The New Deal Teacher Guide

5 Ws

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New Deal Programs

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Timeline

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The 3 Rs

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Discussion Questions for the New Deal

1. What was the Great Depression?
2. What was the new deal?
3. What were the goals of the New Deal?
4. How did the New Deal change the role of government?
5. How did New Deal programs affect those in need?

Relief, Recovery, Reform: The New Deal Initiatives

Soon after taking office, President Roosevelt promoted his New Deal program, which would emphasize the “3 Rs”: relief, recovery, and reform. Although the New Deal has been seen as a controversial series of legislation enacted by the federal government, there is no question that these reforms saved lives and provided jobs to those in dire need throughout the 1930s. The actions the Federal Government took to keep the American economy and society alive remains a topic of intense study throughout America’s economic, political, and social battles today.

While studying this period of history, students will be exposed to numerous economic, political, and social reforms established under the New Deal. They will see how the Federal Government stepped into American society in order to alleviate the numerous problems caused by the Great Depression. They'll be introduced to the background questions of the New Deal. Students will research and then analyze the programs created under the New Deal.

Students will also have the opportunity to step back from the perspective of just the 1930s and be able to look back at the problems created prior to the Wall Street Crash on October 29th, 1929. In order to connect this unit to today's history, students can look at modern society and analyze the role the Federal Government plays in our daily lives. Students will be encouraged to not only make connections between the New Deal and our modern society, but also analyze and argue both for and against the role our government plays in our lives today.

Frequently Asked Questions about The New Deal Teacher Guide

What was the New Deal and why was it important?

The New Deal was a set of programs and reforms launched by President Franklin D. Roosevelt between 1933 and 1938 to help the United States recover from the Great Depression. It was important because it provided relief to those in need, created jobs, and reshaped the relationship between the government and citizens.

How did the New Deal change the role of the federal government in America?

The New Deal greatly expanded the role of the federal government in society and the economy, involving it directly in relief, recovery, and reform efforts. This shift led to increased government responsibility for economic stability and social welfare.

What were the main goals of New Deal programs?

The New Deal focused on three main goals: relief for the unemployed and poor, recovery of the economy, and reform of the financial system to prevent future depressions.

Can you give examples of key New Deal initiatives?

Major New Deal initiatives included the Social Security Act, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Works Progress Administration (WPA), and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), each targeting relief, jobs, and financial security.

Why do teachers find New Deal lesson plans relevant for students today?

New Deal lesson plans help students connect past economic challenges to current events, understand government intervention, and build critical thinking by comparing historical and modern policies.