The two separate agencies fulfilled the initial aims made by Roosevelt. Roosevelt also set up many other similar agencies with the same purpose. Many of the agencies helped to ease the unemployment situation. Other organisations had contrasting aims. However, all agencies worked toward improving morale.
2. There are many possible explanations as to why Roosevelt acted in the ways he
chose. Roosevelt’s drastic actions could well have been influenced by previous
events. Roosevelt was aware of the sacrifices the American public were forced
to make. The poor living conditions were a direct result of the Wall Street Crash.
The Wall Street Crash had a dramatic effect. Almost all Americans suffered. The
American economy was hit hard, valuable assets became worthless. Due to the
banking crisis many Americans were forced to live in unfortunate conditions.
It was almost impossible for the American people to get themselves out of their
situation as they could not find work. Many aims in the New Deal attempted to
solve the unemployment problem. The unemployment, I believe, forced Roosevelt
to take action.
Not only had the American public suffered financially they also lost a great deal of
confidence. The morale of the public, similar to the finances, had reached a
dramatically low point. The Americans felt worthless, they had lost all purpose. I
believe that Roosevelt sensed this. Roosevelt was well aware of the problems the
public faced. He wanted to get his people out of the Depression. Aspects of the
New Deal such as providing relief for the sick and unemployed attempted to solve
this situation.
3. There are many possible sides to the argument as to whether the New Deal was a
success. It is important to recognise the state of the American Economy before
Roosevelt’s reign. Before the New Deal, America was experiencing some of
the worst moments in the entire history of the country. Roosevelt was forced
to make snap decisions. I believe that Roosevelt responded to the situation
in the best way possible. Admittedly, not all problems were solved – unemployment
remained high. Resolutions were only partially successful. Although Roosevelt did
prevent the Depression from getting any worse.
In order to make our own judgement of the New Deal, we must judge it by what
it was intended to do. Solving unemployment is often considered as the main aim,
yet it is not the only one. Roosevelt was determined to restore faith in the USA.
Previous to the New Deal, nearly all Americans were lacking in morale. Roosevelt
turned that situation around almost completely. The public had confidence in their
country again. However, not all the terms of the New Deal succeed in this way.
Left-wingers criticised the New Deal for not doing enough to change the country.
They denounced Roosevelt for not helping the poor. Left-wing parties also attacked
the New Deal for not providing a better lifestyle for Black Americans. Some of the
terms in the New Deal allowed blacks to be paid lower than whites. Left-wingers
also deemed Roosevelt as “ignorant” for mot making any progress for the equality
of women. Women were paid less than men for doing the same work. However,
it is worth remembering that prior to the New Deal America was almost an entirely
different country. The life’s of the public were in ruins, Roosevelt changed this.
He provided work for the unemployed and housing for the homeless. Although,
Roosevelt’s main aim was only partially successful. There were still 10.4 million
unemployed in 1937. For that reason I am forced to agree with the statement. The
New Deal was successful in many aims but not all targets were met.
