Explain why Roosevelt began his presidency with a ‘Hundred Days’ plan.
Level
AS LEVEL
Year Examined
2021
Topic
The Great Crash, the Great Depression and the New Deal policies, 1920–41
👑Complete Model Essay
Explain why Roosevelt began his presidency with a ‘Hundred Days’ plan.
How to Write an A-Level History Essay on Roosevelt's "Hundred Days" Plan
This guide outlines how to structure an effective essay addressing why Roosevelt initiated his presidency with a "Hundred Days" plan.
Understanding the Question
The essay question focuses on the reasons behind Roosevelt's decision to implement a rapid series of reforms at the start of his presidency. It's crucial to analyze both the immediate context of the Great Depression and the political landscape Roosevelt inherited.
Essay Structure
Introduction
Start your essay by providing a concise historical context. Mention the Great Depression, Roosevelt's election victory, and briefly introduce the "Hundred Days" as a period of intense legislative activity. Clearly state your argument – that a combination of dire economic circumstances and political opportunity motivated Roosevelt's swift actions.
Body Paragraphs
Paragraph 1: The Worsening Depression
Explain the severity of the economic situation in early 1933. Highlight the deepening depression during the four-month gap between Roosevelt's election and inauguration. Emphasize that the urgency of the crisis demanded immediate action.
Paragraph 2: Political Opportunity
Discuss the political advantages Roosevelt enjoyed. Explain how his landslide victory provided a mandate for change and increased public trust. Mention the separation of powers within the US Constitution and how Roosevelt sought to utilize his popularity to overcome potential obstacles.
Paragraph 3: Stabilizing the Banking System
Focus on the significance of closing the banks as Roosevelt's first action. Analyze the purpose behind the Emergency Banking Relief Act and the Banking Act of 1933. Explain how these measures aimed to restore confidence in the financial system after the 1929 crash.
Paragraph 4: Providing Relief and Support
Detail the creation of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA). Explain its role in providing direct aid to the unemployed and impoverished. Emphasize Roosevelt's recognition of the need for government intervention to alleviate suffering.
Additional Paragraphs
You can dedicate additional paragraphs to other significant actions taken during the "Hundred Days." Consider discussing programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) or the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as examples of Roosevelt's efforts to address unemployment and stimulate the economy.
Conclusion
Summarize your main points, reiterating how the combination of economic crisis and political opportunity led Roosevelt to implement the "Hundred Days" plan. Briefly mention the lasting impact of these early reforms and their contribution to shaping Roosevelt's New Deal program.
Tips for Writing a Strong Essay
Provide specific examples: When discussing various programs and reforms, provide concrete examples to illustrate their purpose and impact.
Analyze, don't just describe: Go beyond merely summarizing events. Analyze the reasons behind Roosevelt's choices and the intended consequences of his actions.
Use historical terms accurately: Demonstrate your understanding by using relevant historical terms such as "New Deal," "separation of powers," and "speculative anarchy" correctly.
Cite your sources: Use footnotes or endnotes to cite any books, articles, or websites you consulted for your research.
Proofread carefully: Before submitting your essay, proofread thoroughly for any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or unclear sentences.
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Introduction
Briefly outline the context of the Great Depression and Roosevelt's election. Emphasize the urgency of the situation Roosevelt inherited and his desire to swiftly address the crisis.
The Deepening Depression
Explain how the economic situation worsened between Roosevelt's election and inauguration. Mention the rising unemployment, bank failures, and overall economic decline. Highlight the public's demand for immediate action.
Political Opportunity and the Constitution
Analyze the political climate after Roosevelt's landslide victory. Discuss how his popularity gave him a mandate for change. Explain the obstacles presented by the US Constitution, particularly the separation of powers, and how Roosevelt aimed to overcome them with swift and decisive action.
Immediate Action: The Bank Holiday
Describe the purpose and effects of the national bank holiday. Explain how it aimed to stabilize the banking system, restore public confidence, and provide time for legislative action (Emergency Banking Relief Act).
Long-Term Reforms: The Banking Act of 1933
Analyze the key provisions of the Banking Act of 1933. Discuss the separation of commercial and investment banking, the introduction of federal deposit insurance (FDIC), and the strengthening of the Federal Reserve. Explain how these measures aimed to prevent future crises and restore faith in the financial system.
The Federal Emergency Relief Administration and Beyond
Provide a brief overview of other key programs implemented during the Hundred Days, focusing on the FERA. Highlight Roosevelt's recognition of the need for direct relief and social support systems to address the humanitarian crisis.
Conclusion
Summarize the reasons behind Roosevelt's Hundred Days plan, emphasizing the combination of urgent economic need and political opportunity. Briefly assess the overall impact and significance of this period in American history.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Explain why Roosevelt began his presidency with a ‘Hundred Days’ plan:
Although elected in November 1932, Roosevelt was not inaugurated until March 1933, and in that time the economic depression in the United States had deepened and its impact worsened. Therefore, taking action was the priority as president.
As well as objective external factors which required urgent action, there were also political reasons for acting so quickly. His election gave Roosevelt a store of popularity, which he could use to overcome the obstacles to effective government presented by the US Constitution, and especially the separation of powers. As a result, Roosevelt saw the need to take drastic action in his first 100 days.
His first action was to close all the banks for four days. This was designed to stabilise the system and allow for an audit of all banks. Only once deemed to be credible under the Emergency Banking Relief Act were banks allowed to reopen.
The Banking Act of 1933 sought to deal with the speculative anarchy, which had played a key role in the 1929 Crash. This included a federal guarantee of all bank deposits (temporarily $2500 per accountholder, rising permanently to $5000 from July 1934), separation of commercial and investment banking, and strengthening of the Federal Reserve's ability to stabilise the economy.
The Federal Emergency Relief Administration pumped $500 million into state-run welfare programs (supplied $3.1 billion by the time of its closure in December 1935). FDR recognised the need for a support system for the poor. Accept any other valid responses.