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The New Deal
Focus Question
• What role should the government play in the economy?
“The country needs and . . . demands, bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.” -- FDR, 1932
Based on this comment, how might an FDR Administration address the Great Depression?
The Election of 1932
• Watershed election• Democratic victory led to Democratic control• Captured the White House• Swept control of both houses of Congress• Controlled both houses for 56 of the next 62 years
• Developed a large Democratic coalition
Disillusionment with Hoover
• Nation is an economic catastrophe• Unemployment rate at 25%• Thousands left homeless• Thousands of banks failed
• Hoover seen as doing too little, too late
America turns to FDR
• Charismatic politician• Exceptionally personable• Smooth, confident speaking
voice• Understood how to use radio• Demonstrated daring
• Faced personal adversity
New style to the White House
• Brought policies to thepublic
• Fireside chats• Practiced pragmatism• Demonstrate bold
approaches to problems
Drew the United States into a New Deal where the government would work to help assist the population in times of trouble
Proposed a “New Deal”
• FDR’s legislative program• Not outlined during the campaign• Developed into a robust, inclusive, and
transformative program
“The First Hundred Days”• FDR set a rapid pace• Sworn in to office March 4, 1933• Called Congress into special session• Closed the nation’s banks on March 6• Emergency Banking Relief Act, March 9
The Alphabet Soup
• New Deal built on the Three R’s• Recovery• Relief• Reform
The Three R’s
The New Deal developed into a three-part plan
• Recovery: Designs to end the Depression(provide jobs and increase demand)
• Relief: Provide temporary assistance to the people (money and food)
• Reform: Correct the abuses in the system(Prevent future depressions)
New Deal Coalition
• FDR’s politics and policies forged a winning coalition• Southern conservative• Labor Unions• Urban machines• Liberals• African-Americans