1. 18.3 Effects of the New Deal

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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