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. Then do the following:
Respond to a classmate’s post that supports Roosevelt’s policies.
Respond to a classmate’s post that criticizes Roosevelt’s policies.
As a student living during the Great Depression, I believe I would have supported Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal policies. The Great Depression was a time of immense suffering for so many Americans, and Roosevelt's policies aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform to address the economic crisis facing the country. His programs, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Works Progress Administration, and Social Security, provided jobs, infrastructure development, and social safety nets for those struggling the most. These programs not only helped to alleviate some of the immediate suffering during the Depression but also laid the groundwork for long-term economic stability and social welfare in the United States.
Furthermore, I would have appreciated Roosevelt's willingness to take bold and decisive action to combat the economic crisis, even in the face of criticism and opposition. His leadership and efforts to bring about change in a time of great need showed a commitment to helping ordinary Americans and restoring faith in the government.
Overall, I believe that Roosevelt's New Deal policies were necessary and effective in addressing the challenges of the Great Depression, and I would have supported them during that time.
Response to classmate supporting Roosevelt's policies:
I agree with your support for Roosevelt's New Deal policies. The Great Depression was a time of great need for many Americans, and Roosevelt's programs were essential in providing relief and support to those who were struggling. His efforts to address the economic crisis with bold and innovative solutions were commendable, and I believe that his leadership during that time was critical in helping the country recover.
Response to classmate criticizing Roosevelt's policies:
I understand your concerns about Roosevelt's New Deal policies and the criticisms that have been raised against them. It is true that some programs were controversial and faced opposition from various groups. However, I believe that in the context of the Great Depression, Roosevelt's actions were necessary to address the unprecedented economic crisis facing the country. While not every aspect of the New Deal was perfect, it is important to recognize the positive impact that these policies had in providing relief, recovery, and reform during a time of great need.