The American Pageant Chapter 35: The New Deal and Its Legacy sets the stage for this enthralling narrative, offering readers a glimpse into a story that is rich in detail and brimming with originality from the outset.

This chapter delves into the complexities of the New Deal, a transformative era that reshaped the American economy and society during the Great Depression. Through an engaging exploration of its major policies, programs, and controversies, the chapter sheds light on the lasting impact of this pivotal period in American history.

Chapter Overview: The American Pageant Chapter 35

Chapter 35 of The American Pageant delves into the tumultuous years of the 1960s and 1970s, a period marked by profound social and political upheaval. It examines the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the counterculture movement, exploring their impact on American society and the nation’s global standing.

The chapter highlights the growing discontent and dissent within American society, as well as the government’s response to these challenges. It discusses the escalation of the Vietnam War and its divisive effects, the struggle for racial equality and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the rise of the counterculture movement with its emphasis on personal freedom and social change.

The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War, a major focus of Chapter 35, had a profound impact on American society. The chapter traces the origins of the war, the escalation of American involvement, and the growing anti-war movement.

• The chapter discusses the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which gave President Lyndon B. Johnson broad authority to escalate the war, and the subsequent deployment of American combat troops.
• It examines the Tet Offensive of 1968, a turning point in the war that led to a decline in public support for the conflict.
• The chapter also explores the anti-war movement, including protests, draft resistance, and the role of the media in shaping public opinion.

The Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement, another central theme of Chapter 35, sought to end racial discrimination and segregation in the United States.

• The chapter discusses the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
• It examines the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibited racial discrimination in voting, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which outlawed discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing.
• The chapter also explores the role of Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders, as well as the challenges and successes of the movement.

The Counterculture Movement

The counterculture movement, a significant aspect of Chapter 35, emerged in the 1960s as a rejection of traditional values and social norms.

• The chapter discusses the rise of the hippie subculture, with its emphasis on peace, love, and personal freedom.
• It examines the role of music, art, and literature in the counterculture movement, as well as the influence of psychedelic drugs.
• The chapter also explores the impact of the counterculture movement on American society, including its influence on politics, education, and popular culture.

The New Deal

The New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented by the United States government during the Great Depression under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Its primary goal was to stimulate economic recovery and provide relief to the American people.

Major Policies and Programs

• Public Works Projects:Created jobs and infrastructure through programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
• Social Welfare Programs:Provided financial assistance and support to the unemployed, elderly, and disabled, including the Social Security Act and the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA).
• Financial Reforms:Aimed to stabilize the banking system and prevent future financial crises, including the Glass-Steagall Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
• Agricultural Policies:Implemented measures to support farmers and reduce agricultural surpluses, such as the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) and the Farm Security Administration (FSA).

Impact on the American Economy and Society

The New Deal had a significant impact on the American economy and society:

• Economic Recovery:While the Great Depression was not fully resolved, the New Deal helped stimulate economic growth and reduce unemployment.
• Social Welfare Expansion:Established a foundation for social welfare programs that provided financial security and support to vulnerable populations.
• Labor Union Growth:Encouraged labor unionization through the National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act), leading to increased worker protections and wages.

Criticisms and Controversies

The New Deal also faced criticisms and controversies:

• Government Intervention:Critics argued that the New Deal’s extensive government intervention in the economy stifled private sector growth.
• Spending and Debt:The New Deal’s massive spending programs led to increased government debt, which some argued was unsustainable.
• Ineffectiveness:Some critics believed that the New Deal’s programs were not effective in addressing the root causes of the Great Depression.

The Second New Deal

The Second New Deal marked a significant shift in Roosevelt’s policies and programs, expanding the scope and ambition of the New Deal. It introduced new initiatives and emphasized social welfare, labor rights, and economic regulation.

Reasons for the Shift

• Continued economic crisis:Despite the First New Deal’s efforts, the Great Depression persisted, prompting Roosevelt to seek more aggressive measures.
• Political pressure:Labor unions, social activists, and other groups demanded stronger government intervention to address unemployment and inequality.
• Roosevelt’s political evolution:Roosevelt’s experiences during his first term shaped his belief in the need for a more active and interventionist government.

Key Differences between the First and Second New Deal

• Focus:The First New Deal primarily focused on economic recovery, while the Second New Deal expanded to include social welfare and labor rights.
• Government intervention:The Second New Deal increased the role of government in regulating the economy and providing social assistance.
• Spending:The Second New Deal involved significantly more government spending and deficit spending than the First New Deal.

Effectiveness of the Second New Deal

The Second New Deal had mixed results in addressing the challenges of the Great Depression:

• Positive impacts:It provided relief to millions of Americans through welfare programs, created jobs, and stabilized the financial system.
• Limitations:It failed to fully eliminate unemployment and poverty, and some programs were criticized for being too costly or inefficient.

The Supreme Court and the New Deal

The Supreme Court played a significant role in shaping the New Deal. It issued a series of rulings that both upheld and struck down key New Deal legislation. These decisions had a profound impact on the course of the New Deal and on the relationship between the Court and the federal government.

Major Supreme Court Cases

• Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States(1935): This case challenged the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA), which established industry codes and set prices. The Court ruled that the NIRA was unconstitutional because it delegated too much power to the executive branch and violated the separation of powers.

• United States v. Butler(1936): This case challenged the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA), which sought to raise farm prices by paying farmers to reduce production. The Court ruled that the AAA was unconstitutional because it regulated intrastate commerce, which was beyond the power of the federal government under the Commerce Clause.

• West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish(1937): This case upheld the Washington state minimum wage law. The Court ruled that minimum wage laws were a valid exercise of the state’s police power to protect the health and welfare of its citizens.
• National Labor Relations Board v. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp.(1937): This case upheld the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which protected the right of workers to organize unions and bargain collectively. The Court ruled that the NLRA was a valid exercise of the federal government’s power to regulate interstate commerce.

Impact of the Court’s Decisions

The Supreme Court’s decisions had a significant impact on the New Deal. The Court’s rulings struck down key New Deal legislation, such as the NIRA and the AAA. This weakened the New Deal’s ability to regulate the economy and provide relief to the unemployed.

However, the Court’s decisions also upheld other New Deal legislation, such as the NLRA. This allowed the New Deal to continue to make progress in areas such as labor relations and social welfare.

Political and Ideological Factors

The Court’s rulings on the New Deal were influenced by both political and ideological factors. The Court was dominated by conservative justices who were skeptical of the New Deal’s expansion of federal power. These justices believed that the New Deal violated the principles of limited government and individual liberty.

The Court’s decisions also reflected the political climate of the time. The New Deal was a controversial program, and the Court was under pressure from both supporters and opponents of the New Deal.

Labor and the New Deal

The New Deal era marked a significant turning point in the history of organized labor in the United States. Labor unions played a pivotal role in shaping the New Deal policies and enjoyed unprecedented growth and influence during this period.

One of the most important developments during the New Deal was the passage of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) in 1935. This landmark legislation established the right of workers to organize unions and bargain collectively with their employers. It also created the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which was responsible for enforcing the law and protecting the rights of workers.

The NLRA had a profound impact on the labor movement. Union membership soared from 3 million in 1933 to over 10 million by 1941. Unions gained a new level of legitimacy and influence, and they were able to negotiate significant improvements in wages, hours, and working conditions for their members.

Major Labor Strikes and Conflicts

The New Deal era was also marked by a number of major labor strikes and conflicts. One of the most famous was the Flint Sit-Down Strike of 1936-1937. This strike involved over 40,000 workers at General Motors plants in Flint, Michigan.

The workers occupied the plants and refused to leave until their demands for higher wages and better working conditions were met. The strike lasted for over six weeks and ended with a victory for the workers.

Another major labor conflict during the New Deal was the Little Steel Strike of 1937. This strike involved over 100,000 workers at steel mills across the country. The workers were demanding higher wages and better working conditions, but the steel companies refused to negotiate.

The strike lasted for over four months and ended with a defeat for the workers.

Impact of the New Deal on the Labor Movement

The New Deal had a lasting impact on the labor movement in the United States. The NLRA gave unions the legal right to organize and bargain collectively, and it helped to increase union membership and influence. The New Deal also led to a number of important labor reforms, such as the establishment of the Social Security system and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

These reforms helped to improve the lives of working people and gave them a greater voice in the workplace. The New Deal also helped to create a more favorable climate for organized labor, and unions continued to play an important role in American society in the years that followed.

The End of the New Deal

The New Deal, a series of programs and reforms enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, came to an end in the late 1930s. Several factors contributed to its demise.

Economic Recovery

The New Deal’s primary goal was to stimulate economic recovery. By the late 1930s, the economy had begun to rebound, reducing the need for government intervention. Increased consumer spending and industrial production led to a decline in unemployment and a rise in business profits.

Political Opposition

The New Deal faced significant opposition from conservative politicians and business leaders who believed it expanded the role of government too far. They argued that its programs were inefficient, costly, and interfered with free market principles. The Republican Party, gaining strength in Congress, challenged the New Deal’s policies.

Supreme Court Decisions, The american pageant chapter 35

The Supreme Court played a role in limiting the New Deal’s reach. In a series of decisions, the Court declared several key programs unconstitutional, including the National Industrial Recovery Act (1933) and the Agricultural Adjustment Act (1933). These rulings weakened Roosevelt’s ability to implement his economic recovery plans.

Legacy of the New Deal

Despite its end, the New Deal had a profound impact on American history.

Positive Impact

• It provided immediate relief to millions of Americans during the Great Depression.
• It created a more active role for the federal government in the economy.
• It established important social safety net programs, such as Social Security and unemployment insurance.

Negative Impact

• It led to a significant increase in the national debt.
• It may have prolonged the Great Depression by delaying the necessary adjustments to the economy.

Overall, the New Deal was a significant attempt to address the economic crisis of the Great Depression. While it had both positive and negative effects, its legacy remains a subject of debate among historians and economists.

Answers to Common Questions

What were the major goals of the New Deal?

The New Deal aimed to provide relief to those suffering from the Great Depression, promote economic recovery, and reform the financial system to prevent future crises.

What were some of the key criticisms of the New Deal?

Critics argued that the New Deal was too expensive, expanded the role of government too much, and did not adequately address the underlying causes of the Great Depression.

What was the Second New Deal?

The Second New Deal refers to a series of more radical policies and programs implemented by President Roosevelt in response to the ongoing economic crisis.