President Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated the First New Deal, a comprehensive series of economic reforms and relief programs to combat the Great Depression. Within his first 100 days in office, FDR implemented 15 major pieces of legislation to stabilize banks, create jobs, and provide economic relief.

The Great Depression of the 1930s brought unprecedented economic hardship to millions of Americans. As Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in March 1933 the nation faced a staggering 25% unemployment rate and a banking system on the verge of collapse. Within his first 100 days as president FDR sprang into action with bold initiatives that would become known as the New Deal.

Roosevelt's sweeping program began with the Emergency Banking Act signed just days after his inauguration. This marked the beginning of what historians consider the "First New Deal" which ran from 1933 to 1934. Through a series of ambitious reforms regulations and public works projects FDR's administration aimed to provide relief recover the economy and restructure the financial system to prevent another economic catastrophe.

The Great Depression reached its lowest point in 1932, creating unprecedented economic hardship across the United States. This economic crisis set the stage for Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidential campaign and subsequent election.

America's economic landscape in 1932 reflected severe deterioration across multiple sectors. The stock market had lost 89% of its value since 1929, dropping from 381 to 41 points. Industrial production plummeted by 46% while national income fell from $87.8 billion in 1929 to $41.7 billion in 1932.

Economic Indicator	1929	1932	Decline
Stock Market (Points)	381	41	89%
National Income (Billions)	$87.8	$41.7	52%
Industrial Production	100	54	46%

Roosevelt's 1932 presidential campaign centered on specific pledges to combat the Depression. His platform included:

• Creating federal jobs programs for unemployment relief
• Implementing agricultural price supports for farmers
• Establishing strict banking regulations
• Repealing Prohibition to generate tax revenue
• Developing public power projects like the Tennessee Valley Authority

FDR delivered campaign speeches in 38 states, emphasizing direct government intervention to address economic problems. His message resonated with voters who faced foreclosures, unemployment lines, and failed banks, leading to his decisive victory over incumbent Herbert Hoover with 472 electoral votes to Hoover's 59.

The First New Deal marked a pivotal transformation in American governance starting March 9, 1933, when Roosevelt began implementing sweeping economic reforms through Congress.

Roosevelt's administration passed 15 major pieces of legislation within the first 100 days of his presidency. The Emergency Banking Act stabilized the banking system through federal inspections reopening 5,000 banks in just 3 days. Congress established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) on March 31, 1933, creating 250,000 jobs for young men in environmental conservation projects. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) launched on May 18, bringing electricity infrastructure to 7 southeastern states.

The First New Deal introduced essential programs addressing specific economic challenges:

• Agricultural Adjustment Act regulated crop prices by paying farmers to reduce production
• Federal Emergency Relief Administration distributed $500 million to state relief programs
• Public Works Administration allocated $3.3 billion for infrastructure development
• National Industrial Recovery Act established labor standards including:
• 40-hour work week
• Minimum wage requirements
• Child labor restrictions

Program	Year Established	Initial Funding
CCC	1933	$300 million
TVA	1933	$50 million
FERA	1933	$500 million
PWA	1933	$3.3 billion

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protected bank deposits up to $5,000 while the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulated stock market transactions. The Home Owners' Loan Corporation refinanced 1 million mortgages preventing foreclosures.

The First New Deal introduced comprehensive economic reforms through three primary focus areas: banking stabilization, public works initiatives, and agricultural recovery programs. Each component addressed specific challenges facing the American economy during the Great Depression.

The Emergency Banking Act of 1933 established a framework for rebuilding public confidence in the banking system. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protected bank deposits up to $2,500, while the Glass-Steagall Act separated commercial banking from investment banking activities. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulated stock market transactions through mandatory financial disclosure requirements and anti-fraud provisions.

The Public Works Administration (PWA) invested $3.3 billion in infrastructure projects across 3,068 counties. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) employed 250,000 young men in conservation projects, paying $30 monthly while providing food, shelter and clothing. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) constructed 16 dams, created 35,000 miles of power lines and provided electricity to 7 southeastern states.

Program	Investment	Impact
PWA	$3.3 billion	3,068 counties
CCC	$30/month per worker	250,000 jobs
TVA	16 dams	35,000 miles of power lines

The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) raised farm income by reducing crop surpluses through paid acreage reduction. Farmers received payments totaling $1.1 billion between 1933-1936 for limiting production of corn, cotton, wheat, tobacco, rice, peanuts and milk. The Farm Credit Administration refinanced 20% of all farm mortgages while establishing a system of local lending institutions.

Roosevelt launched the Second New Deal in 1935 to address persistent economic challenges through expanded social programs. This phase focused on long-term reforms in social security, labor rights and employment initiatives.

The Social Security Act of 1935 created America's first comprehensive social welfare system. The program established:

• Old-age pensions for workers aged 65 and older
• Unemployment insurance funded by employer payroll taxes
• Aid programs for dependent children, blind persons and disabled citizens
• Federal grants to states for public health services
• Monthly retirement benefits ranging from $10 to $85 based on contribution amounts

The National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) of 1935 transformed workplace rights through several key provisions:

• Legal protection for workers to form unions without employer interference
• Establishment of the National Labor Relations Board to investigate unfair practices
• Mandatory collective bargaining between unions and employers
• Prohibition of discriminatory actions against union members
• Protection for workers engaging in strikes and picketing activities

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) became the largest New Deal agency, operating from 1935 to 1943. Key accomplishments included:

WPA Project Type	Quantity Completed
Roads Built/Repaired	650,000 miles
Schools Built	4,000
New Bridges	75,000
Parks Developed	8,000
Employment Created	8.5 million jobs

• Federal Art Project employing 5,300 artists
• Federal Writers' Project documenting oral histories
• Federal Theatre Project producing 1,200 plays
• Federal Music Project organizing 225,000 performances

The New Deal transformed American society through comprehensive economic reforms social programs. Its effects reshaped the relationship between government citizens while establishing lasting institutions that continue to influence American life.

The New Deal's economic initiatives produced measurable improvements in the U.S. economy between 1933-1939:

• GDP grew at an average rate of 8.9% annually from 1933-1937
• Unemployment dropped from 25% in 1933 to 14.3% by 1937
• Bank failures decreased from 4,000 in 1933 to 61 by 1939
• Stock market regulations through the SEC prevented future market manipulation
• FDIC insurance protected bank deposits up to $5,000 initially
• Federal minimum wage established at $0.25 per hour in 1938

The PWA infrastructure projects created lasting economic assets:

• 70% of new schools built between 1933-1939
• 65% of city halls constructed during this period
• 35% of hospitals developed under the program
• 1,000+ bridges completed across the country

The New Deal fundamentally altered America's social fabric through several key reforms:

Labor Rights:

• Union membership increased from 3.4 million to 10.2 million between 1933-1941
• The 40-hour work week became standard
• Child labor practices ended in most industries
• Collective bargaining rights established through the Wagner Act

Social Security System:

• Created retirement benefits for 30 million Americans
• Established unemployment insurance programs
• Provided aid to 250,000 dependent children by 1940
• Implemented disability insurance coverage

Cultural Programs:

• Federal Art Project employed 5,300 artists

• Federal Writers' Project created state guides employing 6,600 writers

• Federal Theater Project staged 1,200 productions in 40 states

• Federal Music Project presented 225,000 performances

• Financial market regulation

• Labor rights protection

• Social welfare programs

• Environmental conservation

• Public infrastructure development

• Agricultural price supports

• FDR introduced the New Deal immediately after taking office in March 1933, launching the first major initiative within days through the Emergency Banking Act.
• The First New Deal (1933-1934) focused on immediate crisis management, including banking reforms, public works projects, and agricultural programs, with 15 major pieces of legislation passed in the first 100 days.
• Key programs established during this period included the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
• The Second New Deal (1935-1936) expanded social programs through landmark legislation like the Social Security Act and Wagner Act, which created lasting impacts on American society.
• The New Deal successfully reduced unemployment from 25% to 14.3% by 1937, while implementing crucial financial regulations and worker protections that continue today.

FDR's New Deal stands as one of the most transformative periods in American history. His bold response to the Great Depression through comprehensive economic reforms social programs and infrastructure development forever changed the nation's landscape.

The New Deal's legacy lives on through enduring institutions like Social Security FDIC and SEC. These programs not only helped pull America from the depths of economic crisis but also created a framework for modern government's role in ensuring economic stability and social welfare.

Today's America still benefits from the New Deal's lasting impact through its worker protections public infrastructure and financial regulations. It remains a powerful example of how decisive government action can address national challenges and reshape society for generations to come.