The Great Depression: FDR and the New Deal

1. The Great Depression: FDR and the New Deal

2. OPENING ACTIVITY • How is FDR portrayed? • What challenges does FDR face as he embarks on his new job as president? • What objects are included in the cartoon, and what do they symbolize? • What does, “man of the hour” mean?

3. The New Deal • “I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people.” • FDR, Acceptance speech at Democratic Convention, 1932

4. The New Deal • “The New Deal” was the name of the programs developed by FDR from 1933-1937. • Goal • Relief, Recovery, and Reform • FDR’s first “100 Days”. • Created “alphabet agencies,” some set up by Congress, others by executive order, to help Americans during this difficult period. • FDR told the American people at his inaugural: “This nation asks for action, and action now.”

5. New Deal: Supporters Supporters Said … • Brought economic recovery • Prevented the economic and political collapse of the U.S. • Created government jobs for unemployed • Created programs to prevent future depressions • Gave relief to the farmers • Created jobs for young American • Instilled more hope in the future • Supported the work of artists • Federal government responsible for economy.

6. New Deal: Critics Critics thought that… • The New Deal did not do enough for people • Too expensive • It was disorganized and the programs were not well thought out. • It did not address African Americans’ troubles • Tremendous cost would further bankrupt the country • The Supreme Court and others felt it gave the president too much power. Some judges felt it was unconstitutional. • It expanded the role of the federal government

7. New Deal: Alphabet Agencies

8. New Deal: Alphabet Agencies

9. New Deal: Alphabet Agencies

10. WPA Posters

11. Picture Analysis • What is the message here about Roosevelt’s New Deal? • How is FDR portrayed here? Explain

12. FDR Fireside Chats: Background • From 1929 and 1931, 4,000 banks closed for good; by 1933 the number rose to more than 9,000, with $2.5 billion in lost deposits. Banks never have as much in their vaults as people deposited. • Right after FRD was inaugurated, he declared a national 4-day "bank holiday," closing banks to examine the assets each bank had and actually closed banks that were found financially insolvent. In FRD’S first Fireside Chat, He said, “….it is safer to keep your money in a reopened bank than under the mattress.”

13. Presidential Communication • How does President Obama communicate information to the American public?

14. FDR: Fireside Chats • The fireside chats were a series of 30 evening radio talks given by President Roosevelt between 1933 and 1944, in an attempt to gain support for his New Deal. The Fireside Chats, broadcasted from the White House, gave people a sense of hope and security during difficult times, and helped keep Roosevelt popular despite the continuing depression.

15. FDR: Fireside Chats • FDR’s first Fireside Chat was on March 12, 1933, and the theme was on the banking crisis He explained the measures taken to solve it, and made clear to the country the various facts that might otherwise have been confusing. His talk did much to restore confidence in the government. On May 7, 1933 Fireside Chat broadcast, FDR outlined his plans for the New Deal.