The Most Significant Achievements of The New Deal Program
President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration formulated a set of programs and policies designed to alleviate the problems of the Great Depression, which became known as the New Deal. Though the various programs were shown great support by most Americans, many still criticized their purpose, constitutionality, and later effects. However, the responses of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration to the problems of the Great Depression were remarkably effective due to the numerous New Deal policies which aided in economic recovery along with establishing Social Security and the inclusion of minorities in federal programs.
The Great Depression had devastating and lasting effects on the country’s economy. To aid in the recovery from the devastation, President Roosevelt’s administration began implementing programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA), and the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA). The CCC provided jobs for young males that promoted the conservation of natural resources on government-owned land. The AAA paid farmers to not plant on their land, which limited agricultural production to reduce surpluses and, in turn, increased prices. The NIRA allowed the President to regulate wages and prices for industries in favor of fair competition. These programs helped to provide work and relief as well as stabilize, stimulate, and finally recover the economy.
One of the most important achievements of the New Deal was the creation of Social Security. The Social Security Act, passed in 1935, was made up of three major parts. The first part provided old-age insurance for retirees 65 or older and their spouses. This was a supplemental retirement plan and helped make retirement comfortable for millions of people. The second part was an unemployment compensation system. This was funded by a federal tax on employers with initial payments ranging from $15 to $18 per week. The third part provided aid to families with dependent children and the disabled. This aid was paid for by federal funds made available to the states. Although the Social Security Act was not a complete system, it provided substantial benefits to millions of Americans.
During the Great Depression, the groups that suffered the most were minorities, especially African Americans whose unemployment rate was over 50%. The New Deal programs had a mixed impact. Some discriminated against African Americans while others benefited them and their families. For example, the AAA took many black farmers away from their land and the NIRA provisions covered the industries that black workers were usually excluded from. However, they participated in all major employment programs, the CCC, the Public Works Administration, and the Works Progress Administration. Although the New Deal programs had a mixed impact, they aided in the inclusion of minorities in federal programs, especially for African Americans.
The Great Depression caused immense suffering and economic hardship. The New Deal programs were able to re-establish trust in the government and hope among the American people. Many of these programs are still in effect today and have had a lasting impact on the country. In conclusion, the responses of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration to the problems of the Great Depression were remarkably effective due to the numerous New Deal policies which aided in economic recovery along with establishing Social Security and the inclusion of minorities in federal programs.
