Chapter 25 american pageant notes – Chapter 25 of American Pageant, “The New Deal,” invites us on a captivating journey through a pivotal period in American history. This chapter delves into the transformative era led by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, where bold initiatives were implemented to combat the devastating effects of the Great Depression.
Through a comprehensive examination of major programs and policies, we will explore the profound impact of the New Deal on American society and the economy. From the establishment of Social Security to the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority, we will unravel the complexities of this multifaceted chapter.
The American Pageant Chapter 25: The New Deal
The New Deal was a series of programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the United States between 1933 and 1939. It was a response to the Great Depression, the worst economic downturn in the nation’s history.
The New Deal aimed to provide relief to the unemployed, stimulate the economy, and reform the financial system.
The New Deal had a profound impact on American society and the economy. It created millions of jobs, provided financial assistance to the poor and unemployed, and established important regulations to prevent future economic crises. The New Deal also transformed the role of the federal government in the economy, making it more active in regulating the economy and providing social welfare programs.
Major Programs and Policies of the New Deal
The New Deal consisted of a wide range of programs and policies, including:
- The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): Provided jobs for young men in conservation projects.
- The Works Progress Administration (WPA): Provided jobs for millions of unemployed workers in public works projects.
- The Social Security Act: Established a system of old-age pensions, unemployment insurance, and aid to the disabled and needy.
- The National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act): Guaranteed the right of workers to organize unions and bargain collectively.
- The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): Regulated the stock market and protected investors.
- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC): Insured bank deposits up to $5,000.
Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal: Chapter 25 American Pageant Notes
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s leadership during the Great Depression played a pivotal role in shaping the New Deal era. His charismatic personality and optimistic spirit instilled hope and confidence in a nation grappling with economic despair. Roosevelt’s leadership style was characterized by a willingness to experiment and embrace new ideas, as well as a strong belief in the power of government intervention to alleviate the nation’s economic woes.
Roosevelt’s Philosophy of Government Intervention
Roosevelt’s philosophy of government intervention was rooted in the belief that the federal government had a responsibility to actively intervene in the economy to stimulate economic growth and provide relief to those in need. He argued that the laissez-faire approach of the past had failed and that the government needed to take a more proactive role in managing the economy.
Political Challenges Faced by Roosevelt
Roosevelt faced numerous political challenges during the New Deal era. Conservative Democrats, led by Senator Carter Glass, opposed many of Roosevelt’s policies, arguing that they were too expensive and would lead to increased government control over the economy. Republicans, led by former President Herbert Hoover, were also critical of Roosevelt’s policies, accusing him of abandoning the principles of limited government and fiscal responsibility.
The Social Security Act
The Social Security Act, enacted in 1935, was a landmark piece of legislation that established a system of social insurance in the United States. Its purpose was to provide financial assistance to Americans facing economic hardship, particularly during old age, unemployment, and disability.
The Act established three main programs:
- Old-Age Insurance:This program provided monthly payments to retired workers and their spouses, as well as survivors’ benefits to widows and orphans.
- Unemployment Insurance:This program provided temporary financial assistance to workers who had lost their jobs through no fault of their own.
- Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC):This program provided financial assistance to low-income families with children.
Impact on American Society
The Social Security Act had a profound impact on American society. It provided a safety net for millions of Americans who were facing economic hardship, and it helped to reduce poverty and inequality. The Act also contributed to the growth of the American middle class, as it provided workers with a sense of financial security and allowed them to plan for their future.
Evolution of the Social Security Act
The Social Security Act has been amended many times since its enactment. Some of the most significant changes include:
- Expansion of Coverage:The Act has been expanded to cover more workers, including the self-employed and government employees.
- Increase in Benefits:The amount of benefits paid out under the Act has been increased over time, to keep pace with inflation.
- Introduction of New Programs:The Act has been amended to introduce new programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.
The Social Security Act continues to be a vital part of the American social safety net. It provides financial assistance to millions of Americans who are facing economic hardship, and it helps to reduce poverty and inequality.
The National Labor Relations Act
The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), also known as the Wagner Act, was a landmark piece of legislation passed in 1935. The act was designed to protect the rights of workers to organize and bargain collectively with their employers.The NLRA established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), an independent agency responsible for enforcing the act’s provisions.
The NLRB has the authority to investigate unfair labor practices, conduct elections to determine whether workers want to be represented by a union, and issue orders requiring employers to comply with the law.The NLRA has had a significant impact on American labor relations.
The act has helped to increase the number of workers who are unionized, and it has given unions more power to bargain for better wages and working conditions. The NLRA has also helped to reduce the number of strikes and other forms of labor unrest.
Provisions of the National Labor Relations Act
The NLRA contains a number of provisions that protect the rights of workers. These provisions include:
- The right to organize and bargain collectively
- The right to strike
- The right to be free from discrimination based on union membership
- The right to a fair hearing before an independent arbitrator
Impact of the National Labor Relations Act
The NLRA has had a significant impact on American labor relations. The act has helped to increase the number of workers who are unionized, and it has given unions more power to bargain for better wages and working conditions. The NLRA has also helped to reduce the number of strikes and other forms of labor unrest.
Examples of How the National Labor Relations Act Has Been Used to Protect Workers’ Rights
The NLRA has been used to protect workers’ rights in a number of ways. For example, the NLRB has:
- Ordered employers to reinstate workers who have been fired for union activity
- Required employers to bargain with unions that have been elected by their workers
- Prohibited employers from discriminating against workers based on their union membership
The NLRA has been a vital tool in protecting the rights of American workers. The act has helped to create a more level playing field between workers and employers, and it has made it possible for workers to have a voice in their workplaces.
The Tennessee Valley Authority
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is a federally owned corporation created in 1933 to promote economic development in the Tennessee Valley region. The region had been struggling with poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation, and the TVA was tasked with developing the region’s natural resources, providing flood control, and improving navigation on the Tennessee River.
Provisions of the TVA
The TVA was given broad powers to accomplish its goals. It could build dams, generate and sell electricity, develop new industries, and provide loans to businesses. The TVA also had the power to acquire land, relocate residents, and condemn property.
This level of authority has allowed the TVA to implement ambitious projects and make significant changes to the Tennessee Valley region.
Impact of the TVA
The TVA has had a major impact on the Tennessee Valley region. The dams built by the TVA have provided flood control, improved navigation on the Tennessee River, and generated electricity for the region. The TVA has also helped to develop new industries in the region, such as aluminum production and chemical manufacturing.
The TVA’s efforts have led to increased economic growth and improved living standards in the Tennessee Valley region.
Economic Development, Chapter 25 american pageant notes
The TVA has been used to promote economic development in the Tennessee Valley region in a number of ways. The TVA has provided loans to businesses, helped to develop new industries, and improved infrastructure in the region. The TVA has also worked to attract new businesses to the region and to promote tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary goal of the New Deal?
The New Deal aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform in response to the devastating effects of the Great Depression.
How did the Social Security Act impact American society?
The Social Security Act established a comprehensive social welfare system, providing financial assistance to the elderly, unemployed, and disabled.
What was the purpose of the National Labor Relations Act?
The National Labor Relations Act protected the rights of workers to organize unions and engage in collective bargaining.
