Social relief Flashcards
Topic sentence
FDRs New deal aimed to provide people with social relief.
Background
Before 1932, the loss of income following the Great Depression led to unheard of social suffering. Unemployment rose drastically during this time, however America was not fit for dealing with this as they were still committed to the laissez - faire approach and rugged individualism. Additionally there was no federal support from the Government at this time.
Evidence 1
In 1935, the Works Progress Administration was passed which employed nearly 2 million people for public works projects e.g building roads and schools.
Analysis 1
This therefore provided people with social relief as it took on people who would of otherwise been unemployed and paid workers $52 per month which was greater than relief (e.g FERA)
Counter Analysis
However, it could be argued that the WPA wasn’t completely successful in achieving social relief as although $52 per month was greater than relief, it was less than the going rate of the industry.
Evidence 2
Additionally, the Farm credit Act was introduced in March 1933 which helped farmers by giving them low interest loans to help them over the hard times.
Analysis 2
This provided people with social relief as it prevented farmers from loosing their farms and therefore both their homes and their livelihood.
Evaluation
To evaluate, although the Goverment could of paid workers more to fully deal with this issue, it is clear that FDRs New Deal provided people with social relief. This is because it provided employment opportunities for many people who were unemployed. Additionally, FDR provided Americans with social relief through the home owners loan corporation (1933) which reduced homelessness as it loaned money to people who faced eviction from their homes. However the New Deal was more successful in achieving economic recovery as it completely solved the banking crisis.
