The need for a Second New Deal showed that the first had been a failure.
Level
AS LEVEL
Year Examined
2022
Topic
The Great Crash, the Great Depression and the New Deal policies, 1920–41
👑Complete Model Essay
The need for a Second New Deal showed that the first had been a failure.
The Need for a Second New Deal
The assertion that the First New Deal was a "failure" necessitating a Second New Deal is an oversimplification of a complex historical period. While the First New Deal (1933-34) undoubtedly had its shortcomings, it laid crucial groundwork for the more radical reforms of the Second New Deal (1935-38). To label the former a failure solely based on the need for the latter ignores the significant, albeit incomplete, achievements of Roosevelt's initial response to the Great Depression.
Addressing the Immediate Crisis
The First New Deal, launched in the Hundred Days, primarily aimed to address the immediate crisis gripping the nation. Programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) provided much-needed employment and relief to millions of Americans. The Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA), though controversial, attempted to stabilize farm prices and incomes. Crucially, the Emergency Banking Act and the decision to leave the gold standard helped restore confidence in the banking system and allowed for economic expansion.
These measures, while unable to completely reverse the Depression's effects, provided essential relief and prevented a complete economic collapse. Historian David Kennedy argues that the First New Deal "halted the nation's downward slide and provided a sense of hope that had been missing." (Kennedy, Freedom From Fear, 1999)
Shifting Focus: Relief to Reform
The Second New Deal, however, signaled a shift in focus from immediate relief to long-term reform. This shift was partly driven by the persistent economic hardship, as unemployment remained high despite the First New Deal's efforts. The Social Security Act (1935), a landmark achievement of the Second New Deal, established a safety net for the elderly, unemployed, and disabled, marking a significant step towards social welfare. The Wagner Act (1935), while initially opposed by Roosevelt, enshrined the right to collective bargaining, fundamentally reshaping labor relations.
This shift towards reform doesn't necessarily imply the First New Deal's failure. Instead, it reflects a changing political climate and Roosevelt's evolving understanding of the Depression's complexities. The First New Deal, by providing immediate relief and restoring some faith in the government, created the political space for the more radical reforms of the Second.
Beyond Legislation
Furthermore, judging the New Deal solely on its legislative achievements risks overlooking other significant factors. The Roosevelt administration's commitment to public works projects, for instance, provided employment and stimulated economic activity. Moreover, Roosevelt's charismatic leadership and his fireside chats, a novel use of radio, restored hope and confidence in a nation grappling with despair.
Conclusion
To label the First New Deal a "failure" because it necessitated a Second New Deal is a simplistic judgment. The First New Deal, while imperfect, provided crucial relief, stabilized the economy, and laid the groundwork for the more ambitious reforms of the Second. The Second New Deal represented a natural progression towards addressing the root causes of the Depression and building a more equitable society, made possible by the foundation laid by the First. While the debate regarding the effectiveness of both New Deals continues, it is essential to recognize their interconnected nature and the profound impact they had on American society.
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Introduction
Introduce the essay by briefly explaining the concept of the New Deal and its two phases. State your thesis statement: whether you agree or disagree that the need for a Second New Deal indicates the failure of the First.
The First New Deal: Relief, Recovery, and Reform
Discuss the key elements of the First New Deal, focusing on its aims of relief, recovery, and reform. Analyze its successes and failures in achieving these aims.
Relief Efforts
Examine the effectiveness of programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) in providing immediate relief to the unemployed and those suffering economic hardship.
Recovery Measures
Analyze the impact of measures like the Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) and the abandonment of the gold standard on economic recovery. Discuss their effectiveness in restoring economic stability.
Reforms
Assess the significance of reforms undertaken during the First New Deal, such as the banking system stabilization and the introduction of new regulatory frameworks. Discuss their impact on the American economy and society.
The Second New Deal: A Shift in Focus
Explain the shift in focus towards reform in the Second New Deal. Discuss the key initiatives of the Second New Deal and their impact on American society.
Social Security Act
Analyze the significance of the Social Security Act, highlighting its radical nature and its long-term implications. Discuss its impact on the lives of ordinary Americans.
Wagner Act
Examine the Wagner Act's impact on labor relations, highlighting its significance in establishing collective bargaining rights for workers. Discuss its contribution to reforming the American labor landscape.
Emergency Relief Appropriations Act
Discuss the Emergency Relief Appropriations Act's role in providing work relief and its impact on alleviating unemployment during the late 1930s.
The Need for a Second New Deal: Failure or Evolution?
Engage with the central question of the essay. Explore the evidence that suggests the First New Deal was a failure, such as the persistent unemployment and lack of economic recovery.
Alternative Interpretations
Consider alternative perspectives that argue the Second New Deal was a natural progression after the First, building upon its successes and addressing remaining challenges. Discuss the role of evolving circumstances and political pressures in shaping the Second New Deal.
Conclusion
Summarize your argument, restating your thesis statement and providing a final judgment on whether the Second New Deal's existence indicates the failure of the First. Discuss the broader significance of the New Deal in American history and the enduring legacy of its reforms.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
The need for a Second New Deal showed that the first had been a failure.’ How far do you agree?
Possible areas of discussion around the First New Deal:
The First New Deal of 1933–4 included federal action to relieve unemployment such as the Civilian Conservation Corps and Federal Emergency Relief Administration, and economic hardship, such as the Agricultural Adjustment Administration. It also stabilized the banking system and saw the USA leave the gold standard to allow for the inflation of the US economy. Much legislative and executive activity led to some relief and some recovery, if not a great deal of either. Overall though unemployment was not significantly reduced and demand in the economy had not recovered. These could be used to point to ‘failure’.
Possible areas of discussion around the Second New Deal:
The second New Deal of 1935–8 was more ambitious in its focus on reform as FDR articulated his vision of the future USA in 1934–5. The Social Security Act, introducing old age pensions, was the most radical social reform of the era while the Wagner Act established a new basis for labor relations – even if FDR was not keen on all aspects. The Wealth Tax Act was more symbolic than effective. The Emergency Relief Appropriations Act did much to provide effective work relief in the late 1930s. Some may argue that these ideas show that failure in the First New Deal had necessitated greater radicalism whilst others may suggest that it was a natural step after the ‘recovery’ phase of the First New Deal. Candidates will need to use some kind of metric to judge success or failure within the context of 1930s America. Accept any other valid responses.