Writing Workshop: The New Deal
Prompt
Did the New Deal effectively provide relief to Americans during the Great Depression? Historians and economists still disagree over the answer to this question. Read the four articles provided here to learn more about both sides of the argument. Determine your viewpoint on this topic and develop a claim.
Write an essay to present an argument that either accepts or rejects the claim that the New Deal effectively provided relief during the Great Depression. Your argument should include a clear claim, logical reasons, and accurate data and other relevant evidence. It should also include, and rebut, a counterclaim.
Title: The New Deal: A Failed Attempt at Relief during the Great Depression
Introduction:
The Great Depression, one of the greatest economic crises in American history, left millions of Americans destitute during the 1930s. In response, President Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented the New Deal, a series of social and economic programs aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform. While some argue that the New Deal was successful in alleviating the suffering caused by the Great Depression, a closer examination reveals that it ultimately failed to offer substantial and lasting relief to the American people.
Claim:
The New Deal failed to effectively provide relief during the Great Depression due to its temporary nature, ineffective economic policies, and limited impact on unemployment rates.
Reason 1: Temporary Relief Measures:
Many of the New Deal programs provided temporary relief to Americans, which did not offer long-term solutions to the underlying problems of the Great Depression. For example, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) offered employment to young men, but it only provided temporary jobs that did not address the structural unemployment issues. Additionally, the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) provided direct aid to states and individuals, but its grants were limited and failed to address the root causes of poverty.
Reason 2: Ineffective Economic Policies:
The New Deal's economic policies, such as the creation of regulatory agencies, often hindered economic recovery rather than stimulating it. The National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) attempted to regulate industries and establish fair labor practices, but its codes stifled competition and innovation. Furthermore, the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) aimed to support farmers by reducing agricultural production, but this led to higher food prices while leaving many farmers still struggling financially.
Reason 3: Limited Impact on Unemployment Rates:
Despite the New Deal's intentions, it failed to significantly reduce unemployment rates. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) provided jobs for the unemployed, yet it only employed a fraction of the workforce. Additionally, the introduction of labor-saving technologies, such as machinery, offset the job creation efforts of the New Deal programs, limiting their impact on unemployment numbers.
Counterclaim: The New Deal provided essential relief during the Great Depression through its innovative programs and unprecedented government intervention.
Rebuttal to Counterclaim:
While it is true that the New Deal implemented innovative programs, such as the Social Security Act and the Tennessee Valley Authority, their impact on overall relief was limited. The Social Security Act, for instance, was a significant step towards creating a social safety net but was insufficient in providing immediate relief to those starving during the Depression. Similarly, the Tennessee Valley Authority brought electricity and jobs to impoverished rural areas, but its effects were not widespread enough to address the nationwide crisis.
Conclusion:
Despite the well-intentioned efforts of the New Deal, it ultimately failed to effectively provide relief during the Great Depression. Its temporary relief measures, ineffective economic policies, and limited impact on unemployment rates prevented substantial and lasting relief for the American people. While some programs brought innovation and unprecedented government intervention, they were not enough to reverse the dire economic situation faced by millions. To truly address the deep-rooted issues of the Great Depression, long-term solutions were needed, demonstrating the inadequacy of the New Deal's relief efforts.