Title: New Deal Summary and Facts for Kids ***
Headings: New Deal
New Deal
Content: What was the New Deal Coalition?: The New Deal Coalition was the alliance of voters from different walks of life and ethnic groups with differing needs who supported FDR's New Deal programs. Was the New Deal successful? The FDR's New Deal was successful in many ways: ● President Roosevelt inspired a new level of confidence in Americans. FDR kept the nation informed of important events with his series of radio broadcasts called Fireside Chats. He was a reassuring and powerful leader whose fearless approach provided the psychological support that helped Americans get through the Great Depression
● The banking system was stabilized and the Stock Market and banks were regulated
● The New Deal programs created millions of jobs and government sponsored public works projects rebuilt the infrastructure of the US
● ● The PWA completed 34,000 heavy construction projects, improving the infrastructure of America, building highways, airports, bridges, dams, irrigation and sewage systems
● ● The WPA became the nation's biggest employer and provided light construction jobs for millions of unskilled workers who built schools, hospitals, libraries, post offices and houses
● ● The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) employed young men who produced impressive conservation achievements planting over three billion trees, building 97,000 miles of forest trails and roads, stocking rivers with nearly a billion fish which resulted in an increase of wildlife population
● ● The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) rejuvenated the region bringing cheap, hydroelectric power (electricity) into rural areas
● Workers were guaranteed the right to organize Unions and to collective bargaining for the negotiation of wages, hours and working conditions in the Wagner Act
● The Fair Labor Standards Act abolished child labor and limited working hours for employees
● The Social Security Act established an unemployment insurance system, a national pension fund and benefits for victims of industrial accidents
● The Rural Electrification Administration (REA) was established to supply electricity to rural agricultural communities and resulted in 98% of American farms being equipped with electricity
What were the Failures of the New Deal? The failures of the New Deal included: ● The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) adopted the policy of the destruction of crops and livestock that resulted in the increase of food prices of up to 50%
● The 1937-1938 'Roosevelt Recession', triggered by significant federal government spending cuts during the period of the Second New Deal, resulted in a massive surge in unemployment. The 'Roosevelt Recession' also saw Industrial production decline by 33% and wages drop by 35%
● The business world viewed the New Deal as hostile to business interests by encouraging strikes and the power of unions
● Large scale unemployment continued throughout the Great Depression.