The End of The New Deal

The Second New Deal The Social Security Act The National Labor Relations Board (Wagner Act) – First time federal government recognized labor unions Fair Labor Standards Act – Set first minimum 25 cents/hour, 44 hour week, outlawed child labor; last piece of New Deal reforms Supreme Court Packing – FDR wanted to add 6 justices to Supreme Court to help get his legislation passed – Critics argued would upset separation of powers

Opposition to New Deal The Left-Democrats & Progressives – New Deal does not do enough to end the depression – FDR’s only concern is saving banks and big business – New Deal does not address redistribution of wealth – New Deal does not help the elderly The Right-Republicans – New Deal makes government too big – Increased government role in economy equals socialism – New Deal destroys free enterprise and individual freedom – New Deal creates huge national debt

The 4 Term President

The Death of FDR First President to serve more than 2 terms Dies in 1945 and Truman takes over 22 Amendment passed in 1947, limiting presidential terms to 2 and ratified in 1951

Effects of New Deal Banking system stabilized Federal payments help farmers Work-relief programs provide jobs Social Security provides safety net Unifies the nation Power of presidency increases Government takes active role in economy Wagner Act protects workers and raises standard of living Minorities and women gain positions in government

The New Deal Legacy The FDIC, the TVA, the SEC, and Social Security still in effect today Bridges, tunnels, dams, public buildings, and hospitals still exist today, along with many murals painted during this time under the WPA People maintained a surprising degree of confidence in the American system Did not end the depression, but greatest achievement was to restore a sense of hope

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