American History Chapter 16: The New Deal III. Last Days of the New Deal

Objectives Learn about factors that led to the recession of 1937 and about the Roosevelt administration’s response to this situation. Find out about triumphs and setbacks experienced by unions during the New Deal era. Discover some effects of the New Deal on American Culture. See what lasting effects can be attributed to the New Deal.

Bell Ringer Federal government Brainstorm a list of words they associate with the term. Many modern attitudes and beliefs concerning the government stem from the New Deal Era. Does government alone have the power to reverse an economic crisis? What other factors must come into play for a steady recovery to occur?

A) The Recession of 1937 Page 553 setting the scene August 1937 – economy collapsed again recession: a period of slow business activity FDR wanted a balanced budget – raised taxes and cut government spending 16)National debt: total amount of money the federal government borrows and has to pay back 17)Revenue: income After 1937 – government spent again - helped

B) Unions Triumph After the Wagner act – union membership increased greatly CIO – Committee (Congress) of Industrial Organization – unskilled workers – used strike – formed from the AFL coalition: alliance of groups with similar goals Sit-down strike: laborers stop working but refuse to leave the building Prevent scabs from coming in General Motors/UAW strike – GM turned off heat and entry – wives rallied – Roosevelt refused to send in the militia – GM gave up Ford had union leaders attacked 1939 Supreme Court ruled against sit down strikes – works too well

C) The New Deal’s Effects on Culture Literature – Let Us Now Praise Famous Men – Agee and Evans Radio comedy became famous – Jack Benny, Fred Allen, George Burns, and Gracie Allen Daytime dramas – soap operas Movies – Mr. Smith goes to Washington, Monkey Business and Duck Soup (Marx Brothers), The Wizard of OZ, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Federal Writers Project (WPA) – collected stories from ex-slaves Federal Theatre Project – controversial movies – social issues – HUAC accused it of communism

D) Lasting New Deal Achievements New Deal did not end nation’s suffering – it did lead to big changes in the US Look to President to solve problems – accept large government – laborers received more help Legacy of physical monuments – with political and social change Public Works and Federal Agencies: TVA, FDIC, SEC, farmers still receive subsidies Social Security: Women given money, farmers, survivors, and disabled – not just male workers A Legacy of Hope: greatest achievement was restoring hope. How many lives did government programs help? We survived this test on American character – but another is brewing – a second world war.

Review What factors led to the recession of 1937, and how did the Roosevelt administration respond? What triumphs and setbacks did unions experience during the New Deal era? What effects did the New Deal have on American culture? What lasting effects can be attributed to the New Deal?