Since its passing, the New Deal has remained a topic of substantial controversy and debate among historians and the general public alike. For this assignment, you will read different perspectives on the New Deal. Historians like David M. Kennedy argue that the New Deal was important because of Franklin Roosevelt’s ability to inspire confidence. Roosevelt himself argued that the New Deal meant to protect “freedom.” However, there were many critics of the New Deal. Historian Burton Folsom argues that the New Deal was not entirely effective in ending in Great Depression and that other historians focus too much on FDR’s personality. President Herbert Hoover argued that the New Deal contradicted core American values while Louisiana Governor Huey Long argued it didn’t go far enough. Using all these sources, you will need to argue the effectiveness of the New Deal.
Considering all of this, argue how effective was the New Deal and why? The answer to this question will provide you with a thesis statement on which to build out your analysis and argument. For Kennedy’s and Folsom’s articles, focus on examining how they make their arguments, NOT summarizing what they said. Consider what types of evidence they use, how they measure success, why they think the subject needs to be research, etc. For FDR’s, Hoover’s, and Long’s excerpts, consider both their backgrounds and who their constituents were when they made their critiques or advocations.
Your paper should be approximately 5 double-spaced pages ( 1,250 words). Cite all your sources using Chicago Manual of Style (https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html Links to an external site.). Do not use “I think” or “I believe” statements, as these tend to weaken your case by making it sound opinionated and subjective. Please also consult the “How to write a successful paper” and “Thesis-writing” Powerpoints under the Student Resources Modules Tab.
