New Deal Programs: Relief Recovery Reform — Reading Comprehension

The New Deal was a series of programs and reforms launched by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression. This economic crisis began in 1929 and left millions of Americans without jobs, homes, or hope. The New Deal aimed to solve three urgent problems: providing relief for the unemployed, spurring recovery of the economy, and enacting lasting reforms to prevent future crises.

Unemployment soared to nearly 25 percent, and banks failed across the nation. Many families lost their savings and struggled to afford food. The government faced pressure from workers, business owners, and farmers, each with different needs. President Roosevelt said in his first inaugural address, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." This statement encouraged Americans to trust government action during uncertain times. It also revealed Roosevelt's belief in strong leadership and public confidence as essential tools for national recovery.

To provide immediate relief, the federal government created new agencies. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) hired young men to plant trees and build parks, giving them jobs and income. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) employed millions to build roads, schools, and public buildings. These programs helped families survive, but some critics argued that they made people dependent on government support. Supporters, however, felt these efforts were necessary because private businesses could not provide enough jobs during the crisis.

The New Deal also focused on recovery. Programs like the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) tried to boost manufacturing by setting fair wages and prices. The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) paid farmers to reduce crop production, aiming to raise farm prices. While farmers benefited from higher incomes, many tenant farmers and sharecroppers—especially African Americans and migrant workers—lost their jobs as landowners cut back on planting. This shows how some New Deal policies helped certain groups while hurting others.

Long-term reform was another major goal. The Social Security Act of 1935 created a system for old-age pensions and unemployment insurance. This was a groundbreaking change, providing a safety net for vulnerable Americans. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protected people's bank deposits, restoring trust in the banking system. However, not everyone agreed with these reforms. Some business leaders thought the government had gained too much power and worried about increased taxes. Others believed the New Deal did not go far enough in helping the poor and unemployed.

Analyzing the New Deal reveals its complexities. It was not a perfect solution, but it changed the relationship between the government and the American people. The New Deal created new expectations for government responsibility during economic crises. Still, it also sparked debates about the limits of federal power and the role of private enterprise. Many New Deal programs continue to influence American life today, demonstrating the lasting impact of this historic era.

Interesting Fact: The Social Security Act, passed during the New Deal, is still the foundation of the United States' retirement system today.

Who launched the New Deal?

What year did the Great Depression start?

Which program built roads and schools?

What was one goal of the New Deal?

Why did the AAA pay farmers to grow less?

What did the Social Security Act create?

The CCC mainly provided jobs planting trees. True or False?

Which word means 'changes to laws'?