Student Activities for The New Deal
Discussion Questions for the New Deal
- What was the Great Depression?
- What was the new deal?
- What were the goals of the New Deal?
- How did the New Deal change the role of government?
- 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.
How Tos about The New Deal Teacher Guide
Engage your class with a New Deal debate activity that builds critical thinking skills
Empower students to analyze both sides of the New Deal by facilitating a classroom debate. Debates encourage deeper understanding and spark thoughtful discussion about the government’s role in society.
Prepare students with background reading on New Deal policies
Select brief articles or summaries about key New Deal programs. This helps students ground their arguments in real historical context before debating.
Assign students to pro and con teams for the New Deal’s effectiveness
Divide your class into two groups: one will support, and one will challenge New Deal policies. Structured roles foster teamwork and ensure all voices are heard.
Guide students to develop strong arguments using facts and examples
Encourage teams to use historical evidence, quotations, and real outcomes from the 1930s. Backing up opinions with facts sharpens students’ reasoning skills.
Moderate the debate and facilitate reflective discussion afterward
Lead the debate, keeping it respectful and on topic. Afterward, invite students to reflect on their perspectives and what they learned.
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.
- 47-96 1783 • FDR Presidential Library & Museum • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- fdr • itsbeach • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- FDR's "Fireside Chats" With America • Tony Fischer Photography • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Franklin and Eleanor (FDR Bio, part 1) • Tony Fischer Photography • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Irrigation • MarkDoliner • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Photograph of a Workman on the Framework of the Empire State Building, 1936 • The U.S. National Archives • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
- Row of men at the New York City docks out of work during the depression, 1934 • The U.S. National Archives • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
- Textiles. Pacific Mills. Piecing-up on slubber frame (Front view), April 1937 • The U.S. National Archives • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
- WPA • beckstei • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- WPA workers building stairway at Golden Gardens, 1936 • Seattle Municipal Archives • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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