In this discussion, you will talk with your peers about the effectiveness of New Deal policies. Begin your discussion by addressing the following prompt: Many people supported Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal policies. However, some individuals, such as Huey P. Long, criticized his policies, and the Supreme Court declared some unconstitutional. If you had lived during the Great Depression, would you have supported Roosevelt’s policies or criticized them? Why? Post a detailed response to the discussion prompt.
If I had lived during the Great Depression, I would have supported Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal policies. The Great Depression was an unprecedented crisis in American history, and it required immediate action to alleviate the suffering and stimulate the economy. Roosevelt's policies aimed to do exactly that.
Firstly, I would support Roosevelt's focus on relief programs to provide direct assistance to individuals suffering from unemployment and poverty. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), for example, provided jobs for young men in conservation efforts, while the Works Progress Administration (WPA) employed millions in public infrastructure projects. These programs not only provided income to struggling families but also contributed to the development of much-needed infrastructure across the country. They instilled hope in communities and gave people a sense of purpose during a time of great despair.
Furthermore, I would support Roosevelt's efforts to reform the financial system through his banking and financial sector policies. The establishment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) reassured people that their deposits in banks were safe, restoring confidence in the banking system. Similarly, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) introduced regulations to protect investors from fraudulent practices, aiming to prevent a repeat of the rampant speculation that led to the stock market crash in 1929. These measures helped stabilize the financial sector and restore trust in the economy.
Critics like Huey P. Long argued that Roosevelt's policies did not go far enough in redistributing wealth and addressing income inequality. While I understand their concerns, I believe Roosevelt had to make pragmatic choices to gain support and navigate a politically divided landscape. The New Deal presented a balanced approach, attempting to provide immediate relief and put people back to work while creating a framework for long-term economic stability.
It is important to acknowledge that some of the New Deal policies faced criticism and skepticism. The Supreme Court, at times, declared certain initiatives unconstitutional, challenging the extent of the federal government's power. However, these setbacks led Roosevelt to propose his "court-packing plan," which aimed to expand the Supreme Court to ensure a more sympathetic judiciary. Although this plan ultimately failed, it demonstrated Roosevelt's determination and willingness to fight for his policies and the well-being of the American people.
Overall, I would have supported Roosevelt's New Deal policies because they were a necessary response to the unprecedented crisis of the Great Depression. While they were not perfect and faced opposition, they provided immediate relief, stimulated the economy, and laid the groundwork for long-term reform. The New Deal marked a turning point in American history, shaping the role of the federal government in promoting economic stability and social welfare.