Summary: In 1932, the United States was in the depths of the Great Depression with the government struggling on the best way to intervene when Franklin Roosevelt won a landslide victory in the presidential election, promising a "new deal" for Americans. In this lesson, students will learn about the creation of the New Deal, its impact on the Great Depression and the economy, as well as its legacy on the role of the government in the lives of Americans.
Overarching questions:
- CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
- CIVICS: Have individuals and groups influenced public policy during this time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- ECONOMICS: What is the proper role of government in the economy? (Especially with regard to economic crises, national defense/security, health and safety of the people, and economic development and practices.)
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.12.CivicsPR.10.b: Assess the effectiveness of governmental policies enacted during the New Deal period in protecting the welfare of individuals (i.e., FDIC, NLRB, and Social Security).
- 6.1.12.HistoryCA.10.b: Use a variety of sources from multiple perspectives to determine the extent to which New Deal public works and arts programs impacted New Jersey, the nation, and the environment.
- 6.1.12.EconEM.10.a: Construct a claim that evaluates short- and long-term impact of the expanded role of government on economic policy, capitalism, and society
- 6.1.12.EconNE.10.a: Evaluate the effectiveness of economic regulations and standards established during this time period in combating the Great Depression.
- 6.1.12.EconNE.10.b: Compare and contrast the economic ideologies of the two major political parties regarding the role of government during the New Deal and today.
Link to Lesson: The New Deal | C-SPAN Classroom