The Second New deal Takes Hold

1. The Second New deal Takes Hold Chapter 15-2

2. The Second Hundred Days • Although the economy had improved during FDR’s first two years in office he was seeking a way to continue building on what was already established • The unemployment rate remained high & production levels remained low • Nevertheless the New Deal remained very popular & FDR would launch a second burst of activity known as the Second New Deal • Under the Second New Deal FDR called for Congress to enact legislation that would provide more extensive relief for the farmer as well as workers • FDR would be prodded by his wife, Eleanor, who would travel the country reminding the President of the suffering of America's people

3. Reelecting FDR • The Second New Deal was underway by the time the 1936 election rolled around • The election would pit Alfred Landon of the Republican party against FDR & the Democrats • The election was no contest as FDR won an overwhelming victory as well as victories in the House & Senate • The 1936 election was a great vote of confidence for FDR as it marked the first time that a majority of African Americans as well as labor unions had voted Democratic rather than Republican

4. Focusing on Farms • When the AAA was struck down by the Supreme Court in 1936 it was replaced by the Soil Conservation & Domestic Allotment Act • This act would reward farmers who practiced soil conservation • Two years later a new AAA was passed which carried many of the same provisions that the first did • The exception was the processing tax which the SC declared unconstitutional in the first AAA • Also created was the Resettlement Administration which would provide cash for small farmers to buy land • The administration would be replaced in 1937 with the Farm Security Administration which would continue the policies of the Resettlement Administration

5. FDR Extends Relief • Under the Second New Deal the Works Progress Administration (WPA) would be set up with the purpose of creating as many jobs as quickly as possible • Between 1935-1943 more than 8 million workers would be employed • They would build air ports, roads & streets, & public buildings • Women would be employed as seamstress as they would create more than 300 million garments for the needy • The program would produce many beneficial public works as well as create a lasting sense of value & hope to a nation of workers, it gave the common man a sense of pride & dignity

6. FDR Extends Relief • In addition professionals were employed to write guides to cities & historical narratives, paint murals, & preform in theaters around the country • To assist the youth the National Youth Administration (NYA) with the goal of providing education, jobs, counseling, & recreation • The NYA also provided direct aid to high school, college, & graduate students, in exchange students would work part time positions at their school

7. Improving Labor Conditions • The Second new Deal would bring about many new laws that would benefit the everyday worker as well as those retired • One of the very first pieces of legislation that was passed in the Second New Deal was the Wagner Act of National Labor Relations Act • The act would establish the right to collective bargaining or the right of the union • The act also prohibited employers from threatening workers who supported the union • The National Labor Relations Board was set up to hear testimony about unfair labor practices as well as to hold elections to see if employees wanted to join a union • Also passed was the Fair Labor Standards Act which set the maximum weekly hours at 44 per week & would lower it to 40 after 2 years • Minimum wage was also set at $.25 an hour rising to $.40 in 1945 • Working conditions were also established for handling hazardous materials & those under 16

8. The Social Security Act • One of the most important aspects of the New Deal was the creation of the Social Security System • The Social Security Act contained 3 major parts • Old age insurance for those 65 or older • Unemployment compensation • Aid to dependent children & the disabled

9. Expanding & Regulating Utilities • The second New Deal also regulated utilities as well as provided electricity for many rural areas • The Rural Electrification Administration (REA) was charged with this task • In 1935 only 12.5% of America’s farms had electricity • The figure would rise to 90% by 1949 • Further legislation, The Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 also attempted to curb the corruption & graft of some utility companies