The New Deal, introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression, was a series of programs and reforms aimed at reviving the American economy. I firmly believe that the New Deal was a success and had a profoundly positive impact on the United States. By examining two significant New Deal programs, we can see how the New Deal successfully supported the economy and provided crucial relief to millions of Americans. One of the key programs of the New Deal was the Civilian Conservation Corps, which was designed to provide employment for young men and improve the nation’s natural resources. As Roosevelt described in his 1933 Fireside Chat, the CCC aimed to employ a quarter of a million unemployed men in forestry and flood prevention work, thus enhancing the value of natural resources while also relieving economic distress (Roosevelt, 1933). This program not only provided immediate employment but also contributed to long term environmental conservation and infrastructure improvement, laying a foundation for future economic growth. Another crucial program was the Social Security Act of 1935, which introduced pensions for the elderly and unemployment insurance for workers who lost their jobs. …show more content…
Huey Long’s "Share Our Wealth" plan, called for more drastic redistribution of wealth and criticized the New Deal for empowering the rich in different ways (Huey Long, 1934). Similarly, Coughlin's National Union for Social Justice wanted the government to take control of major industries and criticized the New Deal for not doing enough to change the current economic power structures. Charles Coughlin, 1934. "The 'Peace of the World'" Despite these criticisms, the New Deal's gradual reforms kept the basics of American capitalism and democracy intact while making important social and economic