DIRECTIONS: Read, Chapter 23-2, which is about President Roosevelt’s Second New Deal, and then summarize the following important legislative acts. Make sure you include significant details in your summary.
1. What was the Works Progress Administration?
The works progress administration (WPA) was a program to "help youths, professionals and other workers" This was controlled by Harry Hopkins who was the former chief of the FERA. The WPA was supposed to be a program that set up lots of jobs as quickly as possible. As the reading states, "Between 1935 and 1943, it spent $11 billion to give jobs to more than 8 million workers" Some things these workers would do is build airports, repair roads and construct new public buildings.
2. How did the New Deal help labor? (Hint: Wagner Act)
The new deal helped to improve labor was pass the Wagner Act (also known as the National Labor Relations Act) This act was passed in order to keep things being done by the federal government constitutional because the federal government "had violated legislative authority reserved for individual states" According to the reading, the act "reestablished the NIRA provision of collective bargaining. The federal government again protected the right of workers to join unions and engage in collective bargaining with employers" In addition, the Wagner act "prohibited unfair labor practices such as threatening workers, firing union members, and interfering with union organizing" As well as having the Nation Labor Relations Board set up so people could plead when unfair practices were occurring in their work place and elections to find out if workers wanted union representation.
3. What benefits did the Social Security system provide?
The benefits that the Social Security system provided was having insurance to retire, unemployment compensation, and aid to family with the disabled or dependent children. As the reading states, "old-age insurance for retirees 65 or older and their spouses. The insurance was a supplemental retirement plan. Half of the funds came from the worker and half from the employer." This helped make retirement more comfortable and easier for a lot of people. In addition, the "unemployment compensation system" " was funded by a federal tax on employers" Lastly, families with disabled or dependent children would receive payment from federal funds.
Read pages 710 to 713 in Chapter 23-3 (The New Deal Affects Many Groups) and answer the following questions:
4. Why was the “Black Cabinet” important to the Roosevelt administration?
The "Black Cabinet" was important to the Roosevelt administration because a black cabinet is an informal group of African-American public policy advisors to FDR. This being said, they were influential on FDR's choices dealing with racial issues and could very much help him decide what should be done when racial issues need to be dealt with. Also, the African-American community "supported the Roosevelt administration and the New Deal, generally seeing them as their best hope for the future" so he was pretty much supported by everyone, of every colour!
5. Evaluate the actions and policies of the Roosevelt administration on civil rights.
"His work and that of others laid the groundwork for what would become the civil rights movement" states the reading. To start, FDR was simply the founder of the civil rights movement because of the way he had African American taking on roles as leader, such as appointing more than 100 African Americans to important positions in government. However, according to the reading, he wasn't
committed to full civil rights for African Americans" because he didn't want to upset white democratic voters in the south. He also didn't approve the federal anti-lynching law which was a big goal of the civil rights movement.
6. What changes occurred for Native Americans as a result of the New Deal?
As a result of the new deal, native americans received strong government support. By 1924 they had received full citizenship by law and in 1933, FDR "appointed John Collier as commissioner of Indian affairs. Collier helped create the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934" This act helped restore some reservation lands and tribal ownership. There was three charges mandated by this act referring to economics(Native American lands would belong to an entire tribe and therefore keep the government from taking over reservations that have yet to be claimed and selling them to others), culture(Native American children could attend school on their reservations and the number of boarding schools for them was reduced) and politics(Tribes could elect tribal councils to govern their reservations.
7. Why was the Wagner Act significant?
The Wagner act was significant because, as the reading states, "as a result of the Wagner Act and other prolabor legislation passed during the new deal, union members enjoyed better working conditions and increased bargaining power." Roosevelt was considered a "friend of labor", and as a result labor unions would donate money to FDR's reelection campaign, and workers in a union pledged their votes to him.
DIRECTIONS: Read, Chapter 23-5, which is about the impact of New Deal reforms, and take notes about the lasting effects of those reform on American society.
8a. What were the New Deal Laws and Agencies created for LABOR? 8b. And, what were the lasting effects of these LABOR laws and agencies on American Government and Life?
The new deal laws and agencies created for labor were that the fair labor standards act was passed along with the wagner act. These two things help set standards for wages and hours, as well as banning child labor. An agency that still exists today is the nation labor relations board (NLRB) which was created under the wagner act and is supposed to "act as a mediator in labor disputes between unions and employers" This agency specifically is still alive today and continues to do it's job as a mediator.
9a. What were the New Deal Laws and Agencies created for AGRICULTURE AND RURAL LIFE? 9b. And, what were the lasting effects of these laws and agencies on American Government and Life?
The new deal laws and agencies created for agriculture and rural life "set quotas on the production of crops such as wheat to control surpluses" Also, under the second agricultural adjustment act loans could and were made to farmers by the Commodity Credit Corporation. Other government programs like rural electrification helped improve conditions in the farming parts of America as well. As the reading says, "establishing agricultural price supports set a precedent of federal aid to farmers that continued into the 2000s"
10a. What were the New Deal Laws and Agencies created for BANKING AND FINANCE 10b. And, what were the lasting effects of these laws and agencies on American Government and Life?
The new deal laws and agencies created for banking and finance were the securities and exchange commission(SEC), which today still monitors the stock market and enforces laws relating to the sale of stocks and bonds. Another was the federal deposit insurance corporation(FDIC) which was created by the Glass- Steagall Act of 1933, and it still makes sure individuals are insured within their banks for up to 100,000.
11a. What were the New Deal Laws and Agencies created for SOCIAL WELFARE 11b. And, what were the lasting effects of these laws and agencies on American Government and Life?
The new deal laws and agencies created for social welfare were the creation of a social security system, "which would help a large number of needy Americans receive some assistance" in addition to the Social Security act which provided old-age insurance, an unemployment compensation system, and aid to the disabled and families with dependent children. The lasting effects of these were that these still are alive today, social welfare still helps tons of people who are in need of it, and people also have the safety of having social security for when they grow old so they can retire comfortably.
12a. What were the New Deal Laws and Agencies created for ENVIRONMENT 12b. And, what were the lasting effects of these laws and agencies on American Government and Life?
"President Roosevelt was highly committed to conservation and promoted policies designed to protect the nation's natural resources." as the reading states. In addition, the Civilian Conservation Corps program was made to create jobs, but these jobs were of planting trees, making hiking trials and building fire look out towers. There was also a soil conservation service which taught farmers how to conserve soil through contour plowing, crop rotation, etc. The Taylor Grazing Act was passed to reduce grazing on public lands too. This has affected american life because it made Americans be more aware of how to farm more carefully and trees were planted for future generations. In addition, FDR was more likeable because he cared about conservation.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
FDR and the New Deal
1. What plans did Roosevelt make in the four months while he waited to take office?
In the four months while Roosevelt waited to take office he did a few things. One of which was creating work programs, and as the reading says "through one of these programs, the civil works administration (CWA), Oettinger went back to work in 1933" as well as "programs like the CWA raised the hopes of the American people and sparked great enthusiasm for the new president" Also during the waiting period her "worked with his ream of carefully picked advisors-- a select group of professors, lawyers, and journalists that came to be known as the "Brain Trust." Roosevelt began to formulate a set of policies for his new administration. This program designed to alleviate the problems of the great depression became known as the new deal"
2. How successful were FDR's fireside chats?
FDR's fireside chats were "radio talks about issues of public concern, explaining in clear, simple language his New Deal measures. These informal talks made Americans feel as if the president were talking directly to them." From one of these fireside chats, FDR spoke about the issue of everyone taking out their savings from banks at the same time and how it would cause banks to fall. From this people were returning their savings in the weeks that followed. Obviously this proved that that at least one of his fireside talks was successful.
3. How did New Deal programs affect various regions of the United States?
The new deal programs affected various regions of the united states starting with the rural regions.
The AAA was put into place to raise crop prices by lowering production and the government from there would pay farmers to have a certain amount of land unseeded. There was also the TVA which was focused on the Tennessee River Valley. In addition there was the CCC which put young men to work by building roads parks, etc. The NIRA provided jobs to states to create jobs in construction of schools and other community buildings.
4. How did liberal and conservative critics differ in their opposition to the New Deal?
Liberal critics "argued that the new deal did not go far enough to help the poor and the reform the nation's economic system" Conservative critics "argued that Roosevelt spent too much on direct relief and used new deal policies to control business and socialize the economy" Conservative critics were especially angry with the AAA and NIRA because it gave the government too much control over agriculture and economy.
6. Of the New Deal programs discussed in this section, which do you consider the most important?
Explain your choice. Think About:
• the type of assistance offered by each program
• the scope of each program
• the impact of each program
I personally think that the assistance offered by each program is most important because the impact of each program wasn't huge and the scope of each program wasn't huge either because each program was set out to help the nation basically as a whole, although each one affected different regions. I do think it is important that certain regions were helped more than others because some regions were in an even greater depression compared to others. I think the very most important was the assistance offered by each program because different people needed different things. For instance, if a farmer was having financial trouble, he wouldn't want to be put to work in construction because he is a farmer, so the AAA was helpful to a farmer, but not some others. Having each program offer something different gave a wide variety to the help people could receive.
In the four months while Roosevelt waited to take office he did a few things. One of which was creating work programs, and as the reading says "through one of these programs, the civil works administration (CWA), Oettinger went back to work in 1933" as well as "programs like the CWA raised the hopes of the American people and sparked great enthusiasm for the new president" Also during the waiting period her "worked with his ream of carefully picked advisors-- a select group of professors, lawyers, and journalists that came to be known as the "Brain Trust." Roosevelt began to formulate a set of policies for his new administration. This program designed to alleviate the problems of the great depression became known as the new deal"
2. How successful were FDR's fireside chats?
FDR's fireside chats were "radio talks about issues of public concern, explaining in clear, simple language his New Deal measures. These informal talks made Americans feel as if the president were talking directly to them." From one of these fireside chats, FDR spoke about the issue of everyone taking out their savings from banks at the same time and how it would cause banks to fall. From this people were returning their savings in the weeks that followed. Obviously this proved that that at least one of his fireside talks was successful.
3. How did New Deal programs affect various regions of the United States?
The new deal programs affected various regions of the united states starting with the rural regions.
The AAA was put into place to raise crop prices by lowering production and the government from there would pay farmers to have a certain amount of land unseeded. There was also the TVA which was focused on the Tennessee River Valley. In addition there was the CCC which put young men to work by building roads parks, etc. The NIRA provided jobs to states to create jobs in construction of schools and other community buildings.
4. How did liberal and conservative critics differ in their opposition to the New Deal?
Liberal critics "argued that the new deal did not go far enough to help the poor and the reform the nation's economic system" Conservative critics "argued that Roosevelt spent too much on direct relief and used new deal policies to control business and socialize the economy" Conservative critics were especially angry with the AAA and NIRA because it gave the government too much control over agriculture and economy.
5. Do you think Roosevelt was wrong to try to "pack" the Supreme Court with those in favor of the New Deal? Explain your answer.
Roosevelt had a good reason for trying to pack the court with those in favor of the new deal, but that does not in anyway make it just. Roosevelt didn't want any other court decisions to "dismantle the new deal" But either way, he couldn't fill the court with those in favor of the new deal because they would obviously be biased in their decisions. That would be like having a murderer on trial and the jury being only his family members who didn't want him to have to be found guilty. It's just not a fair way of doing things. 6. Of the New Deal programs discussed in this section, which do you consider the most important?
Explain your choice. Think About:
• the type of assistance offered by each program
• the scope of each program
• the impact of each program
I personally think that the assistance offered by each program is most important because the impact of each program wasn't huge and the scope of each program wasn't huge either because each program was set out to help the nation basically as a whole, although each one affected different regions. I do think it is important that certain regions were helped more than others because some regions were in an even greater depression compared to others. I think the very most important was the assistance offered by each program because different people needed different things. For instance, if a farmer was having financial trouble, he wouldn't want to be put to work in construction because he is a farmer, so the AAA was helpful to a farmer, but not some others. Having each program offer something different gave a wide variety to the help people could receive.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Hardship and Suffering During the Depression
1. What were some of Hoover's key convictions about government?
Hoover believed strongly in the government of the United States, that if there was some type of problem then the government should step in to help. As the reading states, "Like many Americans of the time, Hoover believed that one of government's chief functions was to foster cooperation between competing groups and interests in society.If business and labor were in a conflict, for example, government should step in and help them find a solution that served their mutual interests" Therefore if there was to be some issue with poverty, he believed the government should step in. He did believe that the government's role was to help, but not to control.
2. What did President Herbert Hoover say and do in response to the Great Depression?
In response to the great depression, Hoover didn't give "hand outs". As the reading says, "They should take care of the,selves and their families, rather than depend on the government to bail them out. Thus, Hoover opposed any form of federal welfare, or direct relief to the needy" However he did "call together key leaders in the fields of business, banking, and labor. He urged them to work together to find solutions to the nation's economic woes and to act in ways that would not make a bad situation worse" He did things like ask business owners not to cut wages or lay off workers, and laborers to not demand higher prices and go on strike.He also "appealed to Congress to pass a series of measures to reform banking, provide mortgage relief and funnel more federal money into business investment" which was a change considering Hoover's general ideas.
3. Why do you think people blamed Hoover for the nation's difficulties?
I think people blamed Hoover for the nation's difficulties because he wasn't leading the country when they were in trouble, which is what a president is supposed to do in a time of need. he was only "helping out" and not controlling, but to be frank, the position of president is a controlling position and he shouldn't have become president if he only wanted to help out the country. He also believed that social welfare shouldn't exist because people should be able to know how to make it on their own. Well, that's a super idea Hoover. People needed help so they asked for it, but Hoover was of none.
Hoover believed (as i already stated) that hand outs are not acceptable, He believed people should "succeed through their own efforts" Although this view did prove that Hoover had faith in the people of his country and did believe they could take care of themselves without assistance. This translates badly into his role in government however. Since Hoover had this belief about the people. he didn't take on a very good leadership role in helping the people, because he didn't think the people actually needed his help. His policies, although inspiring on some level, weren't very effective, people were blaming him left and right for the nation's difficulties.
5. What did the Bonus Army want and how did Hoover respond?
The bonus army wanted to have the Patman Bill passed again because it was under debate and it would give permission to the government to pay out a bonus to WWI veterans that had not been adequately compensated for their service to the country. In response Hoover said " the Bonus Marchers were 'Communists and persons with criminal records' rather than veterans" he opposed the legislation. Fearing that the group would become violent, he had people gassed, including a baby, two were shot and some injured as well.
Roosevelt was so certain to defeat Hoover because Hoover was just an awful president. No one liked Hoover, because he wouldn't help them in their time of need, which is what a president is supposed to do. He couldn't man up and be a president when he needed to be, he couldn't lead and he couldn't control the country, only help. What do you think a role in government is for? Hoover also got over 1000 killed that had fought for the country, because they wanted to be paid for their service. Not only was he a bad president, but just a bad person.
Hoover believed strongly in the government of the United States, that if there was some type of problem then the government should step in to help. As the reading states, "Like many Americans of the time, Hoover believed that one of government's chief functions was to foster cooperation between competing groups and interests in society.If business and labor were in a conflict, for example, government should step in and help them find a solution that served their mutual interests" Therefore if there was to be some issue with poverty, he believed the government should step in. He did believe that the government's role was to help, but not to control.
2. What did President Herbert Hoover say and do in response to the Great Depression?
In response to the great depression, Hoover didn't give "hand outs". As the reading says, "They should take care of the,selves and their families, rather than depend on the government to bail them out. Thus, Hoover opposed any form of federal welfare, or direct relief to the needy" However he did "call together key leaders in the fields of business, banking, and labor. He urged them to work together to find solutions to the nation's economic woes and to act in ways that would not make a bad situation worse" He did things like ask business owners not to cut wages or lay off workers, and laborers to not demand higher prices and go on strike.He also "appealed to Congress to pass a series of measures to reform banking, provide mortgage relief and funnel more federal money into business investment" which was a change considering Hoover's general ideas.
3. Why do you think people blamed Hoover for the nation's difficulties?
I think people blamed Hoover for the nation's difficulties because he wasn't leading the country when they were in trouble, which is what a president is supposed to do in a time of need. he was only "helping out" and not controlling, but to be frank, the position of president is a controlling position and he shouldn't have become president if he only wanted to help out the country. He also believed that social welfare shouldn't exist because people should be able to know how to make it on their own. Well, that's a super idea Hoover. People needed help so they asked for it, but Hoover was of none.
4. How did Hoover's belief in "rugged individualism" shape his policies during the Great Depression.
Think About:
• what his belief implies about his view of people
• how that translates into the role of government
• Hoover’s policies (How effective were they?) Hoover believed (as i already stated) that hand outs are not acceptable, He believed people should "succeed through their own efforts" Although this view did prove that Hoover had faith in the people of his country and did believe they could take care of themselves without assistance. This translates badly into his role in government however. Since Hoover had this belief about the people. he didn't take on a very good leadership role in helping the people, because he didn't think the people actually needed his help. His policies, although inspiring on some level, weren't very effective, people were blaming him left and right for the nation's difficulties.
5. What did the Bonus Army want and how did Hoover respond?
The bonus army wanted to have the Patman Bill passed again because it was under debate and it would give permission to the government to pay out a bonus to WWI veterans that had not been adequately compensated for their service to the country. In response Hoover said " the Bonus Marchers were 'Communists and persons with criminal records' rather than veterans" he opposed the legislation. Fearing that the group would become violent, he had people gassed, including a baby, two were shot and some injured as well.
6. When Franklin Delano Roosevelt heard about the attack on the Bonus Army, why was he so certain that he would defeat Hoover?
Think About:
• the American public’s impression of Hoover (See your answer to No. 3)
• Hoover’s actions to alleviate the Great Depression (see your answer to No. 4)
• how people judged Hoover after the attack. Roosevelt was so certain to defeat Hoover because Hoover was just an awful president. No one liked Hoover, because he wouldn't help them in their time of need, which is what a president is supposed to do. He couldn't man up and be a president when he needed to be, he couldn't lead and he couldn't control the country, only help. What do you think a role in government is for? Hoover also got over 1000 killed that had fought for the country, because they wanted to be paid for their service. Not only was he a bad president, but just a bad person.
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