The New Deal

The New Deal was a set of domestic policies enacted under Franklin D. Roosevelt that widely expanded the role of the federal government. Since the Great Depression, it no longer became a question of whether the government would intervene, but rather how much. For this discussion, I would like for you to answer the following questions in your own words to better understand the effects of the New Deal, and the impact it still has today.

  1. Discuss two of the most important pieces of legislation passed during the New Deal. Why were they important?
  2. Which do you think played a larger role in ending the Depression: the New Deal or World War II? Why?
  3. What aspects of the New Deal, if any, do you see in American society today?
Full Answer Section The National Labor Relations Act of 1935: This act, also known as the Wagner Act, guaranteed workers the right to organize and bargain collectively. The National Labor Relations Act was a major victory for labor unions, and it helped to improve the working conditions for millions of American workers. These two pieces of legislation were important because they helped to address some of the most pressing problems facing the country during the Great Depression. The Social Security Act provided much-needed relief to millions of Americans, and the National Labor Relations Act helped to give workers a voice in the workplace. Which do you think played a larger role in ending the Depression: the New Deal or World War II? Why? It is difficult to say definitively which played a larger role in ending the Depression. However, it is clear that both the New Deal and World War II played a significant role. The New Deal helped to stabilize the economy and provide relief to millions of Americans. World War II also helped to stimulate the economy, as the government invested heavily in military production. It is likely that the New Deal played a larger role in ending the Depression in the long term. The Social Security Act and the National Labor Relations Act were two of the most important pieces of legislation passed during the New Deal, and they have had a lasting impact on the lives of millions of Americans. What aspects of the New Deal, if any, do you see in American society today? There are many aspects of the New Deal that can still be seen in American society today. Some of the most prominent examples include:
  • Social Security: The Social Security Act of 1935 is still in effect today, and it provides benefits to millions of Americans.
  • Labor unions: The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 helped to strengthen labor unions, and they continue to play an important role in American society.
  • Regulation of the financial industry: The New Deal established a number of regulations on the financial industry, and these regulations are still in place today.
  • Public works: The New Deal built many public works projects, such as roads, bridges, and dams. These projects still benefit Americans today.
The New Deal had a profound impact on American society, and its legacy can still be seen today. The New Deal helped to create a more stable and fair economy, and it helped to improve the lives of millions of Americans.
Sample Answer The New Deal was a series of programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the United States between 1933 and 1939. Major federal programs and agencies included the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Civil Works Administration (CWA), the Farm Security Administration (FSA), the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933 (NIRA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). They provided support for farmers, the unemployed, youth and the elderly. The New Deal included new constraints and safeguards on the banking industry and efforts to re-inflate the economy after prices had fallen sharply. Two of the most important pieces of legislation passed during the New Deal:
  • The Social Security Act of 1935: This act established a federal system of social insurance that provided benefits to retired workers, the unemployed, the disabled, and dependent children. The Social Security Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation in American history, and it has had a profound impact on the lives of millions of Americans.