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New Deal and Great Depression — Reading Comprehension

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This passage explores the critical question: Did the New Deal end the Great Depression? Students will analyze the causes of the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt's motivations for launching the New Deal, and the varied consequences of these programs. The text incorporates multiple perspectives, including those of government leaders, critics, and everyday Americans. Students will use historical reasoning, examine a primary source quote, and review a timeline of key events. Activities include a reading comprehension quiz, writing prompts, a T-Chart graphic organizer, and a glossary of key terms. This resource aligns with C3 Framework and Common Core standards and includes a Spanish translation and read aloud audio. Through this rigorous, evidence-based passage, students are encouraged to think critically, build disciplinary vocabulary, and develop their analytical skills in U.S. history.

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"Listening to speeches at mass meeting of Works Progress Administration (WPA) workers protesting congressional cut of relief appropriations. San Francisco, California" by Lange, Dorothea / Library of Congress.

The Great Depression was the most severe economic crisis in the history of the United States. Beginning in 1929, the nation's stock market crashed, causing banks to fail and businesses to close. Millions of Americans lost their jobs, savings, and homes. These events led to widespread poverty and hardship across the country. The government and people needed urgent solutions to address this national emergency.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt responded to the crisis with a series of programs called the New Deal. The New Deal was a set of federal policies and agencies designed to provide relief for the unemployed, promote economic recovery, and reform the banking system. The federal government took a more active role than ever before, using its power to try and stabilize the economy and support struggling Americans.

One of the primary problems during the Great Depression was unemployment. By 1933, nearly one out of every four workers was without a job. The government created agencies such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) to provide temporary jobs building parks, roads, and public buildings. These programs helped people earn income and improved the nation's infrastructure at the same time.

Another major issue was the collapse of the banking system. Many banks ran out of money when panicked depositors withdrew their savings all at once. In response, Roosevelt declared a national "bank holiday" to close all banks for inspection. The government then established the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to protect people's savings and restore trust in banks. These policies encouraged people to deposit their money again, which helped banks reopen.

The impact of the New Deal was wide-ranging. Some Americans felt hopeful as the government provided jobs and assistance. Others criticized the programs, believing they gave too much power to the federal government or did not go far enough to help those in need. Despite the debates, many historians agree that the New Deal changed the relationship between citizens and the government, making the federal government more responsible for economic stability and social welfare.

Although the New Deal did not end the Great Depression entirely, it lessened suffering and created lasting reforms. Social Security, a New Deal program, still provides income to retired workers today. The lessons of the New Deal shaped future government responses to economic crises, showing the importance of balancing relief, recovery, and reform in times of trouble.

Interesting Fact: During the Great Depression, some families traveled hundreds of miles in search of work, and the unemployment rate reached nearly 25% in 1933.

When did the Great Depression begin?

1929194119141950

Who was President during the New Deal?

Franklin D. RooseveltHerbert HooverAbraham LincolnWoodrow Wilson

What percent was unemployment in 1933?

About 25%About 10%About 50%About 5%

Why was the FDIC created?

Protect people's savingsBuild roadsGrow foodReduce taxes

What did the CCC and WPA provide?

Jobs for the unemployedFree educationMilitary trainingMedical care

How did the New Deal change government?

Made it more responsibleMade it smallerEnded all taxesStopped all programs