Successes & Limitations of the New Deal

Question 1

How was it a success for a new society?

Answer 1

• restored the faith of people I their government
• a huge economic programme
• set the tone for future policies for government to help people

Question 2

How was it a limitation for a new society?

Answer 2

• undermined local government

- divided the USA; FDR accused of being communist and of undermining American values

Question 3

How was it a success for industrial workers?

Answer 3

• strengthened the position of trade unions against large industrial giants
• tried to support unions and make large corporations negotiate with them

Question 4

How was it a limitation for industrial workers?

Answer 4

• big businesses remained immensely powerful despite being challenged by government
• unions were treated with suspicion by employers
• many strikes broken up with brutal violence

Question 5

How was it a success for unemployment and economy?

Answer 5

• created millions of jobs
• cut the number of business failures
• stabilised the American banking system
• alphabet agencies brought work and improved the standard of living

Question 6

How was it a limitation for unemployment and economy?

Answer 6

• never solved underlying economic problems
• economy took longer than most European countries
• 6 million unemployed
• confidence remained low; only spent and invested 75% of what they had before 1929

Question 7

How was it a success for African Americans?

Answer 7

• 200,000 gained benefits from the CCC and other agencies

- benefited from the new deal slum clearance and housing projects

Question 8

How was it a limitation for African Americans?

Answer 8

• many agencies discriminated against them

- got no work or received worse treatment or lower wages

Question 9

How was it a success for women?

Answer 9

• achieved prominent positions

- Eleanor Roosevelt: an important campaigner on social issues

Question 10

How was it a limitation for women?

Answer 10

• most programmes aimed to male manual workers

- only 8000 women involved in the CCC

Question 11

How was it a success for native Americans?

Answer 11

• Indian Reservation Act helped Native Americans preserve and practise their traditions, laws and culture
• Indian Reorganisation Act 1934 provided money to help them buy and improve land

Question 12

How was it a limitation for native Americans?

Answer 12

-remained a poor and excluded section on society