The New Deal

The New Deal is the set of legislation passed during the Franklin Roosevelt administration. This legislation has been widely acclaimed or criticized over the course of the last 75 years for various reasons. Many approved of the New Deal and President Roosevelt as they viewed him and his New Deal as the reason their troubles eased over the course of the 1930’s. Many were given jobs; were again given the ability to provide for their families; an ability they had lost since the stock market crash in 1929. These people’s unyielding support for Roosevelt, gave him the popularity, and thus the power necessary to push for further legislation as the 1930’s went forward. Others, greatly distrusted Roosevelt and his New Deal. Some criticized Roosevelt for leaning towards fascism or socialism in his approaches to industry, economics, and welfare. Many criticisms of President Roosevelt generally remained unheard until the mid to late 1930’s as his support began to dwindle. Today, historians have the advantage of looking at events in history and the lasting effects that remain. It becomes easier to judge the advantages and disadvantages of the New Deal; however, even so, the New Deal supporters and detractors remain generally split as to the value of this program. In this thesis, I will take a look at the events that led to the collapse of the stock market as well as the Great Depression itself. From there I will look at the response President Hoover made for the American people, and ultimately why his timid response allowed Franklin Roosevelt to win the population so overwhelmingly. His rhetoric brought millions to listen. By the election of 1932, Hoover realistically stood no chance for re-election. From the beginning of President Roosevelt’s first term, we will look at several key pieces of legislation that compose the New Deal, as well as reasons for general support, as well as the reasons of disapproval.

October 29, 1929, the stock market collapsed sending the United States into what has been forever labeled as the Great Depression. Prior to this economic collapse, the United States had witnessed a magnificent level of success both economically, technologically, and socially. This country prospered, and her citizens enjoyed a quality of life unlike any other period of time prior in American history.

The 1920’s was viewed at the time, as the peak of technological development. Arguably every aspect of American society was heavily influenced by new inventions, and technology. By 1927, the Ford Motor Co. had reached 15 million Model T’s. Although, compared today, that number of automobiles was minimal, it was the beginning of an era. Factories were now producing mass quantities of good at affordable prices. Personal automotive transportation would change the way this country would forever operate. However, that is only one of many inventions that would change American culture. Others, such as the creation of the television in 1923 by John Logie Baird from Scotland, continue even to this day to effect our society. The creation of the household radio became the internet of the 1920’s. Although created prior to the 1920’s, its use did not make it into the homes until after World War I. People relied on the radio as their means for news and entertainment. This would also prove to be a most valuable tool for President Roosevelt come 1932. His fireside chats were a means of connection with the American public that assisted in his ability to ensure almost any legislation he desired to be passed. Yet another advance in the 1920’s was the use of airplanes to deliver mail. This made communication via letters a relatively quick method of communication. The 1920’s appeared to be the beginning of things to come. For the American public, it seemed as if the sky was the limit.