Photo AI
Describe one example of the US government's response to the Great Depression - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 2
Describe one example of the US government's response to the Great Depression. 2. Explain why the Second New Deal was introduced in 1935.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe one example of the US government's response to the Great Depression - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe one example of the US government's response to the Great Depression.
Answer
One significant example of the US government's response to the Great Depression was the establishment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in 1933. This initiative aimed to restore public confidence in the banking system by providing insurance for bank deposits, ensuring that depositors would not lose their savings in the event of a bank failure. The creation of the FDIC helped stabilize the banking sector and ultimately contributed to the recovery of the American economy.
Step 2
Explain why the Second New Deal was introduced in 1935.
Answer
The Second New Deal was introduced in 1935 as a response to both the continued economic difficulties facing America and the increasing pressure from various political factions and social movements. The initial New Deal programs, while impactful, had not fully alleviated the plight of the unemployed or addressed the structural issues within the economy.
One reason for the introduction of the Second New Deal was the need for more comprehensive reforms. This period saw the introduction of programs aimed at social welfare, labor rights, and economic support. Notable among these was the Social Security Act of 1935, which established a safety net for the elderly and unemployed, a critical step toward modern welfare provisions.
Another factor was the growing discontent among those who felt the New Deal measures were inadequate. Activists and labor organizations were increasingly vocal, demanding more substantial reforms to ensure economic justice. The Second New Deal sought to appease these groups while also bolstering the Democratic party's support base in light of the impending elections.
Moreover, the Second New Deal aimed to tackle the challenges of agricultural distress through initiatives like the Rural Electrification Administration (REA), which aimed to provide much-needed infrastructure to rural areas, enhancing productivity and living standards.
In summary, the Second New Deal was introduced to address the ongoing economic crisis, respond to public demand for greater government intervention, and implement more extensive social reforms to foster recovery and resilience in American society.