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?