The New Deal

“I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people.” This statement was made by then Governor Roosevelt when he accepted the democratic presidential nomination in 1932. When Roosevelt became President in 1933 he brought with him the “New Deal.” The New Deal possessed humanitarian goals and openness to new ideas and a willingness to expand federal powers to achieve its goals. The New Deal also proposed to provide relief for the needy, recovery for the nation at large, and long-range reform of economic institutions. (Grolier)
Roosevelt was elected to his first term as President in March 1933. At this time the country was facing an economic crisis. The nations banks were closing, due to the immense withdrawal of funds by frightened depositors. Millions of Americans were out of work; bread lines were a common sight in most cities. Hundreds of jobless, starving, homeless and penniless people roamed the streets in search of refuge. (Cohen)
The r...