In the election of 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt ran as the nominee for Democrat Party. He offered a “New Deal” with the American people, arguing that the government could work for the people of the United States in order to bring relief, recovery, and reform to the country during the Great Depression. The New Deal became a series of programs, reforms, projects, and regulations designed to rescue the country from economic disaster and to prevent further economic decline. Most of the New Deal initiatives fit into one of three categories (relief – putting people back to work and stabilizing the economy; recovery — creating agencies and programs that would prevent further economic downfall; and reform — initiatives that could close the inequality gap for many Americans and stabilize the American economy long-term). For this discussion thread you will do the following:
Watch one of the videos below (there are descriptions that will help you determine your selection).
In 250-300 words, start a discussion thread in which you describe the program you selected and discuss whether or not the program fell into the relief, recovery, or reform category. What did it do for the people for whom it was trying to assist?
In your closing paragraph, detail any inconsistencies or issues related to the program. If the program fell short and/or had a profound impact on an area or people, discuss that information here.
Videos from which to choose:
Tennessee Valley Authority Act (brings conservation, electricity, and infrastructure to the TN valley, which includes several states) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AfVbBL02fM
Works Progress Administration (later Works Projects Administration) – created a variety of jobs throughout America for the unemployed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlQmOOBfYWo
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC — jobs program for young, out-of-work men who worked on conservation projects): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XJkxJ–EtM
Rural Electrification Administration (how many parts of rural America, including Georgia, received electricity): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_hbB3v3WGY