On the sidewalk by the Denton Courthouse. Credit: Nicholas Henderson, FIickr
THE NEW DEAL!
By 1933, Great Depression at its worst Peak unemployment (over 20%) Thousands of bank failures Millions homeless Tons of economic problems happening all at once THINGS GET WORSE
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt inaugurated on March 4, 1933 Next day, FDR declares a bank holiday: all banks close so they can figure out what works & what doesn’t FDR “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”
Economic government programs created by FDR & Congress, 1933 to 1938 Goals = 3 Rs: Relief: immediate help for unemployed & poor Recovery: get the economy back to normal Reform: fix the financial system to avoid future depressions Try a lot of things and see what works Many still around today (FDIC, Social Security) THE NEW DEAL
NEW DEAL POSTERS
Works Progress Administration WHAT MESSAGE DOES THIS SEND?
Civilian Conservation Corps WHAT MESSAGE DOES THIS SEND?
Federal Art Project WHAT MESSAGE DOES THIS SEND?
National Youth Administration WHAT MESSAGE DOES THIS SEND?
Left: Rural Electrification Administration Right: Federal Art Project (part of WPA) WHAT MESSAGE DOES THIS SEND?