New Deal Dbq Essay

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Having experienced severe unemployment, food shortages, and a corrupt Presidential administration under Herbert Hoover; the American people were beginning to be crushed by the Great Depression. However, things began to turn in a more positive direction as Franklin D. Roosevelt stepped into office and began implementing his New Deal programs. FDR and his entire presidential administration responded to the depression by putting in new policies that would successfully address issues, leading to reform, relief, and recovery. Roosevelt's response to the Great Depression with the New Deal programs was instrumental in stopping America's economic decline, reviving millions of Americans, reforming old policies, and ultimately expanding the government's …show more content…

Lewis finds the Wagner Act to be valid, which ended up being FDR's response to the "widespread labor unrest". (Doc G) The Wagner Act was installed to address the concerns of workers over their rights as union members as well as their ability to collectively bargain. The act proved effective as labor unrest began to dwindle. Companies like “General Motors or US Steel” could not have the final say on the treatment of employees. Roosevelt capitalized on this opportunity to further expand the government's authority by establishing the National Labor Relations Board, which was responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Wagner Act. The Wagner Act represented a significant departure from traditional government roles, as it signaled the government's commitment to promoting social justice in addition to safeguarding citizens' political and economic …show more content…

Additionally, the AAA was one of the programs that "retarded the recovery of industrial activity." The AAA aimed to increase farm prices by paying farmers to reduce overproduction, thus stabilizing prices. However, millions of Americans were still starving, so it seemed more reasonable to provide the surplus food to those in need. The AAA was declared unconstitutional as it expanded the government's power excessively. Under the AAA, the agricultural sector was considered a "creeping socialism" as the government regulated production levels. The government's intervention in the private sector was becoming too intrusive, leading to concerns that "the Administration in Washington is hastening its pace towards socialism." (Doc B). Under FDR, Congress was made a rubber stamp and FDR's policies went through undisputed. Therefore, many of FDR's "socialist" policies ended up becoming implemented. The courts reacted, shutting down both NIRA and the AAA because they not only proved impractical, but also tried to greatly expand the role of the

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