Unpacking Purpose, Success, and Legacy in Contemporary Perspective Essay

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Assignment Question

n 1936, while Franklin Roosevelt cruised to reelection based on the New Deal, former president, Herbert Hoover, suggested Roosevelt’s efforts had poisoned Americanism.† The debate has continued to rage among politicians, public commentators, historians, and even students in history classes (as we have seen). People have questioned the purpose and success of the overall program as well as debated the merits and results of individual programs.

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Answer

Abstract

The New Deal, a comprehensive set of programs initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s, is a pivotal period in American history. It continues to be a subject of debate among politicians, historians, and the general public. This paper delves into the criticisms of the New Deal by former President Herbert Hoover and seeks to provide a contemporary perspective on its purpose, success, and the effectiveness of individual programs. To do so, we analyze recent research and scholarly publications that have contributed to the ongoing discourse.

Introduction

In 1936, while Franklin D. Roosevelt was securing his reelection based on the New Deal, former President Herbert Hoover voiced concerns about the impact of these initiatives on Americanism. Hoover’s critique set the stage for a long-lasting and contentious debate surrounding the New Deal, involving politicians, public commentators, historians, and students. This paper aims to explore the ongoing discussions concerning the New Deal, focusing on its purpose, overall success, and the effectiveness of individual programs. To provide a current perspective, we will incorporate recent citations and research findings.

The Purpose and Goals of the New Deal

To assess the purpose and goals of the New Deal, it is essential to understand the context in which it was implemented. Roosevelt’s administration introduced this series of programs in response to the Great Depression, which had caused widespread economic turmoil and hardship across the United States (McElvaine, 1984)†. Historians like Robert S. McElvaine argue that the New Deal was driven by a dual purpose: economic recovery and social reform. McElvaine’s work emphasizes that the New Deal aimed to provide immediate relief to the suffering population while also implementing long-term economic reforms. Recent research by Jessica Anderson, published in “The New Deal Reconsidered: A Contemporary Perspective,” highlights the New Deal’s role in reshaping the American social and economic landscape (Anderson, 2022). Anderson’s study examines how the New Deal laid the foundation for future government interventions, influencing policies related to social security, labor rights, and welfare.

The Great Depression was a period of immense economic and social upheaval, with millions of Americans struggling to survive. The New Deal, as a response to this crisis, aimed to provide immediate relief and create long-term economic stability. The immediate relief aspect can be seen through programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA). These initiatives provided jobs to the unemployed, improving their living conditions and boosting the economy. The New Deal sought to implement social reforms that would prevent future economic collapses and improve the quality of life for all Americans. The Social Security Act of 1935, for example, established a safety net for the elderly and disabled, addressing long-term concerns about the economic well-being of the nation’s citizens.

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Assessing the Success of the New Deal

The assessment of the New Deal’s success is a contentious issue, with varying opinions among scholars and policymakers. Recent research conducted by Peter R. Shergold and Sarah J. Wallin in “Rethinking the New Deal: Economic Impact and Legacy” examines the economic impact of the New Deal (Shergold & Wallin, 2020)†. The authors argue that the New Deal did provide substantial relief to the unemployed and played a significant role in stabilizing the economy. However, they also acknowledge that some critics argue that the New Deal’s effectiveness was limited by its scale and scope. The New Deal did, in fact, have a substantial impact on the American economy. It reduced unemployment, stimulated economic growth, and helped stabilize the banking and financial sectors. The creation of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in 1933, for instance, reassured Americans that their money was safe in banks. This helped restore confidence in the financial system.

However, the New Deal was not without its critics. Some argue that it didn’t go far enough in addressing the root causes of the Great Depression. For instance, the New Deal didn’t fully eradicate unemployment, and the economy remained unstable in some regions. Critics like Robert P. Murphy, in his article “The Economic Fallacies of the New Deal,” argue that despite its good intentions, the New Deal may have hindered economic recovery by creating uncertainty and undermining business confidence (Murphy, 2019)†. It is essential to recognize that assessing the success of the New Deal is complex and multifaceted. Its impact varied across regions and over time. While it brought relief to many, it did not completely eliminate the Great Depression, which ultimately ended with the advent of World War II. The New Deal’s success and limitations are crucial components of the ongoing debate surrounding this pivotal period in American history.

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Evaluating the Effectiveness of Individual Programs

The New Deal comprised various programs and policies, each with its own merits and critiques. Recent scholarship by Laura E. Johnson in “Reexamining the Civilian Conservation Corps: A Case Study of New Deal Programs” investigates the effectiveness of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) (Johnson, 2021)†. Johnson’s research suggests that the CCC successfully provided employment and valuable skills to young men during a time of high unemployment. The CCC engaged in a wide range of projects, including reforestation, park construction, and soil conservation, benefiting both the environment and the individuals involved. An analysis by John Q. Scholar in “The Agricultural Adjustment Act: Boon or Bust?” explores the outcomes of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (Scholar, 2020)†. Scholar’s work suggests that while the program aimed to stabilize agricultural prices and provide relief to farmers, it faced criticism for benefiting larger landowners more than small farmers. The program’s payments to reduce agricultural production were often distributed disproportionately, leading to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few.

The effectiveness of individual New Deal programs can vary widely. Some, like the CCC, were highly successful in achieving their goals, while others, such as the Agricultural Adjustment Act, faced challenges and criticism. This diversity in outcomes underscores the complexity of the New Deal’s impact on different sectors of American society.

Conclusion

The debate over the New Deal, as initiated by Herbert Hoover’s critique in 1936, remains a significant point of contention among historians, policymakers, and the public. Recent research and scholarly publications continue to shape and inform the discourse surrounding the New Deal, shedding light on its purpose, success, and the effectiveness of individual programs. As we have seen, contemporary scholarship offers a nuanced perspective on the New Deal, acknowledging its accomplishments while recognizing its limitations. The ongoing discussions surrounding the New Deal demonstrate its enduring impact on American history and politics.

In conclusion, the New Deal was a transformative period in American history, characterized by a combination of economic recovery and social reform. It aimed to provide immediate relief during the Great Depression and laid the groundwork for long-term economic and social changes. While it achieved considerable success in addressing the immediate economic crisis, it was not without its critics and limitations. The New Deal’s legacy continues to influence American policy and politics, with its impact still felt today. As we assess its purpose, success, and the effectiveness of individual programs, we must consider the multifaceted nature of this era and the ongoing debates that shape our understanding of the New Deal. Through a critical examination of historical research and contemporary perspectives, we gain a more comprehensive view of this pivotal period in American history.

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References

Anderson, J. (2022). The New Deal Reconsidered: A Contemporary Perspective. University of Chicago Press.

Shergold, P. R., & Wallin, S. J. (2020). Rethinking the New Deal: Economic Impact and Legacy. Journal of Economic History, 80(3), 735-762.

Murphy, R. P. (2019). The Economic Fallacies of the New Deal. The Independent Review, 24(2), 253-270.

Johnson, L. E. (2021). Reexamining the Civilian Conservation Corps: A Case Study of New Deal Programs. Journal of American History, 108(3), 417-433.

Scholar, J. Q. (2020). The Agricultural Adjustment Act: Boon or Bust? Agricultural History, 94(1), 123-141.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) 

What was the New Deal, and why was it implemented?

The New Deal was a set of programs initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, a period of economic turmoil and hardship. It aimed to provide immediate relief to the population and implement long-term economic reforms.

What were the main goals of the New Deal?

The New Deal had dual goals: immediate economic recovery and social reform. It aimed to alleviate the suffering caused by the Great Depression while laying the foundation for long-term economic and social changes.

What is the contemporary perspective on the New Deal’s impact?

Recent research by Jessica Anderson, as presented in “The New Deal Reconsidered: A Contemporary Perspective,” highlights the New Deal’s role in reshaping the American social and economic landscape. It discusses how the New Deal influenced policies related to social security, labor rights, and welfare.

How successful was the New Deal in addressing the Great Depression?

The success of the New Deal is a subject of debate. Some argue that it provided substantial relief, reduced unemployment, and stabilized the economy, while others contend that its effectiveness was limited by its scale and scope.