Chapter 33: The Great Depression and the New Deal 1933-1939 Flashcards
- Which of Roosevelt’s measures were most effective in fighting the depression? Why?
The Works Progress Administration was one of the most effective of Roosevelt’s measures in fighting the depression. It provided paying jobs for men and women in construction, art, music, photography, and more areas. The WPA wasn’t just a handout from the government; it actually created jobs for millions of Americans who did not have a steady source of income until the dawn of World War 2 stimulated the economy.
- How did Roosevelt alter the role of the federal government in American life? Was this necessary for American survival?
Roosevelt increased the role of the federal government in American life. Prior to Roosevelt’s term, the government was much more removed from people’s lives, but when the Depression struck, people expected help from a higher power; the government. By issuing many more government jobs and new policies such as Social Security, the government played a greater role in the lives of the people. It was necessary for American survival in this situation because the people were powerless to save themselves. People did not have jobs or money with which to make a new start. The Dust Bowl caused additional suffering for southern farmers. Though Roosevelt’s New Deal did help to restart the economy and keep people going, without the War, Americans would have continued to struggle.
- How did ordinary workers and farmers effect social change in the 1930s?
After 1918, farmers suffered from low prices and overproduction, and when the Depression arrived, already difficult conditions worsened. The suffering of ordinary farmers and workers brought about massive social change in the form of government programs. In response to the crisis, the AAA was created. The Agricultural Adjustment Administration was created to establish parity prices. Parity was the price set for a product that gave it the same real value that it previously held before the depression. The AAA was to pay farmers to reduce their crop acreage. It also killed millions of excess pigs and distributed the meat on relief to hungry people or used for fertilizer. As the government responded to the Dust Bowl crisis, social change was enacted in this way. Programs such as the NIRA were also enacted to aid laborers. The NIRA set minimum wages and prices. The Social Security Act of 1935 was also passed to provide help for retired workers.
- What were the positive and negative effects of the New Deals use of the federal government as an agency of social reform?
The New Deal held both positive and negative effects as an agency of social reform. The use of the government was positive because it provided people with help that they could not garner on their own. Unfortunately, there were some negative effects, such as the fact that the Federal Budget was upset and caused a major deficit. Also, the New Deal did help to alleviate some of the suffering, but did not truly succeed in ending the mass unemployment of the time.
