Assignment Flashcards
What did the PWA do?
provided thousands with jobs building schools, roads etc
How many schools were built by the PWA?
13,000
How many miles of roads were built by the PWA?
50,000
Why was the PWA not completely effective?
-the PWA called for racial divide within the houses and neighbourhoods they built causing inequality.
What did FERA do?
Provided those in need with basic essentials like clothes, blankets and food. Also opened some soup kitchens.
How much did the federal government pay per amount the state government had paid?
$1 for every $3
What was the issue with FERA?
They only paid $25 despite the minimum wage being $100
How many banks were closing per day?
40
How long were the banks closed for?
4 days
How many farmers signed up for the AAA?
95%
What percentage of the labour work force was employed in farming?
30%
How much did unemployment not fall below?
14%
Who was elected as American president in November 1932?
Democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR)
FDR was elected during the Great Depression.
What crisis triggered the Great Depression in the USA?
The Wall Street crash in 1929
The crash led to unprecedented social and economic suffering.
What were some social effects of the Great Depression?
- Homelessness
- Unemployment
- High suicide rates
- Banking closures
- Industry collapse
What was FDR’s belief regarding government responsibility during the Great Depression?
The government should be responsible for the people of America’s welfare
FDR introduced relief, recovery, and reform.
What was the unemployment rate in 1932 compared to 1929?
25.2% in 1932 compared to 3.7% in 1929
What did the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) provide?
- Money
- Soup kitchens
- Clothing
What was the federal government required to do in relation to state governments under FERA?
Pay $1 for every $3 spent by state governments
What did historian Peter Clement argue about the provision of relief?
More people felt they had a stake in the country, making them feel belonged
This reflects the emotional impact of relief measures.
What was the impact of the Emergency Banking Act?
Restored confidence in the banking system
Banks were closed for 4 days, and $1 billion was returned to banks.
What was the purpose of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)?
- Help farmers
- Keep prices steady
- Limit overproduction
How much did total farm income increase from 1933 to 1936?
From $4.5 billion to $6.9 billion
What criticism did the AAA face regarding its benefits?
Only helped wealthy farmers and excluded the less affluent
What was the Social Security Act of 1935 designed to provide?
- Old age pensions
- Unemployment insurance
- Aid for disabled people and children
How much did federal spending increase from 1932 to the mid-1930s?
From 4% in 1932 to 8% in 1936
What did historian Mark Levin argue about the New Deal?
Overall, a dismal failure
What was the aim of the National Recovery Administration (NRA)?
To increase workers’ wages and spending to contribute to economic growth
What was a major criticism of the NRA’s codes?
Codes were poorly thought out and excluded thousands from equal opportunity
What did FDR declare during his fireside chats?
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself
What was a key outcome of the New Deal regarding perceptions of the federal government?
Changed perceptions regarding the federal government in providing general welfare
Wages were higher in 1939 than they had been 10 years earlier- true or false?
False- they were lower.
How many people did the CWA put to work?
4 million
How much money did they get from the PWA?
$400 million
How many Americans required relief by 1939?
1 in 5
