During FDRs first Hundred Days, a wide range of New Deal programs addressed the economic crisis, with varying degrees of success. There were critics on both sides, saying the New Deal did not go far enough or that it had gone too far in centralizing power.
To complete the Discussion activity, please do the following:
Write one to two paragraphs discussing the long-terms effects of the New Deal, the ways in which we still grapple with those effects today, and whether you believe the New Deal was a success or failure. Be sure your response answers the following questions:
How do you believe the Great Depression and New Deal transformed American politics? Do you believe the New Deal was successful? Why or why not?
Do you believe F.D.R. changed the role of president by creating the New Deal? Why or why not?
What do you believe are the responsibilities of government during economic crises? To what extent should the economy be left to recover on its own?
