How to use this booklet Do Identify your weaker areas and work on them first Break down the topics into chunks. You will find a page on each topic, plus tasks or past paper questions to complete Use the youtube links on the VLE to break up your revision Ask your teacher to mark past paper questions or for advice if you are stuck of confused. Don t Try to do everything at once Only focus on topics that you like Leave everything til the last minute Panic! 1920s America Tick when done Effects of the Great Depression on rural and urban areas Measures taken by Hoover to help end the depression FDR Vs Hoover in the 1932 election The New Deal- how did FDR tackle the depression? Alphabet Agencies- Relief, recovery and reform Opposition to the New Deal What the New Deal had achieved by 1939 and the impact of WWII.
The Great Depression In 1928 the new Republican president Herbert Hoover confidently stated, 'We in America today are nearer to the final triumph over poverty than ever before in the history of any land.' Within a year, all the confidence had ended and America was plunged into the Depression. Wall Street Crash When the Wall Street stock market crashed in October 1929, the world economy was plunged into the Great Depression. By the winter of 1932, America was in the depths of the greatest economic depression in its history. Effects on urban areas- cities Factories cut production because people weren t buying products Cut production meant making people unemployed Unemployed people couldn t pay their rents or mortgages and became homeless The number of unemployed people reached upwards of 13 million- nearly 25% of the population. Many people lived in primitive conditions close to famine. One New York family moved into a cave in Central Park. In St Louis, more than 1,000 people lived in shacks made from scrap metal and boxes. There were many similar Hoovervilles all over America Between 1 and 2 million people travelled the country desperately looking for work. Signs saying 'No Men Wanted' were displayed all over the country. Many children were deserted and left homeless during the Depression Effects on the countryside: rural depression The depression didn t cause the dust bowl, but the dust bowl made the effects of the depression were made worse by it The dust bowl was created by over farming and droughts The Depression was worst in farming, and in the old industries Many farmers could not afford their mortgage repayments and many Okies (from Oklahoma) and Arkies (from Arkansas) had to abandon their farms and go fruit-picking in California.
Give 3 examples 8 mark Q 15mins Explain each example in lots of detail. Think 3x PEE (point, evidence, explain) Explain the effects of the Wall Street Crash on the people of the USA in the years 1929 to 1932. :
Effects of The Great Depression from memory: Urban Rural 12 mark Q 20 mins The collapse of business and industry was the most serious effect of the Depression in the USA in the years 1929 to 1932. How far do you agree? Explain your answer. (12 marks) Paragraphs- detail and explanation Explain each example in lots of detail. Think 3x PEE (point, evidence, explain) 1) The collapse of business and industry WAS the most serious effect- explain how this effected people and how it was serious- 3 points 2) There were other important effects of the depression- explain them- 3 points 3) A conclusion that answers the question- do you agree? Explain your answer
How did Hoover try to deal with the depression? Recovery is just around the corner Herbert Hoover was president of the USA in the late 1920s and early 30s. He had been in charge in the good times. He was a Republican. The Republicans and Hoover believed in rugged individualism, and stuck to the idea that it was not the government s job to interfere with business. However, it would be unfair to say that Hoover did nothing to try to solve the problems of the great depression, but what he did try didn t go far enough. What did Hoover do? 1. In 1930 the Smoot-Hawley Act raised tariffs, in 1931 the Fed raised interest rates, and in 1932 the government raised taxes - all three simply made the Depression much worse. 2. Most Americans came to blame the President for the Depression. Shanty towns were called Hoovervilles, but there was also Hoover leather (cardboard soles for shoes) and Hoover blankets (newspapers). In Hoover we trusted, but now we are busted. 3. In 1930 he cut taxes and the Committee for Unemployment Relief was formed. 4. In 1931 he gave $4000 million to state governments to set up schemes to provide work (e.g. the Hoover Dam). 5. In 1932 he passed the Emergency Relief Act ($300 million to provide unemployment pay) and the Reconstruction Act (which set up the Reconstruction Finance Corporation to provide $1500 million of loans to help businessmen). 6. All this is usually either not mentioned at all, or dismissed as too little, too late. In fact, it was exactly what the New Deal was later to copy. By the time of the election in November 1932, Hoover's popularity had reached rock bottom. It was not even safe for him to go onto the streets to campaign. There were many protest marches and riots. When banks tried to re-possess some farms, local farmer banded together and drove them off with pitch-forks. Bonus Army: In 1932, 20,000 unemployed ex-soldiers set up a Hooverville in Washington to ask for their war pension ( bonus ) to be paid early; Hoover set the army on them, who drive them away with guns and tear-gas. People, including children were killed. This further increased his unpopularity.
Give 3 examples 8 mark Q 15mins Explain each example in lots of detail. Think 3x PEE (point, evidence, explain) Explain why Hoover s attempts to deal with the depression were unsuccessful :
'In Hoover we trusted, now we are busted!' 1932 election Needless to say, Hoover lost the 1932 election due to widespread poverty and was replaced by the Democratic leader, Franklin D Roosevelt, who aimed to tackle the Depression. Franklin D Roosevelt The Presidential election campaign of November 1932 took place against the backdrop of the most severe economic depression in American history. While Republican President Herbert Hoover was personally blamed for failing to deal with the consequences of the Wall Street Crash of October 1929, the Democratic candidate, Franklin D Roosevelt promised, "A new deal for the American people." FDR - Experienced as governor of New York where he had helped the people there by providing relief measures - Friendly, likeable and approachable - Travelled the USA listening to people s problems - Promised change and action by the government although he was vague about what this was - Used the radio to get his message across - Came from a wealthy family, well educated - Democrat Hoover - Experienced president who had been in charge during the boom times - Blamed for the problems of the Depression - Said the economy would sort itself out, believed in rugged individualism, not government help - Came from a poor background, had worked hard to rise to president - Public feeling was so strong against Hoover that he suffered death threats and stayed in the White House during the election campaign. This made him look cold and uncaring. - Things he had tried to end the Depression were too little too late - Belief in him was severely damaged by the Bonus Army incident where war veterans were shot at and some were killed by the army - Republican The election was won by FDR with a large majority. He received 57% of the popular vote. More importantly, he won in 42 out of 48 states. This proved he had the majority support in most areas of the USA.
12 mark Q 20 mins President Hoover s failure to deal with the Depression in the years 1929 1932 made sure that Roosevelt would be elected as President. Do you agree with this interpretation? Explain your answer. (12 marks) This question is basically asking you why FDR won the election in 1932. You should aim for 3 well explained points per paragraph. Explain each point in lots of detail. Think 3x PEE (point, evidence, explain) 1) A paragraph why people didn t vote for Hoover- his mistakes, how he attempted to deal with the depression and why this was not successful and how Hoover conducted his election campaign- 3 points 2) A paragraph that explains why people voted for FDR- 3 points 3) A conclusion that answers the question- do you agree, or was it other factors that made FDR win?
What Action did FDR Take? The New Deal As he entered the White House, the scale of the problem he faced was immense. By the winter of 1932-1933, the country seemed to have reached rock bottom. Roosevelt's personal solution, the New Deal was the largest, most expensive government programme in the history of the American presidency. What did the New Deal consist of? Roosevelt skilfully used his inaugural address to reassure the American people that "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror". 1. Fireside chats - in March 1933, about 60 million Americans gathered around their radios to be told in a warm tone - ""I can assure you that it is safer to keep your money in a reopened bank than under the mattress"". 2. Stabilised the banking system - with the banking system in crisis, the president declared a nationwide bank holiday for 4 days to allow time for people to regain their nerve. Banks were inspected and only those considered trustworthy were allowed to reopen under licence. 3. FDR ended prohibition, which was a really unpopular policy 4. Alphabet Agencies were set up All of this took place in the first 100 days of FDR s presidency and therefore became known as The Hundred Days. FDR was given emergency powers by Congress- the same powers the president has if the country was at war. This shows just how serious the problems were, but also how serious the action taken was. The New Deal had 3 Aims: Relief: To help those in need straight away- the homeless, the starving and the unemployed Recovery: To provide measures that would help the economy recoverjobs Reform: To provide long term, positive change in the USA
Relief: FERA HOLC Federal Emergency Relief Administration Gave $500 million to help those in need- mostly the unemployed. Provided soup kitchens and shelters for the homeless. Home Owners Loan Corporation Provided loans to home owners so that they could pay their mortgages and wouldn t lose their homes FCA Farm Credit Administration This agency used Federal money to pay off farm creditors and save farmers from bankruptcy. Recovery PWA and CWA CCC AAA Public Works Administration and Civil Works Administration Gave jobs to people to boost the economy. Building of bridges, roads, schools and hospitals The CWA gave jobs to 4milliop people during the winter of 1933-34 The Civilian Conservation Corps offered short-term work to young men (18-25) on conservation projects, such as planting trees or clearing land. They got $1 a day, but also got food and accommodation The Agricultural Adjustment Act Aimed at reducing farm production and boosting farm prices by paying farmers to produce less.6 million pigs were killed under this act and some produce was burned.
Give 3 examples 8 mark Q 15mins Explain each example in lots of detail. Think 3x PEE (point, evidence, explain) Explain the ways in which the New Deal tried to reduce the number of people without jobs. (8 marks) :
Reform NRA TVA Second New Deal measures National Recovery Administration Set out to improve working conditions, a code of practise for working hours etc. Workers were allowed to join a trade union. This was later declared unlawful by the Supreme Court Tennessee Valley Authority Dams were built in an area that covered 7 states. This provided jobs along with electricity for places that hadn t had it before. It also helped with the flooding and drought in this area. The Second New Deal was more about providing lasting social change. For example: Pensions were provided under the Social Security Act. The Wagner Act replaced the banned NRA to help workers rights. The second New Deal At the start of 1934 there was still 11.3 million people out of work. Some historians have said that failing to deal with unemployment was the biggest weakness of the New Deal. Criticism of Roosevelt emerged from several directions. With the 1936 presidential election on the horizon, the New Deal began to change direction. Some historians have interpreted the change by saying there were two New Deals - the first dealing with the immediate emergency of 1933-34 and the second, which emerged in 1935-1936, offering more radical, reforming policies: Opponents of the New Deal 1. Republican opponents said Roosevelt had spent too much government money and said that the government was interfering in people s lives too much and making them reliant on hand outs. 2. Businessmen who resented the NRA telling them what to do. 3. The rich who believed Roosevelt had betrayed his own class (Roosevelt was from a very wealthy family) and resented their taxes being used to help the poor. 4. Those who felt the New Deal wasn t doing enough: Huey Long - the Governor of Louisiana, launched the Share our Wealth campaign in which personal fortunes of more than $3 million would be redistributed to ordinary citizens. Father Charles Coughlin - a Canadian priest - broadcast popular sermons on the radio, promising to nationalise the banks. Dr Francis Townsend planned to boost the economy by raising pensions for the over 60s - in return, they would spend $200 a month to increase demand for consumer goods. 5. The Supreme Court who blocked several of FDR s measures- the AAA and the NRA were declared unconstitutional as they took away the power of states. Because of this, in 1937, Roosevelt threatened to force old Republican Supreme Court judges to retire and to create 6 new ones who were on his side; the crisis was averted when the Supreme Court reversed its decisions. But FDR was criticised for acting like a dictator and trying to pack the court with his own men.
At first glance, the cartoon could be mistaken for criticising Roosevelt and the New Deal. It looks like Roosevelt is rescuing another person from the sea of Depression and pulling him into his National Recovery boat. Many New Deal critics were opposed to the cost of the New Deal to the American taxpayer. However, the cartoon is actually criticising the US Supreme Court - the caption gives it away - Roosevelt is saying: "I'm sorry but the Supreme Court says I must chuck you back again", and he is shown to be pushing the man's head down. This is because the Supreme Court did not agree with many of Roosevelt's New Deal proposals and, therefore, did not pass them. This cartoon sympathises with Roosevelt as it shows him unwillingly pushing away the man who needs saving. Give 3 examples 8 mark Q 15mins Explain each example in lots of detail. Think 3x PEE (point, evidence, explain) Explain why there was opposition to the New Deal :
The USA and World War 2 Lend lease meant that the US could produce weapons and give them to their allies on a use now, pay later basis. This meant that many jobs were created in arms production. Because the USA was providing weapons to their enemies, Japan bombed the American naval base of Pearl Harbour in December 1941. America declared war on Japan and their allies. WWII put the USA back on track as a great industrial power. Unemployment fell to zero - 10 million Americans into the armed forces and into arms production GNP doubled The depression was ended. Successes How successful was the New Deal? 1. Roosevelt restored confidence in the American people. 2. Millions of people were given work in government projects. 3. A lot of valuable work was carried out by the in building schools, roads and hospitals. 4. Roosevelt rescued the banking system from collapse and saved capitalism. 5. Millions of people received relief, help with their mortgage, jobs etc. from the alphabet agencies. 6. Roosevelt's new laws about social security/ minimum wage/ labour relations and trade unions survived and protected ordinary people s rights and conditions. Democracy survived in America (unlike Italy and Germany) 7. It was popular- FDR won the 1936 election with a huge majority. Roosevelt became the people's hero - he was elected in total four times. Failures 1. There was a new recession - the 'Roosevelt recession' in 1937- funding was reduced for the New Deal and unemployment rose again. It was seen as more of a temporary fix. 2. Unemployment was not conquered by the New Deal- it remained a problem until America joined WW2. 3. Many of the jobs created by the New Deal were only temporary. 4. The New Deal was the most costly government programme in American History and some of its projects could be accused of wasting money. 5. It didn t help blacks or women specifically.
12 mark Q 20 mins President Roosevelt s New Deal was successful in ending the Depression in the USA. Do you agree with this interpretation? Explain your answer. (12 marks) Explain each example in lots of detail. Think 3x PEE (point, evidence, explain) 1) The New Deal was successful in ending the depression: A paragraph giving examples and explaining them 2) The New Deal was not successful in ending the depression: A paragraph giving examples and explaining them 3) A conclusion that answers the question- do you agree it was a success?
More Past Paper Questions to plan By 1939 the New Deal had achieved its aims. Do you agree with this interpretation? Explain your answer. (12 marks) The Second World War was more successful than the New Deal in ending the depression. Do you agree with this interpretation? Explain your answer. (12 marks)