Great Depression and the New Deal

GREAT DEPRESSION AND

THE NEW DEAL

Chapter 17 and 18

Causes of the Great Depression

Section 1

I Can Statements Discuss the weaknesses in the economy

of the 1920s. Explain how the stock market crash

contributed to the coming of the depression.

Describe how the depression spread overseas.

Causes of the DepressionDuring the Roaring Twenties, many Americans enjoyed what seemed like an endless era of prosperity. Then, in October 1929, the mighty bull market crashed. As production fell and unemployment rose, the US economy lurched into a period of dramatic decline. Years after the Great Depression began, many Americans came to see this contraction as a regular feature of the nation’s business cycle.

Causes of the Depression In 1928, Republican leaders exuded

confidence about their party and their country.

The Roaring Twenties had been a Republican decade.

In 1920, Americans sent Warren G. Harding to the White House and four years later Calvin Coolidge—neither election was close.

Causes of the Depression Both Presidents watched the country grow

increasingly prosperous. Consumption went up, the gross national

product went up, and the stock market went up.

Economist said, times were good in America—and they were only getting better.

Republicans took credit for the bullish economy, and Americans agreed.

Causes of the Depression 1928—Republicans chose Herbert Hoover

—a public servant. Born in Iowa, he was orphaned as a child. He overcame personal tragedy and

eventually graduated from Stanford University with a degree in geology, and worked as a mining engineer.

Retired early and devoted himself to public service.

Causes of the Depression

Causes of the Depression He came to attention of America during

WWI, first as the coordinator of the Belgium relief program and head of the Food Administration.

He had also served as Secretary of Commerce.

His philosophy was simple but effective. Stressed the importance of competition, but

also voluntary cooperation between labor and management.

Causes of the Depression He promised “a chicken in every pot, a car

in every garage” and spoke about ending poverty in America.

Americans voted for Hoover, prosperity, and the continuation of a Republican government.

When he took office America was full of confidence.

Few could image the economic disaster that was just 7 months in the future.

Causes of the Depression Prosperity was not as deep or as sturdy as

Hoover claimed. All through the economy, there was

troubling signs. Farmers were struggling. They made up one fourth of the workforce. Crop demands created by WWI, harvest

yields had been increase and more land put under the plow.

Causes of the Depression Farmers had bought costly tractors and

other mechanized farm equipment. They amassed huge debt and additional

mortgage payments followed. After the war, demand for American crops

fell sharply. Despite the drop, postwar production

remained high because of increasing mechanized farm equipment and more intensive farming methods.

Causes of the Depression Farms were getting bigger and yielding bumper

crops at harvest. However, farmers were failing to sell off their

huge crop surpluses and pay their debts to banks and other institutions.

The result was a rural depression that affected millions of Americans.

Hard-pressed to pay their debts, forced to sell in a glutted and competitive world market, and confronted by several natural disasters, farmers did not share in the boom of the 1920s.

Causes of the Depression They did not have the cash to buy the

new consumer goods produced by industries.

They lived on credit from month to month, often on the verge of financial ruin.

Any downward slide hit farmers first and hard.

Causes of the Depression Unlike farmers, industrial workers

participated in the success of the nation. Many purchased Model T Fords along

with a variety of other consumer products.

Though not wealthy, industrial laborers were in a better financial position than their fathers had been a generation before.

Causes of the Depression Problem was while wages grew gradually,

workers productivity increased dramatically. Between 1923 and 1929, output per person-

hour jumped 32%, but worker’s wages went up only 8%

During the same period, corporate profits from worker output rose 65%.

All these figures pointed to the fact that during the 20s, the rich became much richer, and industrial workers simply became less poor.

Causes of the Depression There was such a small number of rich

Americans dominated such a large percentage of the country’s total wealth.

In 1929, the wealthiest 0.1% of the population earned about the same amount of money as the bottom 42%.

This uneven distribution of the nation’s wealth created economic problems.

Causes of the Depression More than 60% of all Americans had a

yearly income of less than $2,000 a year.

24,000—of the wealthiest families had an annual income of more than $100,000, which was 50x more than most families were earning. But these wealthy families did not eat 50x more food than lower-income families.

Causes of the Depression They did spend a great deal on

consumer products, but not enough to keep the economy booming.

A healthy economy needs more people to buy more products, which creates even more wealth.

In this way, a healthy economy avoids underconsumption that can limit economic growth.

Causes of the Depression The uneven distribution of wealth pointed to

an uncertain future. From overproduction of the farmers to

underconsumption of the low-income industrial worker, these problems created economic instability.

Too many did not have enough to buy what they needed or wanted.

For a time, the expansion of credit partially hid this problem.

Causes of the Depression Americans bought automobiles,

appliances, radios, and other goods on credit.

Using installment plans, they paid a small percentage down and the rest over a period of months or years.

By the end of the decade, 80% of radios, and 60% of cars were purchased on installment credit.

Causes of the Depression Americans even bought stock on credit,

making such stock purchases on margin. Every year, Americans accumulated

more debt. In the past, they feared debt and put off

buying goods until they had cash to pay for those items.

However, easy credit changed this behavior during the 1920s.

Causes of the Depression The growing credit burden could mask

the problems of Americans living beyond their means for only so long before the economy imploded.

The Stock Market Crashes By 1929, some economist observed that

soaring stock prices were based on little more than confidence.

Prices had no basis in reality. Although other experts disagreed, it became

clear that too much money was being poured into speculation.

Investors were gambling; often with money they did not even have, on stock increases to turn a quick profit.

The Stock Market Crashes If the market’s upward climb suddenly

reversed course, many investors would face economic devastation.

September 3, 1929, the stock market began to sputter and fall.

Prices peaked and then slid downward in an uneven way.

After the Dow Jones average dropped 21 points in one hour on Oct. 23, many investors concluded that the boom was over.

The Stock Market Crashes They lost confidence—the very thing

that had kept the market up for so long. The next day, Oct. 24, came to be

known as Black Thursday. With confidence in the stock market

failing, nervous investors started to sell. Stock in General Electric that one sold

at $400 a share plunged to $ 283.

The Stock Market Crashes Across the US, investors raced to pull

their money out of the stock market. On Oct. 29, Black Tuesday, the bottom

fell out. More than 16 million shares were sold

as the stock market collapsed in the Great Crash.

Billions of dollars were lost. Whole fortunes were wiped out in hours.

The Stock Market Crashes Many speculators who had bought stock on the

margin lost everything they had. President Hoover tried to soothe Americans by

insisting that the “business of the country is on a sound and prosperous basis.”

But by Nov. 13, the Dow Jones average had dropped like a brick from its September high 381 to 198.7.

The Great Crash represented another hallmark of the nation’s business cycle, which explained the periodic growth and contraction of the economy.

The Stock Market Crashes



The Great Depression Begins The stock market crashed marked the

beginning of the Great Depression, a period lasting from 1929-1941 in which the economy faltered and unemployment soared.

It did not start the depression by itself; the crash sparked a chain of events that quickened the collapse of the US economy.

The Great Depression Begins One of the first institutions to feel the

effects of the stock market crash was the country’s banking system.

The crisis in confidence continued as frightened depositors feared for their money and tried to withdraw it from their banks.

Few banks could survive a sustained “run” of requests by depositors for their money.

The Great Depression Begins In 1929, 641 commercial banks failed. A year

later, 1,350 failed. And a year after that, 1,700 went under. By 1932, many Americans believed that no

banks would be left standing. Another cause of many bank failures was

misguided monetary policy. During the 1920s, the Federal Reserve, which

regulates the amount of money in circulation, cut interest rates to stimulate economic growth.

The Great Depression Begins But in 1929, worried about investor’s over-

speculation, the “Fed” limited the money supply to discourage lending.

As a result, there was too little money in circulation to help the economy after the stock market crash.

When stock prices fell this sent investors to the banks to secure whatever hard money they had left and the banks were cleaned out of currency and forced to close.

The Great Depression Begins

The Great Depression Begins

The Great Depression Begins The collapse of stock prices, combined with

reduced consumer spending, spelled trouble for American business.

Business leaders believed that the survival of their companies depended on production cutbacks, to maintain price levels, and layoffs, to reduce payroll.

While their stocks were still falling, companies began closing plants and forcing workers onto the growing list of the unemployed.

The Great Depression Begins Henry Ford closed several of his Detroit

factories, putting 75,000 out of work. Problems of production cut kept getting bigger

and bigger. As businesses closed plants and fired workers

to save money, more Americans lost their jobs. As unemployment grew and income shrank,

consumers spent less money-businesses cut production even more, closing more plants and firing more workers.

The Great Depression Begins 1933—25% of all workers had lost their

jobs. Government tried to protect products

from foreign competition. Hawley-Smoot Tariff—raised tariffs on

foreign imports to a level that they could not compete in the American market.

European countries retaliated and enacted their won protective tariffs.

The Great Depression Begins The Hawley-Smoot Tariff added to the

problems of the Depression. American manufactures and farms had a

glut of unsold products, internationally high tariffs closed markets.

Disastrous to American producers and globally as well. This helped to destroy international trade.

Hawley-Smoot Tariff was one cause of the depression spreading globally.

The Great Depression Begins Reparations payments, war debt

payments, and an international imbalance of trade caused a shaky economic structure.

Germany ceased reparations payments, and the US agreed to suspend France and Britain’s war debt.

European nations experienced the same cycle of business failures, bank collapses, and high unemployment.

What Caused the Great Depression People disagree on the exact causes of the

Great Depression. Some believe that the contraction in the money

supply, the twin events of the stock market crash in 1929, and bank failures in 1930 left too little money in circulation.

John Maynard Keynes said a lack of government interference in the economy led to the depression. He recommended the government spend more money when the economy slows.

What Caused the Great Depression For sure, problems in consumption

contributed to it. Economic hardships in 1929 in Europe and

rural America, coupled with an uneven distribution of wealth and over-speculation in the stock market, created dangerous economic conditions.

When combined with poor and misinformed economic decision by Congress and President Hoover, the Great Depression resulted.

The Great Depression




Americans Face Hard Times

Section 2

I Can Statements Examine the spread of unemployment in

America’s cities. Discuss the impact of the depression on

rural Americans. Explain the human and geographical

factors that created the Dust Bowl.

Section 2: Americans Face Hard TimesThe stock market crash signaled the end of boom time and the beginning of hard times. As investors mourned their losses, Americans watched the economy stagger into the Great Depression. In the cities and on the farms, desperate poverty gripped the nation. Even after prosperity returned, those who lived through the crisis would remember the pain and worries of the depression. Tested by extreme hardship, this generation of Americans forged a character and will strong enough to overcome economic ruin and restore prosperity.

Misery and Despair Grip America’s Cities The depression touched every

American, Americans either experienced it or knew someone who experienced the hardships and loss caused by the catastrophe.

1921-1929—annual average unemployment rates never rose above 3.7%.

1933—it was 24.9%

Misery and Despair Grip America’s Cities Millions of workers were able to keep

their jobs, however, most had their wages or hours cut.

Many brought home paychecks that were 10, 20, and sometimes 30% less than pre-depression checks.

Many families turned to public soup kitchens or breadlines to get free scraps of food.

Misery and Despair Grip America’s Cities Whole families descended into hunger and

homelessness. As Americans lost their jobs and used their

savings they had to scrounge to keep from going hungry.

They sold furniture, pawned jewelry to buy food or pay rent.

If they ran out of money, they were evicted from their homes, and ended up on the street.

Misery and Despair Grip America’s Cities Homeless people slept on park

benches, in empty railway cars, or in cardboard boxes.

Many lived together in Hoovervilles, makeshift shantytowns of tents and shacks built on public land or vacant lots.

Many built homes out of scrap lumber, tar paper, tin, and glass.

Misery and Despair Grip America’s Cities One of the largest Hoovervilles sprang

up in the middle of Central Park in New York City.

They covered themselves with newspapers, called Hoover blankets, to keep warm.

They looked for jobs with their empty pant pockets turned inside out, a sign of poverty, known as Hoover flags.

Misery and Despair Grip America’s Cities Thousands found no

escape from their misery.

Misery and Despair Grip America’s Cities



Poverty Devastates Rural America The number of unemployed, homeless,

and hopeless increased like a causality list in some great war.

In rural America, people fared no better, and sometimes their conditions were worse.

Farmers had suffered before the Depression, falling commodity prices, and accumulating debt had left them devastated. Many lost their farms.

Poverty Devastates Rural America Crop prices fell and new debts added. To add to the problem, the Great Plains were

suffered through a drought that lasted for years. Many lost their farms and traveled around

looking for work trying to survive. Low prices were paid for crops they grew.

1919—wheat $2.161932—wheat $0.381919—cotton $41.751932—cotton 4.6 cents

Poverty Devastates Rural America They could not generate enough money to

continue farming; they could not pay their debt, purchase seeds, repair equipment, and buy necessities.

Frustration caused some farmers to protest by burning or dumping their product. Example—farmers dumped 1,000 gallon of milk.

1930-1934—Nearly 1 million farmers failed to pay their mortgages and lost their farms.

Poverty Devastates Rural America Banks foreclosed on lands and homes, and

repossessed farming equipment. Banks then sold what they could at public auctions.

Some remained tenant farmers, other left looking for other work.

Water was a constant source of problem on the Great Plains.

Normal rainfall seldom exceeded 20 inches a year. This means, drought on the Great Plains were

often more devastating than those in the East and Midwest.

Poverty Devastates Rural America New farming methods made the drought

conditions worse. Farmers plowed under natural grasses to

plant winter wheat. This caused a shift of the ecological balance of the region.

The grass was not there to prevent the topsoil from blowing away.

1932—Drought, loose topsoil, and high winds resulted in a disaster on the Plains.

Poverty Devastates Rural America Wind kicked up dust storms that began to

blow east. These clouds of dust and dirt could rise to

8,000 feet off the ground and travel as fast as 100 miles per hour and blotted out the sun.

Most started in the southern Plains, in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, and Colorado.

This area became known as the Dust Bowl.

Poverty Devastates Rural America These storms killed cattle, birds, and

blanketed rivers, and suffocated fish. Dust seeped in to homes covering

everything. The dust storms displaced twice as much

dirt as Americans had scooped out to build the Panama Canal.

Many had no choice but to migrate from the region. Most were called Oakies no matter where they were from.

Poverty Devastates Rural America They packed their cars and trucks with

their possessions and headed west. Some 800,000 migrated out of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Many moved to California, thinking jobs were there, to find they were few and far between.

Big operations survived on the Plains and eventually dams provided irrigation.

Poverty Devastates Rural America




Few Americans Escape Hard Times Hoover used the word depression to

describe the state of affairs thinking it sound better than “panic” or “crisis.”

The depression became a very personal affair; men who lost their jobs and couldn’t find work felt they betrayed their family.

Some men deserted their families. Those that did work lived in fear of losing

their job and also guilty they had a job.

Few Americans Escape Hard Times Wives and children also suffered.

Birthrates plummeted. Mothers tried to stretch incomes, sew

clothes, and take on odd jobs, anything to help the family survive.

Family discipline declines, children quit school, ran away from home, some families grew stronger, and others broke apart.

Few Americans Escape Hard Times Americans on the bottom rung of the economic

ladder—the poorest of the poor, often minorities were left with no financial resources.

In 1932, unemployment among African Americans was around 50%. They often relied on emotional resources of family, and religion to cope.

As the Oakies moved west, competition was intense between them and Mexican American farm workers.

Few Americans Escape Hard Times




Hoover’s Response Fails

Section 3

I Can Statements Discuss how Hoover’s initial

conservative response to the depression failed.

Explain the changes in the President’s policies as the crisis continued.

Describe how Americans reacted to Hoover's relief programs.

Section 3: Hoover’s Response FailsFrom big cities to small towns, the Great Depression spread misery far and wide across America. The unemployed and the homeless crowded into shantytowns. Giant dust storms swallowed the Great Plains. Yet as the crisis depended, Herbert Hoover struggled to respond to the nation’s problems. As a result of Hoover’s failed response, in 1932 Americans would turn to a new leader and increased government intervention to stop the depression.

Cautious Response to Depression Fails Herbert Hoover did not cause the

depression, but many looked at him to solve the crisis.

He will try many different approaches, but fail to find the right formula.

In the beginning, he tried a hands-off policy. He thought this was a natural occurrence in the business cycle.

Cautious Response to Depression Fails He asked business and industrial leaders

to keep employment, wages, and prices at current levels.

He called for the government to reduce taxes, lower interest rates, and create public-works programs.

Felt this would encourage more production and consumption; he also asks wealthy Americans to give to charity.

Cautious Response to Depression Fails However, it relied too much on voluntary

cooperation. He then asked state and local

government to provide jobs and relief measures, however most did not have the means necessary to combat the crisis.

He opposed public assistance.

Hoover Adopts More Activist Policies Poor Americans called trucks pulled by

horses or mules “Hoover wagons,” campfires “Hoover heaters,” and cardboard boxes “Hoover houses.”

He then decided to use federal resources to battle the depression.

Established Reconstruction Finance Corporation to give a billion dollars in loans to railroads and large business.

Hoover Adopts More Activist Policies Also gave loans to banks to help struggling

businesses. Hoover believed if the government lent

money to bankers, they would lend to businessmen, businessmen would hire workers, production, and consumption would increase —known as trickle-down economics.

Didn’t help because banks did not increase their loans or use loans to hire workers.

Hoover Adopts More Activist Policies One success was

the construction of a dam on the Colorado River—Hoover Dam. Brought much-needed employment to the Southwest.

Hoover Adopts More Activist Policies

Hoover Adopts More Activist Policies

Americans Protest Hoover’s Failures The President became a symbol of

failure. Some blamed capitalism, while others

wondered about the responsiveness to democracy.

Many felt the answer was a rejection of capitalism and the acceptance of socialism or communism.

Americans Protest Hoover’s Failures Although some questioned the ability of

America’s capitalistic and democratic institutions to overcome the crisis, most Americans never lost faith in their country.

World War I veterans were seeking the bonus that Congress had promised them.

Bonus Army —1924 Congress provided for a lump sum payment to veterans in 1945.

Americans Protest Hoover’s Failures They started calling for early payment to

support themselves. Congress passed a bill to provide for

early payment, but Hoover vetoed the bill.

To protest, veteran groups marched on Washington.

20,000 set up camps and occupied empty government buildings.

Americans Protest Hoover’s Failures Riots broke out when the police tried to

evict them. Hoover, called for General Douglas

MacArthur and federal troops to clear the area.

MacArthur used force—1,000 marchers were tear-gassed and many injured.

This shocked Americans—this guaranteed Hoover no chance of winning reelection.

Americans Protest Hoover’s Failures



Charts and GraphsCauses

• Overproduction and underconsumption of agricultural crops.• Uneven distribution of income.

• Gradual accumulation of consumer debt.• Widespread stock market speculation.


Effects • Banks and businesses fail.

• Unemployment soars.• Personal incomes shrink.

• Countries enact high tariffs to protect their products from foreign competition; world trade declines.

• American loans to Europe dry up.

Charts and Graphs

THE NEW DEALChapter 18

FDR Offers Relief and Recovery

Section 1

I Can Statement Analyze the impact Franklin D.

Roosevelt had on the American people after becoming President.

Describe the programs that were part of the first New Deal and their immediate impact.

Identify critical response to the New Deal.

Section 1: FDR Offers Relief and RecoveryThe Great Depression challenged the faith of Americans that democracy could handle the crisis. Faced with similar circumstances, people in Germany, Italy, and Japan had turned to dictatorships to deliver them from despair. The New Deal had great significance because America’s response to the Great Depression proved that a democratic society could overcome the challenges presented by the severe economic crisis.

Roosevelt Takes Charge Franklin D. Roosevelt had enjoyed a

privileged life. 1905--Franklin married his distant

cousin Eleanor Roosevelt. Teddy Roosevelt gave the bride away.

Franklin Roosevelt served in the New York Senate, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and governor.

Roosevelt Takes Charge 1921—FDR slipped off his boat into the

cold water of the North Atlantic. He later awoke with a fever and severe pain in his back and legs.

Two-weeks later he was diagnosed with Polio.

He will never recover full use of his legs.

Roosevelt Takes Charge


Roosevelt Takes Charge With Eleanor’s help, he made a political

comeback—Elected governor of New York.

When he ran for president he pledged a “New Deal” to combat the depression.

1932 ElectionDemocrat: RooseveltRepublican: Hoover

Roosevelt Takes Charge Both advocated different approaches to

solving the Great Depression. Hoover—relief should come from the

state and local governments and private agencies.

Roosevelt—strong action and leadership from the federal government.

Roosevelt won by more than 7 million votes.

Roosevelt Takes Charge To help plan the New Deal, Roosevelt

sought advice from a diverse group of men and women— “Brain Trust”

He chooses two Republicans to be in his Cabinet, and Frances Perkins, the first women Cabinet member in history.

He relied heavily on Eleanor; she served as his eyes and ears.


The First Hundred Days During the first hundred days in office,

Roosevelt proposes and Congress passed 15 bills —First New Deal.

It had 3 goals: relief, recovery, and reform —relief from the immediate hardship and to achieve long-term economic recovery.

The First Hundred Days Achievements of the First Hundred Days:

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

National Recovery Administration (NRA)Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)Public Works Administration (PWA)Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA)Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC)

The First Hundred Days His first issue— bank. A banking panic

gripped the nation as depositors lined up at the banks to withdraw their savings as more and more banks failed.

He called Congress into special session and convinced them to pass the Emergency Banking Bill that gave the President many powers—including declaring a 4-day bank “holiday”

The First Hundred Days This gave banks time to get accounts in order

before re-opening. Eight-days into his Presidency he gave an

informal radio speech to Americans— fireside chats.

This became a way for him to communicate with the American people.

In the first fireside chat he tried to calm fears about the banking system—this helped when banks reopened—people didn’t rush to withdraw their funds.

The First Hundred Days

The First Hundred Days Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

(FDIC), insured banks deposits up to $5000.

Glass-Steagull Act —banks not allowed to invest in the stock market.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) —regulates stock market and makes it safe for investments.


The First Hundred Days These reforms helped restore confidence

in the economy; runs on banks ended and the stock market stabilized.

Next a number of programs tried to help the plight of the farmer.

For years, the supply of crops grown by farmers exceeded demand and prices dropped so low that it was no longer profitable to grow them.

The First Hundred Days Agricultural Adjustment Act– sought to

end overproduction and raise crop prices, by providing financial aid, paying farmers subsidies not to plant on part of their land or kill excess livestock.

Many Americans felt this was wrong when so many where going hungry, but farm prices did rise.


The First Hundred Days Americans living in the Tennessee River

Valley were some of the poorest; few had electricity, running water, or sewage systems.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) built dams in the Tennessee River Valley to control floods and generate power.

They also replanted forests, built fertilizer plants, created jobs, and attracted industry with the promise of cheap labor.



The First Hundred Days Civilian

Conservation Corps (CCC)—provided more than 2 million jobs to young men.

They replanted forests, built trails, dug irrigation ditches, and fought forest fires.

The First Hundred Days Federal Emergency Relief Act (FERA)—

federal funds to state and local agencies to help unemployed.

Civil Works Administration (CWA)– provided jobs on public-works projects.

Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC)—loaned money at low interest rates to homeowners who could not meet mortgage payments.

The First Hundred Days Federal Housing Administration– bank loans

used for building and repairing homes. 500 million appropriated for FERA was the

largest peacetime expenditure by the government to that time.

National Recovery Administration (NIRA)—developed codes intended to govern whole industries—established minimum wages and minimum prices for goods that business sold.

The First Hundred Days The idea was to increase the wages of

workers so they would buy more goods and raise prices so companies could make a profit.

Public Works Administration– built bridges, power plants, and government buildings. Ex. NYC’s Triborough Bridge, the Overseas Highway (links Miami and Key West), and Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River.


Opposition Emerges to the New Deal Some thought the changes were too

radical; others thought it was not radical enough.

The chief complaint was it made the federal government too powerful.

Critics said the government was telling business how to operate, spending large sums of money, and piling up a huge national debt.

Opposition Emerges to the New Deal Many felt it was destroying free enterprise

and undermining individualism. They formed the American Liberty League. Others said that Roosevelt hadn’t done

enough, especially the socialists. His most significant criticism came from

those rooted in the populist movement—Spokesmen of the poor, challengers of the power of the elite.

Opposition Emerges to the New Deal Francis Townsend—wanted a program

to give $200 a month to citizens over 60 (filter out society).

Father Charles Coughlin—had a weekly radio program, which at first supported the New Deal, but later accused FDR of not doing enough to end the depression.

Opposition Emerges to the New Deal Senator Huey Long

—gave folksy speeches in which he proposed high taxes on the wealthy and large corporation and redistributing their income among the poorest Americans

Second New DealSection 2

I Can Statements Discuss the programs of social and

economic reform in the second New Deal.

Explain how New Deal legislation affected the growth of organized labor.

Describe the impact of Roosevelt's court-packing plan on the course of the New Deal.

Section 2: Second New DealFDR’s goals for the first New Deal were relief, recovery, and reform. Progress had been made, but there was still much work that needed to be done. Beginning in early 1935, Roosevelt launched an aggressive campaign to find solutions to the ongoing problems caused by the Great Depression. This campaign known as the second New Deal, created Social Security and other programs that continue to have a profound impact on the everyday lives of Americans.

Extending Social and Economic Reform In his fireside chats, press conferences,

and major addresses, he explained the issues facing the nation.

He said that the complexities of the modern world compelled the federal government to “promote the general welfare” and to intervene to protect citizen’s rights.

Extending Social and Economic Reform Second New Deal—addressed

problems of the elderly, the poor, and the unemployed; created new public-works projects, helped farmers, and enacted measures to protect workers’ rights.

Extending Social and Economic Reform Works Progress Administration--$5 billion

for new jobs. Harry Hopkins was in charge—built or improved roads, dredged rivers, and promoted soil and water conservation. Even provided for displaced artists.Employed 8 millionSpent 11 billionBuilt 650,000 miles of highway125,000 public buildings

Extending Social and Economic Reform Funded projects like San Antonio River

Walk and part of the Appalachian Trail. Federal deficit--$461million in 1932 →

$4.4 billion in 1936. This lead to criticism about

wastefulness, but economist John Maynard Keynes said deficit spending was needed to end the depression.

Extending Social and Economic Reform Putting people to work on public projects

put money into the hands of consumers who would buy more goods; stimulating the economy— pump priming.

The US was one of the few industrialized nations that did not provide some form of pension for the elderly.

Extending Social and Economic Reform Social Security Act—created a pension

system for retirees, unemployment insurance for workers who lost their jobs.

Also created insurance for work-related accidents and provided aid for poverty-stricken mothers and children, the blind, and disabled.

Second New Deal tried to further help farmers.

Extending Social and Economic Reform Only 10% of all farms had electricity,

because it wasn’t profitable. Rural Electrification Administration

(REA)—loaned money to electric utilities to build power lines, bringing electricity to isolated rural areas—more than 80% of American farms had electricity by 1950.

Extending Social and Economic Reform Changed the relationship of the federal

government and farmers—government was committed to providing price supports, or subsidies for agriculture.

Many projects had a huge impact on the development of the American WestCentral Valley irrigation system (California)Bonneville Dam

Labor Unions Find a New Energy During the Great Depression there was an

upsurge of union activity. Roosevelt felt the success of the New Deal

depended on raising the standard of living for industrial workers, improving the whole economy.

National Labor Relations Act– called the Wagner Act recognized the rights of employees to join unions and gave workers the right to collective bargain.

Labor Unions Find a New Energy This meant they could negotiate with unions

about hours, wages, and working conditions. Created the National Labor Relations Board

to look into workers’ complaints. Fair Labor Standards Act—gave workers

more rights.Established a minimum wage, initially 25 cents

per hour.Maximum workweek of 44 hoursOutlawed child labor

Labor Unions Find a New Energy American Federation of Labor—represented

skilled workers. Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO)—a

competing organization 1936—United Automobile Workers Union

(UAW) staged a sit-down strike, in Flint Michigan. They refused to leave the workplace until a settlement was reached.Lasted 44 daysGeneral Motors recognized their union 1940—9 million belonged to unions

Challenges to the New Deal 1926—FDR received 61% of the vote. Main challenger to the New Deal—The

Supreme Court Schechter Poultry v. US—the Supreme

Court ruled the President had no power to regulate interstate commerce, and the National Industrial Recovery Act unconstitutional.

Challenges to the New Deal Later ruled a key part of the Agricultural

Adjustment Act unconstitutional. Feb. 1937—FDR unveiled a plan to dilute

the power of the sitting Justices of the Supreme Court.Called for adding 6 new Justices.Said Constitution doesn’t specify a number.Court-packing plan—many accused him of

trying to increase presidential power and upset the balance between the 3 branches.

Challenges to the New Deal Court turned his way. 1927—Court was more willing to accept a larger

role in the federal government. But the court-packing plan weakened him

politically and the public began to be much less willing to support further legislation.

1935-1936—conditions were improving, and FDR cut back federal spending, Federal Reserve raised interest rates, making it difficult for business to expand and for consumers to buy new goods.

Challenges to the New Deal Unemployment soared and nearly all the

gains in employment and production were wiped out.

Republicans gained seats in Congress, even though the Democrats retained control, FDR chose not to force more reforms.

ChartProgram Year EffectsSocial Security Act (SSA) 1935 Established a pension system and unemployment insurance,

provided payments to workers injured on the job, the poor and people with disabilities.

Works Progress Administration (WPA) 1935 Employed millions of people for government projects ranging from highway construction to arts programs.

Rural Electrification Administration (REA) 1935 Provided loans to eclectic companies to build power lines, bring electricity to isolated areas.

National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) 1935 Outlawed unfair labor practices, granted workers the right to organize unions and to bargain collectively; created the National Labor Relations Board.

National Youth Administration (NYA) 1935 Trained and provided for jobs and counseling for unemployed youth between the ages of 16 and 25.

Banking Act of 1935 1935 Finalized the creation of the FDIC and made insurance for dank deposits permanent; created a board to regulate the nation’s money supply and interest rates on loans.

US Housing Authority (USHA) 1937 Subsidized construction of low-cost public housing by providing federal loans.

Fair Labor Standards Act 1938 Banned child labor, established a minimum hourly wage, and set the work week at 44 hours.

Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 1938 Prohibited the mislabeling of food, drugs, and cosmetics, and ensured the safety and purity of these products.

Effects of the New Deal

Section 3

I Can Statements Describe how the New Deal affected

different groups in American society. Analyze how the New Deal changed the

shape of American party politics. Discuss the impact of Franklin D.

Roosevelt on the presidency.

Section 3: Effects of the New DealThe New Deal provided desperately needed relief from the depression and enacted reforms that guarded against economic catastrophe. It did not end the depression. World War II, with its massive military spending, would do that. Yet, the New Deal mattered enormously because it brought fundamental change to the nation. It changed the role of the federal government in the economy, the power of the presidency, and the relationship of the American people and their government.

Women Help Lead the New Deal The New Deal helps provide some

women opportunities to increase their political influence and promote women’s rights.

Eleanor Roosevelt– transformed the office of First Lady to that of action and deep involvement in the political process.

Women Help Lead the New DealShe represented the President; toured the nationHelped in campaignsOffered advice on political mattersWrote a newspaper columnCauses included: public health, education, arts in

rural areas, and flood control.Once traveled 60,000 miles in 2 days.

Frances Perkins —Secretary of Labor—first women Cabinet member. Helped to end child labor and establish a minimum wage.

African Americans Make Advances and Face Challenges 1934—50% of African Americans were

unemployed. Eleanor urged the President to improve

the situations for African American. She protested against racial

discrimination. President invited many African American

leaders to advice him— Black Cabinet. He didn’t always take their advice.

African Americans Make Advances and Face Challenges Supported no civil rights reforms and

many New Deal programs hurt African Americans.

The New Deal Affects Native Americans FDR attempted to improve the lives of

Native Americans, by making changes to policies.

Indian New Deal—reverses the conditions started by the Dawes Plan in 1887. Provided funding for the construction of schools and hospitals.

The New Deal Affects Native Americans Indian Reorganization Act—gave tribal control

over American Indian land, and stopped discouraging the practice of Indian religious and traditional customs.

Gave them more control over their destiny. Other programs of the New Deal hurt Native

Americans.Ex. Navajo Livestock Reduction the government

said Navajo sheep were causing soil erosion on the Colorado Plateau. Ordered thousands of sheep be sold or killed.

The New Deal Creates a New Political Coalition New Deal Coalition—political force that

brought together southern whites, northern blue-collar workers—especially those with immigrant roots—poor mid-western farmers, and African Americans.

Before the New Deal, most African Americans voted Republican, in the 1930s they started to vote Democratic.

The New Deal Creates a New Political Coalition This coalition gave Democrats a majority

in both houses of Congress, and helps to elect Roosevelt in 1932 and secures the White House six out of the next 8 presidential elections.

New Deal also helps to unify the nation; social and ethnic divisions diminished and immigrant communities gained a deeper sense of belonging.

The Role of Government Expands New Deal greatly expands the size and

scope of the federal government. It did not end the depression, but it

helped to restore the American economy. The federal government also broke with

the tradition of laissez-faire, now the government accepted responsibility for spurring economic growth, or pump priming.

The Role of Government Expands For the first time, the government

became the employer for the unemployed and sponsor of work projects.

The New Deal helped to strengthen capitalism and make possible the economic boom of the post-World War II era.

The Role of Government Expands FDIC and SEC—restored trust in banks

and the stock market. FHA—low-interest loans and increasing

homeownership. Wagner Act—boosted union

membership Minimum wage—improved purchasing

power of the bottom rung of the economic ladder.

The Role of Government Expands Created child labor laws, workers’

compensation laws, and unemployment insurance.

Had a huge impact on rural America.TVA and Booneville Dam—reduced floodingRural Electrification—electricity to the

Southeast and Northwest. Welfare State—assumes responsibility for

providing welfare of children, poor, elderly, sick, disabled, and unemployed.

The Role of Government Expands Broker State—government as a mediator Safety Net—government provides

safeguards and relief programs that protected them against economic disaster.

CCC—restored forests and preserves the environment.

New land for national parks—Shenandoah, Kings Canyon, and Olympic.

The Role of Government Expands Some projects had mixed results—TVA

projects on the Columbia River generated power, but destroyed traditional hunting, fishing, and Native American burials.

The greatest changes made in the office of President itself—gave the executive branch much more power.

The Role of Government Expands Also the style of President—use of the

media and his communication method. During WWII he exercised a tremendous

authority over every aspect of American life. When he ran for an unprecedented 3rd term,

he broke an unwritten rule, established by George Washington.

1951— Twenty-second Amendment was ratified, limiting the President to two consecutive terms.

Charts

Cause and EffectCauses

• Stock market crash• Failure of farms and business

• Sharp decline in prices and production• Failure of banks

• Massive unemployment and low wages• Homelessness and Hooverville's

• Drought, crop failures, and Dust Bowl▼

The New DealEffects

• Millions employed in new government programs• Banking system is stabilized

• Regulated stock market restores confidence• Social-insurance programs aid elderly and poor

• Agricultural subsidies help farmers• Government takes a more active role in economy

▼Connections to Today

• Social Security and other New Deal programs still exist• Size and role of federal government still debated

• Costs and benefits of social welfare programs still debated

ChartFDR’s Effect on the Presidency•Increased power of the President and the executive branch.•Made mass media, such as radio, and essential tool in advertising and promoting policies.•Expanded the role of the President in managing the economy.•Expanded the role of the President in developing social policy.•Won third and fourth term leading to passage of the Twenty-second Amendment, which limited Presidents to two consecutive terms.

Culture of the 1930sSection 4

I Can Statements Trace the growth of radio and the

movies in the 1930s and the changes in popular culture.

Describe the major themes of literature of the New Deal era.

Section 4: Culture of the 1930sMass entertainment, such as The Wizard of Oz, flourished during the New Deal years as Americans sought escape from the worries of the depression. And, for the first time, the government played an active role in the arts, creating programs that put artists to work . It was the golden age for entertainment, and the movies, music, and works of literature produced during this era hold a unique place in American culture.

Movies and Radio Captivate Americans Entertainment was big business during

the 30s. 1935—2 in 3 houses owned a radio 1939—9 in 10 did 1939—2/3 of Americans attended one

movie a week. Stars in the industries made fortunes.

Movies and Radio Captivate Americans Americans went to the movies during

the Depression, as a means of escapism—sought relief through a good laugh, a good cry, a lyrical song, or seeing good triumph over evil.

The Wizard of Oz —had all 4; promised weary audiences that their dreams really would come true.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSZxmZmBfnU



Movies and Radio Captivate Americans Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs —

animated film http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI0x0

KYChq4 Top Hat —stared dancers Ginger

Rogers and Fred Astaire. Gone With the Wind —Civil War epic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ5I

CXMC4xY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI0x0KYChq4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI0x0KYChq4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ5ICXMC4xY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ5ICXMC4xY

Movies and Radio Captivate Americans Movies reflect the public’s mistrust of big

business and government—Gangster movies very popular.

Often showed declining trust in the government and law enforcement—later showed confidence restored.

Some showed the faith and strength of average people—Frank Capra

Showed everyday people struggling with hardship.

Movies and Radio Captivate Americans Mr. Smith Goes to Washington —

celebrated American idealism and triumph of the common man over adversity.

The radio broadcasts featured comedians (Bob Hope), soap operas, (Guiding Light), variety shows and humorists (Will Rogers), and dramas (Lone Ranger)

Movies and Radio Captivate Americans

Movies and Radio Captivate Americans Also used for information—news,

fireside chats, and political commentary. Music was also a diversion for hard

times. Swing music played by big bands—

introduces disc jockeys. Most popular vocalist Bing Crosby. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTUK

HMlbYGA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTUKHMlbYGA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTUKHMlbYGA

The New Deal and the Arts First funding for the arts by the federal

government. Federal Art Project—offered a variety of

opportunities to artists. Funded theaters, musicians, writers (recorded

history and folklore of the nation), artists (murals on buildings), and photographers (Dorothea Lange— “Migrant Mother” documented the plight of the farmer).

Grant Wood—American Gothic

The New Deal and the Arts










The Literature of the Depression Many featured working class heroes—

blamed failure on political and business leaders.

John Steinbeck— The Grapes of Wrath was about a family escaping the Dust Bowl only to encounter exploitation, disease, hunger, and political corruption.

William Faulkner— The Sound and the Fury. Comic strips and Comic books—Flash

Gordon, Dick Tracy, and Superman.

The Literature of the Depression


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRjpqJozOcI





Documents

Great Depression and the New Deal