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Analysis Of Roosevelt's "New Deal" And The Great Depression

      During the 1930's, America witnessed a breakdown of the
Democratic and free enterprise system as the US fell into the worst
depression in history. The economic depression that beset the United
States and other countries was unique in its severity and its
consequences. At the depth of the depression, in 1933, one American
worker in every four was out of a job. The great industrial slump
continued throughout the 1930's, shaking the foundations of Western
capitalism.
      The New Deal describes the program of US president Franklin D.
Roosevelt from 1933 to 1939 of relief, recovery, and reform. These new
policies aimed to   solve the economic problems created by the
depression of the 1930's. When Roosevelt   was nominated, he said, "I
pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people."
The New Deal included federal action of unprecedented scope to
stimulate industrial recovery, assist victims of the Depression,
guarantee minimum living standards, and prevent future economic
crises. Many economic, political, and social factors lead up to the
New Deal. Staggering statistics, like a 25% unemployment rate, and the
fact that 20% of NYC school children were under weight and
malnourished, made it clear immediate action was necessary.
      In the first two years, the New Deal was concerned mainly with
relief, setting up shelters and soup kitchens to feed the millions of
unemployed. However as time progressed, the focus shifted towards
recovery. In order to accomplish this monumental task, several
agencies were created. The National Recovery Administration (NRA) was
the keystone of the early new deal program launched by Roosevelt. It
was created in June 1933 under the terms of the National Industrial
Recovery Act. The NRA permitted businesses to draft "codes of fair
competition," with presidential approval, that regulated prices,
wages, working conditions, and credit terms. Businesses that complied...