Franklin Roosevelt and The Hundred Days (March–June 1933) Flashcards
What was the economic state of the U.S. before Franklin Roosevelt’s Hundred Days?
The U.S. was in economic despair due to the Great Depression, with high unemployment, widespread poverty, and bank failures. Public confidence was at an all-time low by Roosevelt’s inauguration.
How did Roosevelt’s inauguration symbolise the urgency of the crisis?
It coincided with the suspension of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, emphasising the need for immediate action.
What was the primary goal of Roosevelt’s Hundred Days?
To address economic collapse and restore public trust in the government and economy through rapid legislative activity.
When did the Hundred Days occur?
March–June 1933.
How many new laws were enacted during the Hundred Days?
15 new laws.
What were the key focuses of the Hundred Days?
Economic recovery through interventionist policies, stabilising banking and employment systems, and immediate federal action.
What was the tone of Roosevelt’s First Inaugural Address?
Optimistic yet realistic, encouraging public resilience.
What is the famous line from Roosevelt’s inaugural speech?
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
What were the key themes of the inaugural address?
- Criticism of financial elites for economic collapse.
- Commitment to active government intervention, such as direct job creation, land reforms, and banking supervision
What was the purpose of Roosevelt’s inaugural address?
To instill confidence in the American people and set the stage for aggressive reforms.
What was the purpose of the Emergency Banking Act (9 March 1933)?
- Declared a four-day banking holiday to stabilise the financial system.
- Empowered the Federal Reserve to issue currency and supervise bank reopenings
What was the impact of the Emergency Banking Act?
It restored confidence in banks, leading to a surge in deposits after Roosevelt’s first fireside chat.
What was the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)?
A policy to reduce agricultural overproduction, raise crop prices, and compensate farmers for reducing output.
What did the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) achieve?
It provided jobs in environmental projects, targeting youth unemployment.
What was the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA)?
It funded state-level relief programs for the unemployed.
What was the purpose of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)?
To undertake infrastructure projects like dam construction, provide electricity, and boost regional economies.
What did the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) promote?
- Industrial recovery through fair competition codes.
- Workers’ rights, including unionisation.
What were Roosevelt’s fireside chats?
A series of informal radio addresses to explain policies and reassure the public.
How were the fireside chats delivered?
In a conversational and direct style, fostering a personal connection with citizens.
What was the effect of the fireside chats?
They strengthened public support for New Deal initiatives and reduced panic and mistrust.
How did Roosevelt’s policies balance economic and political goals?
They used economic interventions to rebuild confidence and assert federal authority.
What criticism did Roosevelt face for his policies?
- Some viewed them as overreach and accused him of socialism.
- Conservatives opposed the expansion of federal power.
What legacy did the Hundred Days leave?
It demonstrated the effectiveness of strong federal leadership during crises and set a precedent for evaluating presidential effectiveness early in a term.
How did Roosevelt’s policies align with Keynesian economics?
By emphasising public spending and job creation to stimulate demand during economic downturns.
What was the psychological impact of Roosevelt’s leadership?
The fireside chats and decisive actions rebuilt trust in government institutions.
How did Roosevelt use political symbolism during the Hundred Days?
Policies like the Emergency Banking Act showcased his ability to blend real economic impact with symbolic breaks from past leadership.
What is the New Deal Coalition Theory?
The Hundred Days laid the foundation for a coalition of diverse groups (labor unions, farmers, African Americans, and urban workers) that supported the Democratic Party for decades.
What is the Crisis Leadership Model in relation to Roosevelt?
Roosevelt exemplified a crisis leader who combined policy innovation with public communication to stabilise the nation.
