The New Deal and American Society, 1933-1941

Description

"The New Deal and American Society, 1933-1941 explores what some have labelled the third American revolution, in one concise and accessible volume. This book examines the emergence of modern America, beginning with the 100 Days legislation in 1933 through to the second New Deal era that began in 1935. This revolutionary period introduced sweeping social and economic legislation designed to provide the American people with a sense of hope while at the same time creating regulations designed to safeguard against future depressions. It was not without critics or failures, but even these proved significant in the ongoing discussions concerning the idea of federal power, social inclusion, and civil rights. Uncertainties concerning aggressive, nationalistic states like Italy, Germany, and Japan shifted the focus of FDR's administration, but the events of World War II solidified the ideas and policies begun during the 1930s, especially as they related to the welfare state. The legacy of the New Deal would resonate well into the current century through programs like Social Security, unemployment compensation, workers' rights, and the belief that the federal government is responsible for the economic well-being of its citizenry. The volume includes many primary documents to help situate students and bring this era to life"-- Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Chronology Who’s who PART I: The New Deal 1. The New Era and the fate of the nation, 1929–33 Boom years The New Era The Crash Stay the course Action Bonus March Assessment 1932 election 2. FDR’s 100 Days and the transformation of America, 1933–5 New liberalism 100 Days Civilian Conservation Corps Three Acts—AAA, FERA, and NIRA Power and control Assessment 3. The second New Deal and the rise of the welfare state, 1935–9 Challenges Welfare state Works Progress Administration and work relief National Youth Administration Social security Labor Rural America Assessment 4. Challenges to the New Deal and World War II The future is bright Roosevelt recession Court packing and the House Un-American Activities Committee Response World crises and the New Deal Election of 1940 Assessment 5. Memory, popular culture, and the New Deal Memory American culture Songs of America Radio Hollywood Historians Assessment PART II: Documents Glossary Guide to further reading Index