Essay Example on New Deal: FDR's Plan to Boost the U.S. Economy

The New Deal was a set of fifteen laws and measures designed by Franklin Roosevelt to counter the depression. They included both presidential executive orders from the president and decrees passed by the congress. They aimed at improving the Tennessee Valley, employing the jobless, supporting crop prices, and stabilizing the economy. Besides, the measures would ensure bank deposits and prevent home foreclosures. The president called these programs the new deal to the nation’s recovery from the adverse effects of depression. The arrangement was successful in achieving some of the most essential and powerful objectives. It ensured capitalism did not fall since it put people back to work and revived the American economic system. Besides, people’s sense of hope was revitalized, which helped to get the nation back on track.

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Upon the assumption of office by Roosevelt, he acted quickly to alleviate the suffering caused by the great depression. He referred to the measures he laid as the new deal. The plans outlined in the program gave people confidence in him as they were assured that things would get better under his leadership. The new agreement presented a series of bold steps that the president was willing to take courageous steps for the welfare of his people. Roosevelt assured people of absolute state involvement in ensuring people would lead better lives. It is through the new deal that people got stable jobs, and poverty levels reduced drastically among the American people; hence the nation had taken a new lead. The new deal brought the great depression to an end.

Several aspects struck me about Roosevelt. His lack of fear amid depression was exceptional. He argued that the only thing to be feared was fear itself. Roosevelt was also committed to reviving an almost collapsing economy due to the great depression. The challenge he faced was immense, but he faced it boldly. Ideally, some leaders would cower at the face of such. However, Roosevelt rose to the challenge and brought America back to its feet. Another striking aspect is his achievement within his first 100 days in the office, where he dedicated considerable funds to meet the needs of the downtrodden. It is unlikely for a president to achieve such a feat within such a short duration. Besides, investing $500 million in a relief program was quite unusual. Roosevelt was also outstanding in his belief that all people should be included in the economic and political progress. This element was striking as it was unlike the typical capitalistic approach and safeguarded the inclusion of everyone in overcoming the harsh depression effects.

Another striking aspect was his ability to inspire people and change their perspectives. When starting as a president, people were fatigued due to the harsh economic times. Most people were on the verge of losing hope. Roosevelt stirred people all over America to rise and work together towards economic revival. Besides, his invention of the new deal was exceptional. He brought about a plan that would safeguard the citizens and improve their lives. It was a comprehensive plan that would ensure all the affected areas by the depression would revive. For instance, people would have employment, prices of farm produce would stabilize, and people would live without the fear of their houses being closed.

I learned about the harsh conditions that people had to endure during the depression, which was quite surprising. It is astounding that people in America lived in abject poverty at some time and had to live in shackles moving around in search of work. The settings portrayed in the clip showing how people lived at the time are quite astonishing and incomparable to the current setup in America. People lived in abject poverty and were willing to go any length, including living in shackles to find work. It was also surprising to learn Roosevelt’s commitment to transforming the nation and how he ensured all people progressed from depression and regained hope that they had lost due to the great depression. The video presented a great lesson on how dedicated leadership can transform a nation and the progress that America has made over the years.

Besides, it was surprising to learn that a significant part of technological advancements. It was during the time that substantial improvements were witnessed with many Americans owning radio sets, and radios became a mode of passing information unlike previously when they were used for entertainment. It was also intriguing to learn that the president communicated through radio addresses talking about his plans. Instead of solely giving directives, he made people feel part of his plans. Also, he used warm and straightforward language to communicate effectively to everyone, thus holding people together. Such an approach uplifted people’s hope and led to people believing they were friends with their president.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the great depression presented a harsh time for Americans. It had severe effects on their lives, with most people losing their jobs and being forced to relocate in search of work. Americans were also forced to live in inhumane conditions as the pangs of the great depression walloped them. However, President Roosevelt designed a new deal for the nation, which helped alleviate and overcome these impacts. He was an exceptional president whose leadership saw people regain hope and begin earning their livelihoods. Besides, he established a connection with the people through which he inspired them and encouraged them to keep going. His impact in countering the great depression was the most outstanding aspect of his tenure.