The Second New Deal (1935-1936)

Roosevelt's Second New Deal focused on "Workers, Infrastructures and Welfare State" with enhanced social and economic measures.

Social Measures:

1. The National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) of 1935:

   • Improved workers' rights
   • Guaranteed the right to organize trade unions and lead strikes

2. The Social Security Act of 1935:

   • Established a rudimentary welfare state in the US
   • Provided assistance to sick, disabled, unemployed people, and widows

Quote: "The Social Security Act established a first form of welfare state in the US."

Economic Measures:

1. Farm Security Administration (formerly Resettlement Administration):

   • Combated rural poverty
   • Assisted poor farmers in buying land or relocating
   • Built camps with improved living conditions for migrant workers

2. Works Progress Administration (WPA):

   • Created jobs in public works and cultural projects

Vocabulary: Welfare state - A system where the government takes responsibility for protecting and promoting the economic and social well-being of its citizens.

The Second New Deal built upon the foundation laid by the First New Deal, addressing criticisms and expanding social welfare programs. These measures helped further stabilize the economy and provide support for struggling Americans during the ongoing recovery from the Great Depression.

Highlight: The New Deal programs, while controversial, played a significant role in reshaping American society and the role of government in citizens' lives.

Second New Deal and Social Reforms

The Second New Deal (1935-1936) shifted focus toward "Workers, Infrastructures and Welfare State," introducing significant social and economic reforms.

Definition: The National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) of 1935 established fundamental workers' rights, including union organization and strike capabilities.

Highlight: The Social Security Act of 1935 created America's first comprehensive welfare state system, providing assistance to the sick, disabled, unemployed, and widows.

Key economic measures included:

• Transformation of the Resettlement Administration into the Farm Security Administration
• Creation of the Works Progress Administration
• Development of improved living conditions for migrant workers

Example: The Farm Security Administration specifically targeted rural poverty, helping poor farmers purchase land or relocate to better areas, including newly created greenbelt cities.

The Great Depression and Roosevelt's Election

The Great Depression of 1929-1933 devastated the American economy, leading to Franklin D. Roosevelt's election as president.

Highlight: The Wall Street stock market crash of 1929 triggered the Great Depression, resulting in widespread business failures, bank closures, and unemployment.

Key impacts of the Great Depression included:

• 100,000 businesses failed, including thousands of banks
• 13 million Americans were jobless by 1933 (25% unemployment rate)
• US Gross National Product declined by 50%

Roosevelt's election promise to improve Americans' lives resonated with voters. He assembled a team of experts called the "Brains Trust" to develop the New Deal.

Definition: The New Deal was Roosevelt's series of programs aimed at providing "Relief, Recovery, and Reform" (the 3 R's) to combat the effects of the Great Depression.

The First New Deal (1933-1934)

Roosevelt's initial New Deal focused on three main areas:

1. Bank Reform:

   • Temporarily closed all banks for inspection
   • Passed the Emergency Banking Act
   • Introduced "Fireside chats" to explain policies via radio
   • Created the Security Exchange Commission to regulate stock markets

2. Relief Programs:

   • Established the Federal Emergency Relief Administration
   • Hired unemployed workers for government projects
   • Created the Civilian Conservation Corps for young men

3. Economic Recovery Measures:

   • Formed the Agricultural Adjustment Administration to help farmers
   • Implemented the National Industrial Recovery Act
   • Developed the Tennessee Valley Authority to combat poverty and environmental issues

Example: The Civilian Conservation Corps employed about 3 million young men to work on projects in national parks, planting trees, and other conservation efforts.