FDR and the New Deal

1. What plans did Roosevelt make in the four months while he waited to take office?        
While FDR waited to take office for four months, he worked with his so called "Brain Trust" and formed various new policies for a program that was to be called the New Deal, which was meant to remedy the problems created by the Great Depression.  



2. How successful were FDR's fireside chats?       
FDR's fireside chats were quite successful, and a clever way to encourage people in ways that would stimulate the economy. Because Roosevelt would explain what he was planning to do and the problems he was trying to fix in a way everyone could understand, many helped him out. For example, when he explained the situation with banking, people went out and put their money back into banks, now understanding that that would help the situation. 



3. How did New Deal programs affect various regions of the United States?       
New Deal programs affected various regions of the United States because some of the programs applied to people in rural areas, such as farmers, and others applied more to people in urban areas. Programs like NIRA and PWA applied to urban citizens, whereas the AAA directly applied to farmers and agriculture. The CWA planted trees so that another dust bowl might be avoided, which would benefit all the regions that were previously affected by it.


4. How did liberal and conservative critics differ in their opposition to the New Deal?         
Liberal critics felt that the New Deal could have done more to help the poor, and get involved in the economy system. On the other hand, conservative critics felt that the New Deal was too involved in individuals' rights and that it was spending too much on direct relief, they also felt that some of the New Deal policies were being used "to control business and socialize the economy." Conservatives felt some acts gave the government too much control. 

5. Do you think Roosevelt was wrong to try to "pack" the Supreme Court with those in favor of the New Deal? Explain your answer.      

Well, I think the New Deal was a smart plan that ultimately benefited the country, therefore I see why Roosevelt, being the president, thought it best to ensure that this program would continue. I think it may have been a better idea on his part to have gone about it better, by asking to reassign 2 or 3 members at first, instead of six. That way it would seem less obvious that he was trying to "pack" the supreme court with those in favor of the New Deal, and thus there would've been less outrage by the people in opposition to the New Deal at his proposition. 



6. Of the New Deal programs discussed in this section, which do you consider the most important?
 Explain your choice. Think About:
• the type of assistance offered by each program
• the scope of each program
• the impact of each program        

Of the New Deal programs discussed in this section, I consider the 1934 National Housing Act  the most important. This is because it created the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The FHA provided loans for house repairs and mortgages, and it still is active today. Also, because of the huge amount of people that were desperately in need of home repairs or help to remain out of foreclosure during the Depression, this program from New Deal seemed to not only benefit a huge scope of people, but considering it has lasted up to today, also had the biggest impact.