The Second New Deal and prosperity for ethnic minorities Flashcards
Legislation
The Second New Deal saw an array of this which both continued the work of the first and moved in new directions.
Emergency Relief Appropriation Act April 1935
This measure saw the authorisation of the largest appropriation for relief, at that time in the nation’s history, to set up new agencies to provide employment through federal works.
Resettlement Administration
Decided to merge all rural rehabilitation projects into one new agency, the Resettlement Administration. Ambitious plans to move 500,000 families from overworked land and resettle them in more promising surroundings elsewhere.
The Revenue (Wealth Tax) Act, June 1935
This Act was implemented to pay for New Deal reforms and was perceived by those affected by it to be an attack on the fundamental right of Americans to become rich.
The Wagner-Connery National Labor Relations Act July 1935
Roosevelt reluctant to become involved in labour relations legislation. This Act as a result wasn’t initiated by Roosevelt. Act guaranteed workers the rights to collective bargaining through unions of their own choice.
The Public Utility Holding Company Act August 1935
Ordered the breaking up of all companies more than twice removed from the operating company.
Social Security Act, August 1935
Provided for old-age pensions to be funded by employer and employee contributions, and unemployment insurance to be paid for by payroll taxes levied on both employers and employees.
The Banking Act, August 1935
Intended to give the federal government control of banking in the USA. Control of banking was removed from private banks to central government.
Indian Reorganization Act 1934
Recognised and encouraged Native American culture in a shift from the former policy of assimilation. Tribes reorganised into self-governing bodies that could vote to adopt constitutions and have their own police and legal systems.
Black Americans
Black Americans in the North could now vote. The President employed more Black Americans in government, and the civil service tripled the number of Black Americans in its employment between 1932 to 1941 to 150,000.
Double V Campaign
Philadelphia Courier, victory against the Axis powers. Led to a series of race riots in 47 cities, culminating in three days of violence in Detroit in June 1943.
Hispanic Americans
They found more unemployment opportunities as a result of the war but discrimination continued. Worked mainly in agriculture in southwest. In Texas for example, 90% of children were educated in segregated schools where their white teachers often didn’t speak spanish.
Hispanic Americans and the war
Estimated 500,000 served in the armed forces. Higher wages now in war industries, though still low. 17,000 found employed in Los Angeles shipyards by 1944.
Zoot-Suits
What Hispanic Americans were forced to wear in California, which was seen as the uniform of lawlessness and immortality.
