Chapter 13 Vocab The New Deal

Roosevelt’s policies for ending the Great Depression. Focused around Relief, Recovery, and Reform.

Brain Trust A diverse group of professionals and academics who advised President Roosevelt during his presidency.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Provided government insurance for bank deposits up to a certain amount. Increased public confidence in the system.

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) Under the AAA, farmers would be paid NOT to grow crops. This should end the over-production of crops and raise crop prices. PROBLEM: Food prices raise during depression AND tenent farmers become homeless and jobless.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Built dams and hydroelectric plants in the Tennessee River Valley to control flooding, generate power, and attract industry to the South.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Employed single men, ages 18-25, for natural resource conservation Lived in camps near their work areas and earned $30/ month

Works Progress Administration (WPA) Created public works projects to combat unemployment; created jobs throughout the economy.

Social Security Act Created unemployment system, disability insurance, old-age pension, and child welfare benefits

Security Exchange Commission Regulated the stock market and restored investor confidence.

Deficit Spending Spending money the government doesn’t have. The amount the government spends PER YEAR over what it brings in.

Fireside Chat Radio addresses that FDR used to address the American people directly to let them know what he was trying to accomplish.

Court Packing FDR’s plan to increase the number of supreme court justices from 9 to 15. This fiasco hurt FDR politically, as many feared court-packing would upset the balance of power in the government.

Frances Perkins The first female cabinet member in US history. Nominated by FDR to be Secretary of Labor.

Black Cabinet A group of influential African Americans who advised president Roosevelt on issues that affected them.

Mary McLeod Bethune A member of the black cabinet and a powerful champion of racial equality. Bethune was also close friends with Mrs. Roosevelt.