The New Deal. Focus Question What role should the government play in the economy?

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