1. Many individuals were instrumental in ensuring that the United States remained a democratic nation during the economic crisis of the Great Depression. Which individuals do you think made the most valuable contribution to the New Deal and why?

Question 1

When did the Great Depression start and why?

Answer 1

Black Tuesday, 29th October 1929 caused by stock market speculation

Question 2

How did President Herbert Hoover respond to the economic crisis and how did the public react?

Answer 2

Federal government shouldn’t get involved in the economy, believed in laissez faire, charities, Hooverville’s, Bonus Marches, Communist party membership increases, rich not immune to the depression, worldwide impact

Question 3

When was President Franklin Roosevelt elected?

Answer 3

1932 election, 1933 inaugurated, FDR secured 57% of popular vote

Question 4

What happened in the first 100 days of Roosevelt’s presidency?

Answer 4

Bank holidays (gives the banks time to recoup), experiments, alphabet agencies (CCC, AAA, NRA, PWA, TVA, WPA, NIRA) don’t help everyone, Emergency Banking Act, support from Congress = rapid passage of acts

Question 5

What three things did FDR want to ensure would be part of the American response to the Great Depression?

Answer 5

Democracy, individual liberty & economic planning

Question 6

Which agency was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court?

Answer 6

AAA (Agricultural Adjustment Act), regulation of agriculture was deemed a state power = people challenging some of FDR’s policies, many judges Republican appointed by previous Republican presidents,

Question 7

What happened after the first 100 days of FDR’s presidency in what became known as the Second New Deal?

Answer 7

Wagner Act (allows labour the right to organise, collective bargaining), Social Security Act 1935 (no social security before this, issue over welfare state)

Question 8

What was the outcome of the 1936 election?

Answer 8

Bigger landslide for FDR, New Deal Coalition (labour, southern whites, northern blacks, farmers, Catholics, Jews, industrial workers, middle class home owners)

Question 9

How were Native Americans impacted by the New Deal?

Answer 9

Indian Reorganisation Act 1934 ends Dawes Act – Indians get citizenship, reservations

Question 10

How did African Americans fair under the New Deal?

Answer 10

African American unemployment 50% - FDR not interested in addressing Civil Rights, focused on the economy, pioneers for Civil Rights = Eleanor Roosevelt, Mary McLeod Bethune, women also left out by the New Deal