18.3 Effects of the New Deal

Women Eleanor Roosevelt empowers women; calls on Americans to have equal justice for all Molley Dewson—head of the Women’s Division of the Democratic Party Believed Eleanor gave women access to the president Frances Perkins—first female cabinet member— Secretary of Labor Critics of New Deal argued it reemphasized traditional gender differences

African Americans Eleanor Roosevelt protested racial discrimination FDR invited African American leaders to advise him Known as “Black Cabinet” FDR did not support anti-lynching laws b/c then Southern Democrats would block his bills Some New Deal measures unintentionally hurt African Americans Federal payments to farmers to produce less caused them to fire/evict black sharecroppers African Americans didn’t receive equal pay Social Security and Fair Labor Standards Act exempted domestic workers and farm laborers; 2 occupations African Americans did most

Native Americans FDR changed past policies such as the Dawes Act (1887) Created Indian New Deal Gave economic assistance and greater control over their own affairs Built new hospitals and schools Created Indian Civilian Conservation Corps Encourages Indian relations, native languages and traditional customs Created Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 Restored tribal control over NA land

New Deal Creates a New Political Coalition Roosevelt elected to 4th term (1945) United a political group called the New Deal Coalition United southern whites, northern blue-collar, poor Midwestern farmers, African Americans Gave Democrats the majority in Congress

Role of the Government Broke tradition of laissez-faire economics and became involved Acted as employer of unemployed Sponsored work projects Critics claimed New Deal promoted socialism Created welfare-state: government assumes responsibility for children, poor, elderly, sick, disabled and unemployed

Liberals v. Conservatives Liberals believe gvmnt should assume responsibility Conservatives believe the expansion of the federal government limits Americans rights

FDR and the Environment CCC—restored forests and preserved environment Started soil conservation Dams helped people, but disrupted natural environment, displaced Natives and farmers, destroyed Native Amn burial grounds as well as fishing/hunting grounds

The Depression and the Role of the President Gave executive branch more power Made president closer to people with radio address and public works projects When FDR ran for 3rd term, he knew he was breaking a tradition set by Washington After his death, Congress passes 22nd Amendment limiting the president to two terms

Overview of New Deal FDIC and SEC restore trust in banks/stock market Federal Housing Authority (FHA) provided low interest loans, increased home ownership Wagner Act Increased purchasing power of minorities and poor Created child labor laws Workers comp Unemployed insurance Started public works projects Rural Electrification Administration—brought electricity to rural farmers SS programs