FDR’s New Deal: Campaign, Hundred Days & Key Programs
The Campaign
Roosevelt realized people wanted action. During his campaign, he made sixteen major speeches promising a ‘New Deal.’ His policies and personality attracted support. He inspired confidence, made personal contact with Americans, and offered hope during a terrible situation. He won, and the Democrats won a majority of seats in Congress.
The New Deal
The Hundred Days
During the first 100 days of his presidency, Roosevelt implemented an enormous range of measures:
The main problem affecting the US was the loss of confidence in the banks. Therefore, he ordered all banks closed until government officials had checked them. Later, only 5,000 trustworthy banks were allowed to reopen, supported by government money if necessary.
Regulations prevented the speculation that contributed to the Wall Street Crash.
Emergency Banking Act and Securities Exchange Commission were established.
Every Sunday, he broadcast on the radio to the nation, explaining his actions and their purpose, which caused Americans to trust him.
The Federal Emergency Relief Administration tackled the urgent needs of the poor, spending money on soup kitchens, blankets, employment, and nursery schools.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) aimed at unemployed young men, who signed on for six-month periods (renewable if they could not find a job) to work on environmental projects in national parks.
The Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) set quotas to reduce farm production in order to force prices upwards. It helped farmers modernize and use farming methods that would conserve and protect the soil. In cases of extreme hardship, farmers could also receive help with their mortgages.
The National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) set up 2 important organizations:
The Public Works Administration (PWA) used government money to build schools, roads, dams, bridges, and airports (long and short-term benefits since these would be vital once the USA recovered, creating millions of jobs).
The National Recovery Administration (NRA) improved working conditions in industry and made child labor a criminal activity.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Cause: The Tennessee Valley was a huge area that cut across seven states with great physical and social problems. During the wet season, the Tennessee River flooded, while during the dry season, the area became a desert. Farming land around the river was very bad due to erosion and desertification. The social problem was that people lived in poverty, without electricity. It was very difficult for states to cooperate, and it was impossible for one state alone to deal with it.
Consequences: Roosevelt set up the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which focused on building dams on the Tennessee River. These made farming possible, provided electricity, and created thousands of jobs.
It restored confidence in the government. Roosevelt’s decisive action had a marked effect on the American people.