The second New Deal Flashcards
Why did Roosevelt introduce the Second New Deal in 1935?
His policies were being criticised. His advisors persuaded him to take more radical steps to achieve his vision and to make America a more fair and prosperous nation.
What was the Wagner Act?
A law that forced all employers to allow trade unions to operate in their companies and to negotiate for better pay and conditions.
What was the Social Security Act?
A law that provided state pensions for the elderly and widows. It also set up schemes for unemployment insurance which all workers and employers had to pay. If they became unemployed, they would receive a small amount of benefit.
What was the Works Progress Administration (WPA)?
It brought together all the organisations whose aim it was to create jobs. It worked to create more jobs outside of building projects, such as office workers, actors, artists and photographers.
What was the Resettlement Administration (RA)?
It helped small, tenant farmers who had not been helped by the AAA. It moved 500,000 to better-quality land and housing. The Farm Security Administration (FSA) replaced it in 1937, and gave farmers loans to help them buy land.
Identify five successes of the New Deal.
- Restored the faith of the American people.
- Strengthened the position of trade unions to stand up for workers’ rights.
- Unemployment benefits and pensions were introduced.
- Work projects helped 40% of unemployed Americans.
- Around 200,000 African Americans benefited.
- Women were given some high profile jobs in agencies.
Identify five failures of the New Deal
- 10% of the population were still unemployed by 1941.
- Big businesses were powerful & strikes were broken up violently.
- Many agencies discriminated against African Americans.
- Many women were forced to leave jobs for men.
- Pensions remained small ($10 a month).
- Americans were still reluctant to spend and invest.
