NEW DEAL

New Deal Notes- Affects Many Groups New Opportunities Women – Gained important government positions Frances Perkins- first female cabinet member – Secretary of labor- role in creating Social Security

– Still faced discrimination in workplace and by employers Minimum wage set lower African Americans – take key positions in government Mary McLeod Bethune- educator focused on promoting opportunities for young African Americans Hired a “black cabinet” to advise Roosevelt on racial issues

Eleanor Roosevelt played a key role in establishing these positions FDR did not promote full equality – Did not want to upset white Democratic voters in the South

Mexican-Americans – Faced discrimination but generally accepted the New Deal programs Native Americans – John Collier- commissioner of Indian affairs – Indian Reorganization Act (1934)- away from assimilation and more towards their own autonomy Economic- tribe owns land Cultural- attend school on reservation Political- elect tribal council to govern

New Deal Coalition an alignment of diverse groups dedicated to supporting the Democratic Party labor unions strengthen and members have better working conditions and bargaining opportunities – some labor disputes ended in sit-down strikes- instead of walking off the job they remained inside and did not work – Republic Steel plant in Chicago- Memorial Day Massacre- where police attack striking workers (10 killed, 84 wounded)

IMPACT OF THE NEW DEAL: NEW DEAL REFORMS – By 1937, the economy had improved slightly and new deal programs were scaled back. Industrial production dropped Some began to criticize the program for extending government power too much – Felt took away freedom – The federal government set up many agencies to help regulate the economy Federal Insurance Corporation (FDIC) helped regulate banking and investment activities – Insured depositors that savings were protected even if a bank failed – The New Deal did not end the Great Depression but did lessen the suffering of thousands WWII will officially end the depression

LASTING REFORMS – Standards were set for wages and hours, child labor was banned, and workers could collectively bargain National Labor Relations Board acts as a mediator in labor disputes – Securities and Exchange Commission monitors the stock market and enforces laws regarding stock selling stocks and bonds – Social Security-helped needy Americans receive assistance Old-age insurance program, unemployment compensation, and disability