New Deal as Revolutionary

The New Deal represents revolution because it drastically changed the role of government over a short period of time. Specifically, the amount of government’s role in welfare, labor relations, and business were radically altered. First, the government took a completely different stance on welfare when Franklin Roosevelt entered the White House. Previously seen as socialist and too radical, the government now began to offer types of welfare for Americans in this time of crisis. Plans such as the CCC, WPA, and CWA offered Americans opportunities, which the government had never before. FDR’s administration was the first to provide government assistance to help Americans find jobs, especially during a recession or depression. Also, the Social Security Act passed during FDR’s presidency provided unprecedented welfare for the people. It was the first assistance available to disabled (although only for blind originally, it spread to accommodate others in need). This act also benefited fatherless children, in a way that the government had never done before. In terms of direct assistance to the people, FDR took a more hands-on approach than any prior president had.

Also, the government’s opinions on labor and business changed severely during FDR’s term. FDR had a much more pro-labor stance than previous presidents, who tended to side with business. FDR was radical in his support of unions, and using them to negotiate strikes. Unlike previous presidents, FDR did not use force to end strikes; by creating the NLRB and encouraging unions through 7a of the Wagner Act he changed this. He emphasized the importance of business and unions cooperating. This in turn gave laborers new rights, even more than they received during the Progressive Era. Overall, FDR went above and beyond in changing these policies within America. His actions in negotiating between business and labor and increased welfare gave the government much more power than it had previously. A much more active role was taken in ending the depression, as opposed to the hands-off, lassiez-faire approach used in the past.