Evaluation of the New Deal + Summary

Question 1

What major problems did Roosevelt address during his first 100 days?

Answer 1

• Banking crisis
• Mass unemployment
• Agricultural depression
• Public despair

Question 2

How did the New Deal address the banking crisis?

Answer 2

• Emergency Banking Act: reopened financially sound banks, monitored by treasury
• Fundamental reformation: closed over 4000 small banks permanently or merged them for stability
• Restored public trust in banks: surge in deposits

Question 3

Did the New Deal solve the problem of mass unemployment?

Answer 3

• No, not achieved until WW2: economic and military demands of WW2 enabled
• Work relief programs: CCC, PWA, WPA provided jobs and incomes
• Benefited mostly young White males, there was discrimination towards Black, Native American and Hispanics

Question 4

How effective was the New Deal in reducing the agricultural sector’s depression?

Answer 4

• Partially effective: AAA from Farm Relief Bill paid farmers to reduce output which could raise prices
• Led to planned scarcity, crops destroyed and livestock slaughtered
• Displaced tenant farmers, putting economic hardship on them

Question 5

Did the New Deal manage to restore American public confidence in the economy?

Answer 5

• Yes, optimism and reforms preserved faith in liberal capitalism
• Policies reassured Americans of the resilience of the economy

Question 6

To what extent did New Deal make life better for Americans? (+)

Answer 6

• Major
• Banking reforms, environmental projects (TVA), relief programs (CCC), pensions (social security act) improved economic stability and quality of life and boosted the future (e.g. work experience for youth and they can help economy in the future, and pensions created a safety net for elders)

Question 7

To what extent did New Deal make life better for Americans? (-)

Answer 7

• CCC and other programs had limited benefits for women and minorities, especially the south
• FDR sincere in efforts to help all, however counter productive due to lack of cultural sensitivity, unintended consequence of destroying a functioning Native American economy (stock reduction of Navajo cattle), inflicted trauma
• Benefits (e.g. pensions and labour relations act) excluded Blacks tenant farmers, migrant workers, farm labourers
• Too many American citizens fell beneath ‘safety net’ New Deal intended to put in place