Federal Reform Flashcards
Intro
Other Historians argue that FDR’s New Deal provided Federal Reform to the American people.
Benchmark
In 1932 the government did not provide a substantial form of federal relief. The federal relief available was not consistent as it was provided by the state, charities and local authorities.
Knowledge 1
One piece of legislation passed by FDR was the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), March 1933 which provided federal money for relief for the unemployed - soup kitchens, school costs.
Analysis 1
This Legislation was successful as although the pay wasn’t incredibly high, Americans acknowledged the support government was trying to provide and appreciated it.
Knowledge 2
Furthermore, the Social Security Act (SSA), 1935 provided old-age pensions to be funded by employee and employer contributions.
Analysis 2
This act was successful as it provided a new state pension for old people and widows. It also provided for the disabled and the poor. Many Americans were very happy with the government for this as it had lowered the chances of those in harder positions from struggling to stay alive and stable.
Counter Analysis
However, it could be argued that these legislation’s were not good enough as (FERA) only paid an average family in relief $25 per month whilst the minimum wage for subsistence was $100. furthermore the SSA failed to meet the needs of the poor and excluded many working groups such as agricultural workers, and small-scale employers.
Evaluation
To evaluate, whilst FDR clearly attempted to address the Federal issues at the time, he was majorly unsuccessful. This was proven by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), March 1933 which gave work, meals, and a small wage for young men aged 17-24. Not only was this a limited age range, but it was only open to white men, not women or POC. It also did not guarantee workers would be put back on relief after leaving.
