The Second New Deal: More Progressive Than the First?

The New Deal, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's (FDR) response to the Great Depression, unfolded in two distinct phases. While some historians argue for a seamless transition between the two, others, like William Leuchtenburg, contend that the Second New Deal (1935-38) marked a significant departure from its predecessor, becoming more "progressive" in its aims and achievements. This essay will explore this claim, examining the nature and impact of both New Deals to determine the extent to which the second represented a shift towards greater progressivism.

The First New Deal: Relief and Recovery

The First New Deal (1933-34) grappled with the immediate crisis of the Great Depression. Its primary focus was on providing relief to the millions suffering from unemployment and poverty, and stimulating recovery in the shattered economy. Key programs included the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which provided jobs for young men in conservation projects, and the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), offering direct financial aid to the unemployed. The Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) aimed to raise farm prices by controlling production, while the National Recovery Administration (NRA) sought to stabilize industrial prices and wages.

These initiatives represented a significant expansion of federal power and intervention in the economy. However, the First New Deal's progressivism was tempered by its pragmatic approach, focused on immediate relief and recovery rather than fundamental societal reform. The emphasis was on preserving the existing capitalist system, not radically transforming it. Furthermore, some programs, like the NRA, faced criticism for benefiting large businesses over smaller ones and for lacking effective enforcement mechanisms.

The Second New Deal: Reform and a New Vision

The Second New Deal, inaugurated in 1935, reflected a shift in focus towards long-term reform and a more explicit articulation of FDR's vision for a more just and equitable America. Influenced by the rise of social movements and the persistence of the Depression, the Second New Deal embraced more ambitious goals.

The most significant achievement was the Social Security Act of 1935, which established a system of old-age pensions, unemployment insurance, and aid to dependent children. This marked a watershed moment in American history, establishing the principle of federal responsibility for the welfare of its citizens. The Wagner Act (1935), another landmark legislation, guaranteed workers the right to organize unions and bargain collectively, fundamentally reshaping labor relations in favor of workers.

Furthermore, the Emergency Relief Appropriations Act (1935) funded the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided work for millions of unemployed Americans in construction, arts, and literacy programs. The WPA went beyond mere relief, injecting a sense of purpose and dignity into its work programs and leaving a lasting legacy in infrastructure and cultural production.

However, the Second New Deal wasn't universally progressive. The Wealth Tax Act of 1935, while symbolically important, proved largely ineffective in redistributing wealth. Moreover, FDR faced opposition from Southern Democrats who resisted measures like anti-lynching legislation, highlighting the limits of the New Deal's progressivism on racial issues.

Conclusion: A Shift Towards Progressivism?

The Second New Deal undoubtedly represented a shift towards a more progressive agenda. The emphasis on long-term social reform, exemplified by the Social Security Act and the Wagner Act, signaled a willingness to fundamentally restructure aspects of American society and economy to address social ills. The scale and scope of government intervention in the Second New Deal were unprecedented, laying the groundwork for the modern welfare state.

However, measuring "progressivism" requires nuance. While the First New Deal might appear less "progressive" in its focus on immediate crisis management, its programs laid the foundation for the more radical reforms of the Second New Deal. Moreover, the Second New Deal faced its own limitations, particularly regarding racial equality and economic redistribution.

Ultimately, the Second New Deal was more explicitly progressive than the First, driven by a bolder vision and a willingness to challenge the status quo. However, both phases of the New Deal were products of their time, shaped by political realities and the evolving understanding of the role of government in addressing societal problems.