Effects of New Deal How effective were New Deal Programs in the short- and long-term? How effective were New Deal Programs for minorities?

I. Minority Groups’ Involvement Women appointed to FDR’s cabinet Frances Perkins = Secretary of Labor 1st female cabinet member African American Leadership Roles 100 + African-Americans appointed to key gov’t positions Mary McLeod Bethune Headed the Division of Negro Affairs & the National Youth Admin. Hired African Americans in admin. positions & made sure minority students got help Organized the “Black Cabinet” (group of influential & educated Af. Amer’s) to advise FDR’s Admin. on racial issues C. Native Americans Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 = federal policy changed from assimilation to autonomy D. Real impact on groups limited Fewer women hired and are paid less than men in most New Deal programs Many New Deal programs discriminate against people of color FDR never supports a federal anti-lynching law

II. Physical Rehabilitation of Country A. Attacked soil erosion B. Built dams and planted trees to prevent floods C. Reclaimed the grasslands of the Great Plains D. Developed water power resources E. Encouraged regional reconstruction projects like the TVA and Columbia River project

III. Human Rehabilitation A. Established the principle that gov’t has responsibility for the health, welfare, and security, as well as the protection and education of its citizens B. Embraced social security, public health, housing C. Gov’t began getting more involved in agriculture and labor

IV. Maintenance of a Democratic System A. The New Deal maintained a democratic system of gov’t and society in a world threatened by totalitarianism (think about fascism & communism spreading in Europe) B. Increased size and scope of government to meet needs of the depression C. Provided the leadership that enabled Congress to put through the necessary relief, recovery, and reform measures. D. Sponsored moderate legislation to neutralize the popularity of radical opponents