FDR’s New Deal: Key Figures, Policies, and Impact
The New Deal: Key Figures, Policies, and Impact
The New Deal
Who: Franklin Roosevelt
What: An economic plan to restore the US economy, provide jobs, and secure banks.
When: 1933-1945
Where: USA
Why: It aimed to solve the Great Depression and unite the country, though some argue it created long-lasting problems. World War II ultimately helped unite the country.
Franklin Roosevelt
Who: President; master politician
What: He possessed the ability to convince people that he had everything under control and to trust him. He promised the 3 R’s (Relief, Recovery, Reform) and a “New Deal.”
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: He passed several programs and reforms designed to stimulate the struggling economy.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Who: Wife of Franklin Roosevelt; First Lady
What: She became the first politically active First Lady, addressing issues concerning children, the poor, and African Americans.
When: 1933-1945
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: She was Franklin Roosevelt’s most valuable political asset.
First Hundred Days
Who: FDR
What: He promised to recover, provide relief, and reform America. Congress passed 15 separate bills, which together formed the basis of the New Deal.
When: 1933
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: He took the country in a new direction.
Keynesian Economics
Who: John Maynard Keynes
What: The theory that the government has to contribute to the market.
When: 1920s
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: It influenced Roosevelt’s ideas.
Frances Perkins
Who: Economist and social worker
What: Secretary of Labor; she helped with the New Deal and Social Security.
When: 1933-1945
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: She was the first woman appointed to an executive cabinet-level position and the longest-serving in that position.
Black Cabinet
Who: Mary McLeod Bethune
What: An informal group of African American public advisors to US President FDR, supported by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
When: 1935
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: It was the first time African Americans had a chance to discuss their issues or needs with the President.
Robert Taft
Who: Senator; Republican politician
What: Spoke against FDR’s policies.
When: 1930s
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: He was a major opponent of FDR’s policies.
Huey Long
Who: Senator, “The Kingfish”, Governor of Louisiana
What: He created the “Share Our Wealth” program: $2000 annual check, free home, free car, radio, and college. “Every man a king.”
When: 1932-1935
Where: Washington D.C. – Louisiana
Why: His ideas were considered communist.
Second Hundred Days
Who: FDR
What: Focused his second hundred days on people rather than industries.
When: 1935
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: He created the American welfare system we have today.
Court Packing Plan
Who: FDR; Supreme Court
What: FDR backed a plan to add more justices to the court with liberal appointees.
When: 1937
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: Congress failed to back the President.
Popular Movies of the 1930s
Who: Popular movies
What: Frankenstein, The Marx Brothers, The Wizard of Oz
When: 1930s
Where: Hollywood
Why: A form of escapism during the Great Depression, a success in the market.
Sussex Pledge
Who: Wilson, Germany
What: Germany promised an end to U-boat attacks provided the US guaranteed adherence to international law. But Britain and France had to stick to international law.
When: 1916
Where: Germany – Europe
Why: It delayed US involvement in the war, and Wilson was re-elected.