father Charles Coughlin –Wanted “Social Justice” –Blamed Jews for much of the financial problems Huey Long –“Share Our Wealth” –Take money from the wealthy and give $5000 to each family

Criticisms of the New Deal Ignored hardships of women –Lower wages permitted –Most programs directed toward men Ignored hardships on African-Americans –Segregation in federal programs –No professional jobs offered –Lower pay than white workers –Did not restrict workplace discrimination

Legacy of New Deal Restored hope to the nation Changed expectation of governments responsibility to its citizens –Unemployment insurance –Social Security Many bridges, dams, hospitals, etc. still exist