The New Deal FDR’s Alphabet Soup

Focus Question “Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we need to fear is fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” Franklin D. Roosevelt First Inaugural Address March 4, 1933 Why would fear be considered a major factor in the Great Depression?

America turns to FDR Charismatic politician Exceptionally personable Smooth, confident speaking voice Understood how to use radio Demonstrated daring Faced personal adversity

New style to the White House Brought policies to the public Fireside chats Practiced pragmatism Demonstrate bold approaches to problems Drew the United States into a New Deal where the government would work to help assist the population in times of trouble

Proposed a “New Deal” FDR’s legislative program Not outlined during the campaign Developed into a robust, inclusive, and transformative program

“The First Hundred Days” FDR set a rapid pace Sworn in to office March 4, 1933 Called Congress into special session Closed the nation’s banks on March 6 Emergency Banking Relief Act, March 9

The Alphabet Soup New Deal built on the Three R’s Recovery Relief Reform

The Three R’s The New Deal developed into a three-part plan Recovery: Designs to end the Depression (provide jobs and increase demand) Relief: Provide temporary assistance to the people (money and food) Reform: Correct the abuses in the system (Prevent future depressions)

New Deal Coalition FDR’s politics and policies forged a winning coalition Southern conservative Labor Unions Urban machines Liberals African-Americans

Summary In a short response of one to three sentences, summarize what you learned in class today