The New Deal

EffectsThe New Deal did not end the

Great Depression, but it helped lessen the harshness of it.

EffectsThe White House became the

center of Government. The federal government became

responsible for the well-being of people.

Affects on minorities Some women were elected to official

positions in the government. ◦Frances Perkins – cabinet member

Roosevelt appointed first female ambassador and female federal judges◦Why would he do this?

Still, there was discrimination in the workplace.

New Opportunities for African Americans

Mary McLeod Bethune◦Head of the National Youth

Administration, Office of Minority Affairs.

◦Organized “Black Cabinet”

Eleanor Roosevelt also helped open doors for African Americans in government ◦Marian Anderson sings at Lincoln

Memorial!

Roosevelt & Civil RightsRoosevelt never fully

committed to full civil rights for African Americans. ◦ Why do you think this was?

Did not support:◦ Federal anti-lynching laws◦ Ending the poll tax*

Many New Deal programs favored white Americans

However, many African

American’s supported Roosevelt!

Mexican American FortunesSupported the New Deal, even

though they got fewer benefits than others.

Many worked on the farms and for the CCC and WPA.

Native American GainsStrong government support from

the New Deal! ◦Full citizenship!

Indian Reorganization Act of 1934◦Prohibited government from taking

over unclaimed reservation lands and selling them to people other than Native Americans

◦Restored some reservation lands!

The Labor Front Workers rights were protected

with the New Deal. Standard wages/hours, banning

child labor and ensuring the right of workers to organize and bargain were things many New Deal programs helped do.

New Deal Coalition Alignment of diverse

groups dedicated to supporting the Democratic Party ◦Southern whites, urban

groups, African Americans & unionized industrial workers

What does this mean for the democratic party?

Agriculture Quotas set to control surplusesPrice supports for farmers and

federal aid to farmers helpedSet minimum wages!

Banks and Finances Programs established new policies

to monitor the banks and the stock market and enforce laws regarding the sale of stocks and bonds. ◦Securities and Exchange Commission◦Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ◦Emergency Banking Act

New Deal – Did it help or not? Please read the handout given in

class. On each side, circle or highlight points that support the claim!

Now, decide which side you take and WHY. Write your reasons off to the side.

Discussion QuestionsIn what ways did the new deal

succeed? In what ways did the new deal

fail? Which side are you on and why?