Chapter #31: American Life in the "Roaring Twenties" – Big Picture Themes
1. A “red scare” struck America in the 20s. Fear of communism resonated through society and was fueled by mail bombings and illustrated by the Sacco and Vanzetti executions.
2. Anti-immigration ran high as well. Laws were passed to limit immigration, and specifically, to limit “New Immigrants” from Italy and Poland.
3. The “Scopes Monkey Trial” illustrated the new controversy of evolution vs. creation.
4. Businesses had a good run in the 20s and consumers bought products wildly, often on credit or with an installment plan.
5. Three Republican presidents were pro-business. The economy and consumers got to running too fast, and coupled with over-buying in the stock market, initiated the Stock Crash and Great Depression.
Chapter #31 Identifications
A. Mitchell Palmer
Attorney General in 1920s; earned the title of the "fighting Quaker" by his excess of zeal in rounding up suspects of Red Scare; ultimately totaled about six thousand; This drive to root out radicals was redoubled in June 1919, when a bomb shattered his home.
John T. Scopes
a high school biology teacher who was indicted for teaching evolution in the "Monkey Trial" of 1925; defended by nationally known attorneys; clash between theology and biology proved inconclusive; found guilty and fined $100; Tennessee supreme court set fine aside on a technicality.
Clarence Darrow
famed criminal lawyer; worked in "Monkey Trial"; made William Jennings Bryan appear foolish
Andrew Mellon
Treasury Secretary whose tax policies favored the rapid expansion of capital investment; he thought the taxes left from the war were bad; he helped create the tax reductions from 1921 to 1926; his spare the rich policies shifted a lot of the tax from the wealthy to the middle-income groups; named by conservatives as the "greatest secretary of the Treasury since Hamilton; he was a prominent inventor, engineer, and tennis player
Margaret Sanger
United States nurse who campaigned for birth control and planned parenthood.
H. L. Mencken
Known as the "Bad Boy of Baltimore," he found a lot wrong in much of America and so as a writer, he wrote the monthly American Mercury.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
One of the 20th-century's literary stars, his writing chronicled the Jazz Age. He wrote "This Side of Paradise, and his novel "The Great Gatsby" is considered an American masterpiece. (Married a woman named Zelda)
Ernest Hemingway
American author who saw combat in Italy. His "The Sun Also Rises" and "A Farewell to Arms" reflected postwar disillusionment. Ended up committing suicide.
Sinclair Lewis
A heavy-drinking journalist who wrote Main Street and Babbitt, belittled small-town America was the chief chronicler of Midwestern life. He was a master of satire.
Buying on Margin
To buy stock by paying only a fraction of the stock price and borrowing the rest.
Red Scare
Widespread fear of communism and other politically radical ideas.
Sacco and Vanzetti Case
These were two Italian immigrants who were arrested in connection with a shooting in Massachusetts. After a controversial trial, which many deemed unfair, they were sentenced to death.
Emergency Quota Act 1921
1921 legislation that limited immigration to 3% of the people of their nationality living in the US in 1910.
Immigration Quota Act 1924
This was passed in 1924--cut quotas for foreigners from 3 % to 2% of the total number of immigrants in 1890--purpose was to freeze America's existing racial composition --prevented Japanese from immigrating, causing outrage in Japan.
Volstead Act
Law that established a Prohibition Bureau within the Treasury Department. It was under-budgeted and largely ineffective, especially in strongly anti-prohibition states.
Fundamentalism
Literal interpretation and strict adherence to basic principles of a religion (or a religious branch, denomination, or sect).
Modernists
They believed that God was a "good guy" and the universe a pretty chummy place; these were the people who believed in God but were also able to except evolution and modern science.
Chapter #31 Guided Reading Questions
Seeing Red
Know: Billy Sunday, Red Scare, A. Mitchell Palmer, Sacco and Vanzetti
1.Cite examples of actions taken in reaction to the perceived threat of radicals and communists during the red scare.
The red scare was a very troubling time for Americans throughout the duration of the period. A popular method of dealing with radicals and communists was by way of deportation. Laws were passed that stated violence was against the law in the name of social change and people were denied positions of power just for the mere fact that they were socialist.
Hooded Hoodlums of the KKK
2. Compare and contrast the new and old Ku Klux Klansmen.
The old KKK Klansmen was very radical in both their actions and politics being typically violent at all times. The new KKK however was politically minded and resembled the old nativist movements instead of taking major violent action. They were anti-foreign in their ideology which was pro-Anglo-Saxon, pro-“native” American, and pro-Protestant.
Stemming the Foreign Flood
Know: Emergency Quota Act, Immigration Act
3. Describe the immigration laws passed in the 1920's.
In the 1920s America had little use for immigrants even though a great many still came into the gates of America. The government first started to stem the flow of immigrants with the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 which restricted the number of immigrants to 3 percent of the people of their nationality who had been living in the US. Secondly the Immigration Act of 1924 cut the quota from 3 to 2 percent which ended an extensive era of free immigration.
Makers of America: The Poles
Know: Prussian Poles, Russian Poles, Austrian Poles, American Warsaw
4. What factors led Poles to America?
Many factors led Poles to America which includes improving political status and economic concerns regarding their country. Originally Poles in the 19th century came to America to escape starvation and earn money to buy land back in their country of origin. Later on in the century more Poles came because of letters from their relatives describing how great America was.
The Prohibition "Experiment"
Know: Eighteenth Amendment, Volstead Act, Wet and Dry, Speakeasies, Home Brew, Bathtub Gin, Noble Experiment
5. How and why was the eighteenth amendment broken so frequently?
The eighteenth amendment was the legal document that officially banned alcohol completely. Many people used alcohol as a social tool and couldn’t resist living without it. The Federal Government also didn’t enforce prohibition as stringently as any other product and therefore people started to make alcohol and also drink it.
The Golden Age of Gangsterism
Know: Al Capone, St. Valentine's Day Massacre, Lindbergh Law
6. What was Gangsterism?
Prohibition soon sparked a major upheaval of crime with many people seeing the profits of making illegal alcohol and selling it. Gangsterism was the way of life in which people act as gangsters and take advantage of people and laws in general. Al Capone was the most notorious of these gangsters as he made millions off of illegal alcohol at any cost. Gangsterism was also dissuaded with the introduction of the Lindbergh Law which made interstate abduction a death penalty in some cases.
Monkey Business in Tennessee
Know: John Dewey, John T. Scopes, William Jennings Bryan, Clarence Darrow
7. Describe the clash of cultures that took place in schools in the 1920's.
The 1920s saw the rise of many different ideas from many sources such as science and religion. Obviously the ideas of both institutions differ and do not go well together. A perfect example of this was in the Monkey Trial in which a high school biology teacher John T. Scopes was indicted for teaching evolution in which he lost the case against the court which was dominated by religious men including William Jennings Bryan. The stress of this ordeal also resulted in Bryan’s death by stroke.
The Mass-Consumption Economy
Know: Andrew Mellon, The Man Nobody Knows, Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey
8. Give evidence to prove that America became a mass-consumption economy in the 20's.
America became a mass-consumption economy because of the way all the businesses started to churn out products efficiently with the help of machines. With all of the resource consumption needed to produce products efficiently America started to advertise. Buying on credit was also another feature that arose which resulted in people falling into debt, sports were also used to take in money with the likes of Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey causing people to pack stadiums and arenas.
Putting America on Rubber Tires
Know: Henry Ford, Frederick W. Taylor, Model T
9. What methods made it possible to mass-produce automobiles?
The assembly line was by far the most efficient method in producing automobiles massively. But in order to establish effective assembly lines themselves innovative machines had to be invented. Finally new management techniques were made that saved time starting with Frederick W. Taylor.
The Advent of the Gasoline Age
10. What were the effects of the widespread adoption of the automobile?
The automobile proved to be revolutionary in the fact that it could transport people faster. Now that everyone had cars previously trivial industries were now important due to the fact that the minor parts of the cars needed to be made like glass, rubber, and fabrics. The biggest of these new industries however was the oil industry and the advancement of these industries thus made speedy marketing possible.
Humans Develop Wings
Know: Orville and Wilbur Wright, Charles Lindbergh
11. What effects did the early airplane have on America?
The airplane was obviously a revolutionary invention that would change the world. The airplane improved transportation of mail with airmail routes, the flight of the Spirit of St. Louis however had the most profound effect by inspiring the youth of the nation. Airplanes also changed the face of war forever with the introduction of a threat by air.
The Radio Revolution
12. How did America change as the result of the radio?
America before radio was not really connected as a result of the sluggish news spreading by letters and the scarcity of telegraphs. With the introduction of radio however America was now connected more than ever and entertainment was also changed as well. With comedic shows and major sporting events being casually broadcast. Connection and closeness.
Hollywood's Filmland Fantasies
Know: The Great Train Robbery, The Birth of a Nation, The Jazz Singer
13. What were some milestones in the history of motion pictures?
Film has always been the most popular form of entertainment. In 1903 “The Great Train Robbery”, was the first story sequence found in film and introduced new ways to express messages. Movies really took off in WW1 when they were used as anti-German propaganda.
The Dynamic Decade
Know: Margaret Sanger, Flappers, Sigmund Freud, Jelly Roll Morton, Langston Hughes, Marcus Garvey
14. "Far-reaching changes in lifestyles and values paralleled the dramatic upsurge in the economy." Explain.
The 1920s were very different than any other decade before it and established many different social standards. Sex was also a broken taboo that was very common throughout the 1920s. African-Americans also broke through with many entertainment and cultural phenomenon. African-Americans made many revolutionary contributions to entertainment such as jazz, blues, poetry, and acting,
Cultural Liberation
Know: H. L. Mencken, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Sinclair Lewis,
William Faulkner, Ezra Pound, T. S. Eliot, e.e. cummings, Eugene O'Neill, Louis
Armstrong, Frank Lloyd Wright
15. How did the arts of the 1920's reflect the times?
The arts of the 1920s were new and revolutionary with many never before seen themes and topics. Young authors came bursting onto the arts scene with great success with a revolutionary and rebellious attitude. Plays and architecture also took on great success with the plays like “Strange Interlude” and the modern marvel the Empire State building.
Wall Street's Big Bull Market
Know: Margin, Andrew Mellon
16. Was government economic policy successful in the 20's?
The US was in debt during the 1920s in 26 billion dollars because of borrowed money for the war effort. Secretary of the Treasury Andrew Mellon made drastic changes to taxes and cut the national debt down to 16 billion dollars. Overall I think that the government’s economic policy was successful.
Chapter #32: The Politics of Boom and Bust – Big Picture Themes
1. President Harding had several scandals underneath him, notably the Teapot Dome Scandal over oil.
2. America entered into policies of “isolationism” whereby the US just wanted to look after herself and leave Europe alone.
3. Coolidge was very pro-business, following a “hands-off” approach by government.
4. Hoover held the same ideas with his “rugged individualism” phrase. When the Stock Crash hit and Great Depression started, Hoover was very reluctant and slow to take government action.
Chapter #32: IDENTIFICATIONS
Andrew Mellon
Secretary of Treasury who favored expansion of capital investment, tax policies, successfully pushed congress to lower taxes
Herbert Hoover
secretary of commerce, he made his job important, good with foreign trade for US manufacturers
Albert B. Fall
was a scheming anti-conservationist and he was a corrupt secretary of interior
Robert LaFollette
Was the leader of a liberal third-party insurgency who attracted little support outside the farm belt.
Alfred E. Smith
The democrat nominee in the 1928 election who ran against Herbert Hoover. He was the four-time governor of New York. He did not get elected because he was "wet", a native to New York, Catholic, and a descendant of Irish grandparents.
Ohio Gang
Poker playing guys from Harding's native state who contributed to the morally lose atmosphere in his administration.
Washington Conference
Was hosted by US, called for US and British de-fortification of Far East possessions (though Japan could fortify all it wanted). Also called for general naval disarmament.
Kellogg-Briand Pact
An idealistic agreement between the great world powers to never engage in war except for defensive purposes.
Fordney-McCumber Tariff Law
Raised the tariff from 27% to 35%, taxes on farm produce increased. Passed during the Harding Administration.
Teapot Dome Scandal
A horrible political scandal involving the private bribery of Secretary of the Interior Albert B. Fall in exchange for government oileries. Up to that point, it was considered the worst political scandal in American History.
Dawes Plan
loan program that was crafted to give money to Germany so that they could pay war reparations and lessen the financial crisis in Europe; the program ended with the 1929 stock market crash.
Hawley-Smoot Tariff
Raised tariffs to an unprecedented level and worsened the depression by raising prices and discouraging foreign trade.
Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC)
Became a government-lending bank. Was designed to provide indirect relief by assisting insurance companies, banks, agricultural organizations, and railroads.
Bonus Army
the mass of struggling WWI vets who, in the face of hard economic times, wanted to collect their paychecks early.
Hoover-Stimson doctrine
American foreign policy that stated that US would not formally recognize any territories that were seized by force.
Chapter #32 Identifications
The Republican "Old Guard" Returns
Know: Warren Harding, Ohio Gang
1. What flaws did Warren Harding possess?
He was too loyal to his very corrupt friends and very gullible, and not too smart. He sought to have the best cabinet around him, and although he chose a few of the best people suited for their jobs such as Charles Evans Hughes, Andrew Mellon and also Herbert Hoover; he also chose people he thought he could trust but actually couldn’t such as Albert B. Fall who was a schemer and against conserving and also Harry M. Daugherty, who was easily bribed as attorney general.
GOP Reaction at the Throttle
2. What pro-business policies were taken by the government during the Harding administration.
Many of the progressive cases were halted or even reversed. Harding appointed 4 new judges for the Supreme Court, and he chose 3 traditional ones and also William Taft, who was the most liberal of the 4 new judges. With the Harding administration, America returned back to laissez-faire, which encouraged less government limitations on companies. They also reversed child labor laws and in Adkins v Children’s Hospital, they actually overturned the women’s minimum wage. They also turned back many anti-trust laws and encouraged big businesses to reign again.
The Aftermath of War
Know: Railway Labor Board, American Legion, Adjusted Compensation Act
3. What effects did the war have on the post-war economy?
The economy did not prosper after the war. In addition to war debts, many ex-soldiers
demanded 'adjusted compensation' to make up for the wages they 'lost' after joining the
army. Congress passed the Adjusted Compensation Act in 1924, which gave every former
soldier an insurance policy due in twenty years and added about $3.5 billion to the total war
cost. Labor also suffered; strikes were brutally dealt with by exploiting ethnic and racial
divisions among the workers.
America Seeks Benefits Without Burdens
Know: Unofficial Observers, Charles Evans Hughes, Five-Power Naval Treaty, Four-Power Treaty, Nine-Power Treaty, Kellogg-Briand Pact
4. How did the U.S. take the lead in disarmament in the 20's?
The United States, led by then-president Warren G. Harding, took the lead in disarmament in the 1920's by creating the Five-Power Naval Treaty and the Four-Power Treaty between Britain, Japan, France, and the United States. These treaties said to cut down on the amounts of battleships and aircrafts produced and used.
Hiking the Tariff Higher
Know: Fordney-McCumber Tariff Law
5. What effects were produced by high American tariffs?
Businesses in America need to have a higher tariff to protect themselves against cheaper European goods so the Fordney-McCumber Tariff Law was passed. Rates were raised from 27 % to 38.5%. Although this was good for America, Europe owed them some money, and because of the high tariffs, they aren't able to pay back the money they owed.
The Stench of Scandal
Know: Charles R. Forbes, Albert B. Fall, Teapot Dome, Harry M. Daugherty
6. "Such was his [Harding's] weakness that he tolerated people and conditions that subjected the Republic to its worst disgrace since the days of President Grant." Explain
Since businesses in America need to have a higher tariff to protect themselves against cheaper European goods, the Fordney-McCumber Tariff Law was passed. Rates were raised from 27 % to 38.5%. Although this was good for America, Europe owed them some money, and because of the high tariffs, they aren't able to pay back the money they owed.
“Silent Cal” Coolidge
Know: Calvin Coolidge
7. Do the nicknames, "Silent Cal" and "Cautious Cal" accurately describe the Coolidge presidency?
Both of Coolidge's nicknames were true descriptions for the five and a half years of his presidency. During the duration of his presidency he never performed or authorized any rash or controversial actions and decisions. Businesses favored him because he didn't bother to take any risks in their domain unlike many of his predecessors. His nickname "Silent Cal" suits his personality perfectly because he actually didn't talk much and his inability to have powerful speeches most likely stemmed from his silent personality.
Frustrated Farmers
Know: McNary-Haugen Bill
8. What had changed for the farmer since 1890? What had remained the same?
The most drastic change for the farmer since 1890 was probably the introduction of machines that increased the product a farmer could produce. Machines also eliminated the need for farm hands and were now able to grow larger crops. The conditions that remained the same were the farmers desire for high crop prices and ability to work their land.
A Three-Way Race for the White House in 1924
Know: Robert La Follette
9. Why did Calvin Coolidge easily win the 1924 election?
He was a good president and was popular. The other candidates were also not very capable and radical in their ideas and policy. John W. Davis seemed to be an unworthy candidate for presidency while Robert La Follette showed that he had the spirit but not the manpower for his progressive party.
Foreign-Policy Flounderings
10. What are the arguments for America canceling the WWI debt of European countries?
America during the time was doing financially well overall while they still wanted more money. The Allied countries additionally stated that they had sacrificed millions of lives and that their sacrifice was their repayment towards the loans. They also said that if they really did pay back America it would only go towards boosting the already successful economy.
Unraveling the Debt Knot
Know: Dawes Plan
11. What were the world-wide repercussions of America’s insistence on debt repayment?
Very strong, it had adverse effects on the world’s view of America. America was ridiculed by all of Europe when in the end the US didn’t get the money it was clamoring for. This led to the passing of a neutrality legislation in the 1930s that attempted to stem the ill will from Europe.
The Triumph of Herbert Hoover, 1928
Know: Al Smith, "Rum, Romanism, and Ruin"
12. Why was Herbert Hoover so much more popular with voters than Al Smith?
Smith drank while the country was still practicing prohibition, he was a Roman Catholic in a predominantly protestant county, and they saw him as too abrasively urban. Herbert Hoover was much more popular because he was a perfect example of the American Dream and dignity.
President Hoover's First Moves
Know: Farm Board, Hawley-Smoot Tariff
13. Did Hoover’s attempts to help farmers produce positive results? Explain.
No, he failed to make good on his promise to consider agricultural relief and bring limited changes to the tariff. The Hawley-Smoot Tariff was designed to protect the farmers but instead it took farmers’ incomes away by charging 60 percent. The act proved especially tragic on the farmers when the depression hit.
The Great Crash Ends the Golden Twenties
Know: Black Tuesday, "Brother Can You Spare a Dime?"
14. What were the immediate effects of the stock market crash?
Some of the immediate effects of the crash were job losses across the country, businesses went bankrupt, people lost homes to foreclosure, and mothers had fewer kids. Attempts to mediate the people were with the formation of bread lines and soup kitchens to feed the starving people.
Hooked on the Horn of Plenty
Know: Hoover Blankets, Hoovervilles
15. What causes contributed to the Great Depression?
The overproduction of both farm and factory. Other causes were overexpansion of credit, buying over stimulated production, and additional financial collapse in Europe. All of these factors ultimately led to the Great Depression in the end.
Rugged Times for Rugged Individualists
Know: Rugged Individualism, The Great Humanitarian
16. How did President Hoover’s beliefs affect the way he handled the Depression?
At first Hoover’s beliefs in individualism affected the way he handled the Depression by him not taking any action at all. But as soon as the Depression worsened he soon backed off of his individualistic ideas and offered help to businesses and the common people with relief stations. Hoover overall was criticized by the way he handled the Depression situation as a whole.
Hoover Battles the Great Depression
Know: Muscle Shoals Bill, Reconstruction Finance Corporation, Pump-Priming, Yellow Dog Contracts
17. Is Hoover’s reputation as ultra-conservative well deserved? Explain.
During the Depression he did not help people until it was too late which at first went against his policy. This shows that Hoover was truly conservative and not willing to go the extra mile and do something.
Routing the Bonus Army in Washington
Know: Bonus Expeditionary Force, Douglas MacArthur
18. What happened to the Bonus Army? Why?
The Bonus Army was forced out with brutal force by General MacArthur and Hoover’s reputation was shattered.
Japanese Militarists Attack China
Know: Manchuria, Stimson Doctrine
19. How did the Japanese attack on Manchuria demonstrate the weakness of the League of Nations?
The U.S. was still in the midst of the Depression other countries could not count on their support and thus were afraid to act against Japan. The only thing that the League of Nations could do was condemn their actions with a written document that the Japanese ignored.
Hoover Pioneers the Good Neighbor Policy
20. What was President Hoover’s policy toward Latin America
He wanted to improve relations in Latin America. Despite the Depression he was successfully able to remove Marine platoons from Haiti, and Nicaragua. These moves set the foundation of the “Good Neighbor” policy.
Chapter #33: The Great Depression and the New Deal – Big Picture Themes
1. FDR quickly got many New Deal programs passed. The general philosophy was: the government will start massive projects and spend huge quantities of money, and this will “jump-start” the economy.
2. These programs hit on all walks of life. Emphasis was placed on creating jobs, housing, construction projects, and restoring confidence in banks.
3. Though FDR was popular, there were critics to the New Deal—some saying it did too much, others that it did too little.
4. FDR pretty much had his way with Congress, until he asked for more Supreme Court judges and was finally told, “No.”
5. All told, though the New Deal may have helped the economy a bit, it did not boost the U.S. from the Depression.
Chapter #33: Identifications
Eleanor Roosevelt
Was the most active 1st Lady seen then, a political asset to FDR, outspoken, and went to media against FDR -supported civil rights
Harry Hopkins
A New York social worker; he headed the Federal Emergency Relief Administration and Civil Works Administration. He helped grant over 3 billion dollars to the states wages for work projects, and granted thousands of jobs for jobless Americans.
Frances Perkins
Secretary of labor and the first female cabinet member.
Father Coughlin
a catholic priest for "social justice", he was anti-deal and a fascist he did radio broadcasts until it was shut down by govt.
Huey Long
Louisiana Senator who opposed FDR's New Deal and came up with a , "Share the Wealth" wants to give $5k to all families
Francis Townshend
A retired physician who made plans for senior citizens to receive pensions
Harold Ickes
He headed the PWA for unemployment relief, he was the sec of interior
Alfred M. Landon
He ran for president in 1936 vs. FDR. Hoover backed him. He didn’t like social security.
Brain Trust(s)
A small group of reformers who wrote FDR's speeches often and other new deal legislation (often young college professors)
The three R's
Relief, Recovery, Reform.
National Labor Relation Board
An independent agency of the United States government that mediated disputes between management and labor unions.
Congress of Industrial Organizations
Union organization of unskilled workers that broke away from the American Federation of Labor in 1935 and rejoined it in 1955.
Liberty League
A group of wealthy conservatives who organized to fight socialist "New Deal" schemes
Court-packing scheme
Trying to appoint lots of new supreme court justices quickly, all based on the fact they were his allies and liked new deal, but he didn’t do it fairly. People were angry he tried to disrupt the checks and balances system
Chapter #33 Guided Reading Questions
FDR: A Politician in a Wheelchair
Know: Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt
1 What kind of man was FDR?
He was known for his leadership capabilities and qualities. FDR was very compassionate with an unbreakable will. FDR acquired these qualities by persevering through his deadly paralysis, polio.
Presidential Hopefuls of 1932
2. What was Roosevelt's campaign message in the 1932 election?
Roosevelt sent his message of a balanced budget and the condemnation of Hooverian deficits. Hoover knew that his campaign was doomed due to his tarnished reputation from the Great Depression.
The Humiliation of Hoover in 1932
3. What were the immediate results of Roosevelt's victory?
The switching of allegiances of blacks to the Democratic Party after staying with the Republicans since Lincoln’s presidency. People also began to save money in case the depression got worse with FDR as president.
FDR and the Three R's: Relief, Recovery, Reform
Know: New Deal, Banking Holiday, Hundred Days, Three R's,
4. Describe the New Deal.
It was program that was designed to help ease the United States back into normal post-depression life. The main focuses of the New Deal were the three R’s. Overall the New Deal would further cement the US’s recovered status as a strong nation again.
Roosevelt Manages the Money
Know: Fireside Chats, Glass-Steagall Banking Reform Act, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Managed Currency
5. What were the key aspects of FDR's monetary policy?
Congress modified the Emergency Banking Relief Act of 1933 and many other documents as well. Another key aspect of FDR’s monetary policy was his gold buying scheme to increase the number of dollars in circulation
Creating Jobs for the Jobless
Know: Pump Priming, CCC, FERA, Harry Hopkins, AAA, HOLC, CWA
6. Explain the difference between New Deal agencies and what radical critics wanted the government to do.
Although people were now gaining jobs these jobs were composed of trivial work and appropriately dubbed “boondoggling”. Radical critics wanted the government to assign real jobs to people instead of simple ones.
A Day for Every Demagogue
Know: Father Charles Coughlin, Huey Long, Dr. Francis E. Townsend, WPA
7. List other historical demagogues.
There are many demagogues found throughout history such as Adolf Hitler, the American Revolutionaries and other figures. All of these demagogues were eventually silenced in some way or another, which is something they all have in common.
New Visibility for Women
Know: Frances Perkins, Mary McLeod Bethune, Ruth Benedict, Margaret Mead, Pearl Buck
8. Explain the factors that made it possible for these women to gain fame.
Various women gained fame with their many works in literature and the arts while other gained fame by their actions. Women were also more socially acceptable as well which contributes to the factors that made it possible for women to gain fame.
Helping Industry and Labor
Know: NRA, Sick Chicken Decision, PWA, Harold Ickes
9. How did the NRA attempt to restore industry?
It tried to restore immediate relief with long range recovery and reform. It was also designed to assist industry, labor, and the unemployed. The NRA tried to restore industry by administering codes of fair competition under which hours of labor would be reduced so that employment could be spread over more people.
Paying Farmers Not to Farm
10. How did the federal government attempt to help farmers?
With the Agricultural Adjustment Administration. The AAA tried to help by letting farmers sell their products at a massive scale while simultaneously conserving land. Many attempts and acts were made and the government was able to help farmers.
Dust Bowls and Black Blizzards
Know: Dust Bowl, Okies and Arkies, The Grapes of Wrath, Indian Reorganization Act
11. How did nature cause problems for some farmers on the plains?
Nature was a problem because there was no rain and winds kicked up the bad soil from all around the plains. These conditions made the plains uninhabitable and therefore farming was impossible.
Makers of America: The Dust Bowl Migrants
Know: San Joaquin Valley, Farm Security Administration, Okievilles
12. In what ways were things better in California? In what ways were they the same?
Things were better in California because of the temperate climate and abundant land. Things were the same because of the nationally affecting Great Depression.
Battling Bankers and Big Business
Know: Federal Securities Act, SEC
13. "Reformist New Dealers were determined from the outset to curb the `money changers....'" Explain.
The New Dealers were ready to force out the money changers so that they could avoid another depression. These New Dealers wanted to reform the economy and stock market to make it all better. Their attempts rid the economy of fraud investors and manipulation.
The TVA Harnesses the Tennessee River
Know: TVA, Creeping Socialism
14. What arguments were used for and against the TVA project?
The arguments for the TVA project were that it brought many environmentally friendly results and also restored employment with cheap electric power. The arguments against it were that it was a socialistic ploy by the government.
Housing Reform and Social Security
Know: FHA, Social Security
15. How did the FHA and Social Security attempt to help some of society's least fortunate?
The FHA helped the less fortunate by building houses for a great number of people that were affordable. The Social Security helped people by providing insurance in case they ever found themselves unemployed or handicapped.
A New Deal for Labor
Know: Wagner Act, National Labor Relations Board, CIO, John L. Lewis, Sit-down Strike
16. How did labor respond to the improvement of conditions brought about by the New Deal?
Labor did not respond very well at first to the new deal, they thought it was offensive and did not accept it at all until they worked something out. It was primarily the labor unions that were opposing the new deals.
Landon Challenges "the Champ”
Know: Alfred Landon, American Liberty League
17. What was the significance of the 1936 election?
It determined a lot of racial facts for a while. Like the blacks moving towards the Democratic side instead of the Republican side. FDR also garnered support from many distinct religious groups and races.
Nine Old Men on the Supreme Bench
18. Why did Roosevelt ask Congress for a bill that would allow him to add justices to the Supreme Court?
He targeted old and possibly senile men who were out of their mental prime. After he eliminated these justices he turned out to have too many Justices.
The Court Changes Course
Know: Court Packing, Hugo Black
19. What were the consequences of FDR's attempt to pack the Court?
He had too many inexperienced judges. He also lost the court battles, which resulted in his first defeat. Another consequence was that the court was not reformed.
The Twilight of the New Deal
Know: Roosevelt Recession, John Maynard Keynes, Hatch Act
20. Assess the successfulness of FDR in his second term.
The economy took another major downturn and he did not do as much overall compared to his last term. FDR however would still get a chance to prove himself in his coming terms.
New Deal or Raw Deal?
21. What criticism of the New Deal seems most fair to you? Least fair?
I think the most fair criticism was the alphabet soup one and the least fair, the accusation that he had done nothing. This accusation is untrue because he did do a lot for the country.
Varying Viewpoints: How Radical Was the New Deal
Know: Arthur Schlesinger Jr., Carl Degler, Constraints School of Historians, New Deal Coalition
22. What did William Leuechtenburg mean when he called the New Deal a "half-way revolution?" (Your answer should focus more on the information before this term than on the information after it.)
The new deal was very radical and controversial in all of its decisions and ideals. Many supported it as a welcome change while most thought it was un-American.
1. A “red scare” struck America in the 20s. Fear of communism resonated through society and was fueled by mail bombings and illustrated by the Sacco and Vanzetti executions.
2. Anti-immigration ran high as well. Laws were passed to limit immigration, and specifically, to limit “New Immigrants” from Italy and Poland.
3. The “Scopes Monkey Trial” illustrated the new controversy of evolution vs. creation.
4. Businesses had a good run in the 20s and consumers bought products wildly, often on credit or with an installment plan.
5. Three Republican presidents were pro-business. The economy and consumers got to running too fast, and coupled with over-buying in the stock market, initiated the Stock Crash and Great Depression.
Chapter #31 Identifications
A. Mitchell Palmer
Attorney General in 1920s; earned the title of the "fighting Quaker" by his excess of zeal in rounding up suspects of Red Scare; ultimately totaled about six thousand; This drive to root out radicals was redoubled in June 1919, when a bomb shattered his home.
John T. Scopes
a high school biology teacher who was indicted for teaching evolution in the "Monkey Trial" of 1925; defended by nationally known attorneys; clash between theology and biology proved inconclusive; found guilty and fined $100; Tennessee supreme court set fine aside on a technicality.
Clarence Darrow
famed criminal lawyer; worked in "Monkey Trial"; made William Jennings Bryan appear foolish
Andrew Mellon
Treasury Secretary whose tax policies favored the rapid expansion of capital investment; he thought the taxes left from the war were bad; he helped create the tax reductions from 1921 to 1926; his spare the rich policies shifted a lot of the tax from the wealthy to the middle-income groups; named by conservatives as the "greatest secretary of the Treasury since Hamilton; he was a prominent inventor, engineer, and tennis player
Margaret Sanger
United States nurse who campaigned for birth control and planned parenthood.
H. L. Mencken
Known as the "Bad Boy of Baltimore," he found a lot wrong in much of America and so as a writer, he wrote the monthly American Mercury.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
One of the 20th-century's literary stars, his writing chronicled the Jazz Age. He wrote "This Side of Paradise, and his novel "The Great Gatsby" is considered an American masterpiece. (Married a woman named Zelda)
Ernest Hemingway
American author who saw combat in Italy. His "The Sun Also Rises" and "A Farewell to Arms" reflected postwar disillusionment. Ended up committing suicide.
Sinclair Lewis
A heavy-drinking journalist who wrote Main Street and Babbitt, belittled small-town America was the chief chronicler of Midwestern life. He was a master of satire.
Buying on Margin
To buy stock by paying only a fraction of the stock price and borrowing the rest.
Red Scare
Widespread fear of communism and other politically radical ideas.
Sacco and Vanzetti Case
These were two Italian immigrants who were arrested in connection with a shooting in Massachusetts. After a controversial trial, which many deemed unfair, they were sentenced to death.
Emergency Quota Act 1921
1921 legislation that limited immigration to 3% of the people of their nationality living in the US in 1910.
Immigration Quota Act 1924
This was passed in 1924--cut quotas for foreigners from 3 % to 2% of the total number of immigrants in 1890--purpose was to freeze America's existing racial composition --prevented Japanese from immigrating, causing outrage in Japan.
Volstead Act
Law that established a Prohibition Bureau within the Treasury Department. It was under-budgeted and largely ineffective, especially in strongly anti-prohibition states.
Fundamentalism
Literal interpretation and strict adherence to basic principles of a religion (or a religious branch, denomination, or sect).
Modernists
They believed that God was a "good guy" and the universe a pretty chummy place; these were the people who believed in God but were also able to except evolution and modern science.
Chapter #31 Guided Reading Questions
Seeing Red
Know: Billy Sunday, Red Scare, A. Mitchell Palmer, Sacco and Vanzetti
1.Cite examples of actions taken in reaction to the perceived threat of radicals and communists during the red scare.
The red scare was a very troubling time for Americans throughout the duration of the period. A popular method of dealing with radicals and communists was by way of deportation. Laws were passed that stated violence was against the law in the name of social change and people were denied positions of power just for the mere fact that they were socialist.
Hooded Hoodlums of the KKK
2. Compare and contrast the new and old Ku Klux Klansmen.
The old KKK Klansmen was very radical in both their actions and politics being typically violent at all times. The new KKK however was politically minded and resembled the old nativist movements instead of taking major violent action. They were anti-foreign in their ideology which was pro-Anglo-Saxon, pro-“native” American, and pro-Protestant.
Stemming the Foreign Flood
Know: Emergency Quota Act, Immigration Act
3. Describe the immigration laws passed in the 1920's.
In the 1920s America had little use for immigrants even though a great many still came into the gates of America. The government first started to stem the flow of immigrants with the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 which restricted the number of immigrants to 3 percent of the people of their nationality who had been living in the US. Secondly the Immigration Act of 1924 cut the quota from 3 to 2 percent which ended an extensive era of free immigration.
Makers of America: The Poles
Know: Prussian Poles, Russian Poles, Austrian Poles, American Warsaw
4. What factors led Poles to America?
Many factors led Poles to America which includes improving political status and economic concerns regarding their country. Originally Poles in the 19th century came to America to escape starvation and earn money to buy land back in their country of origin. Later on in the century more Poles came because of letters from their relatives describing how great America was.
The Prohibition "Experiment"
Know: Eighteenth Amendment, Volstead Act, Wet and Dry, Speakeasies, Home Brew, Bathtub Gin, Noble Experiment
5. How and why was the eighteenth amendment broken so frequently?
The eighteenth amendment was the legal document that officially banned alcohol completely. Many people used alcohol as a social tool and couldn’t resist living without it. The Federal Government also didn’t enforce prohibition as stringently as any other product and therefore people started to make alcohol and also drink it.
The Golden Age of Gangsterism
Know: Al Capone, St. Valentine's Day Massacre, Lindbergh Law
6. What was Gangsterism?
Prohibition soon sparked a major upheaval of crime with many people seeing the profits of making illegal alcohol and selling it. Gangsterism was the way of life in which people act as gangsters and take advantage of people and laws in general. Al Capone was the most notorious of these gangsters as he made millions off of illegal alcohol at any cost. Gangsterism was also dissuaded with the introduction of the Lindbergh Law which made interstate abduction a death penalty in some cases.
Monkey Business in Tennessee
Know: John Dewey, John T. Scopes, William Jennings Bryan, Clarence Darrow
7. Describe the clash of cultures that took place in schools in the 1920's.
The 1920s saw the rise of many different ideas from many sources such as science and religion. Obviously the ideas of both institutions differ and do not go well together. A perfect example of this was in the Monkey Trial in which a high school biology teacher John T. Scopes was indicted for teaching evolution in which he lost the case against the court which was dominated by religious men including William Jennings Bryan. The stress of this ordeal also resulted in Bryan’s death by stroke.
The Mass-Consumption Economy
Know: Andrew Mellon, The Man Nobody Knows, Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey
8. Give evidence to prove that America became a mass-consumption economy in the 20's.
America became a mass-consumption economy because of the way all the businesses started to churn out products efficiently with the help of machines. With all of the resource consumption needed to produce products efficiently America started to advertise. Buying on credit was also another feature that arose which resulted in people falling into debt, sports were also used to take in money with the likes of Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey causing people to pack stadiums and arenas.
Putting America on Rubber Tires
Know: Henry Ford, Frederick W. Taylor, Model T
9. What methods made it possible to mass-produce automobiles?
The assembly line was by far the most efficient method in producing automobiles massively. But in order to establish effective assembly lines themselves innovative machines had to be invented. Finally new management techniques were made that saved time starting with Frederick W. Taylor.
The Advent of the Gasoline Age
10. What were the effects of the widespread adoption of the automobile?
The automobile proved to be revolutionary in the fact that it could transport people faster. Now that everyone had cars previously trivial industries were now important due to the fact that the minor parts of the cars needed to be made like glass, rubber, and fabrics. The biggest of these new industries however was the oil industry and the advancement of these industries thus made speedy marketing possible.
Humans Develop Wings
Know: Orville and Wilbur Wright, Charles Lindbergh
11. What effects did the early airplane have on America?
The airplane was obviously a revolutionary invention that would change the world. The airplane improved transportation of mail with airmail routes, the flight of the Spirit of St. Louis however had the most profound effect by inspiring the youth of the nation. Airplanes also changed the face of war forever with the introduction of a threat by air.
The Radio Revolution
12. How did America change as the result of the radio?
America before radio was not really connected as a result of the sluggish news spreading by letters and the scarcity of telegraphs. With the introduction of radio however America was now connected more than ever and entertainment was also changed as well. With comedic shows and major sporting events being casually broadcast. Connection and closeness.
Hollywood's Filmland Fantasies
Know: The Great Train Robbery, The Birth of a Nation, The Jazz Singer
13. What were some milestones in the history of motion pictures?
Film has always been the most popular form of entertainment. In 1903 “The Great Train Robbery”, was the first story sequence found in film and introduced new ways to express messages. Movies really took off in WW1 when they were used as anti-German propaganda.
The Dynamic Decade
Know: Margaret Sanger, Flappers, Sigmund Freud, Jelly Roll Morton, Langston Hughes, Marcus Garvey
14. "Far-reaching changes in lifestyles and values paralleled the dramatic upsurge in the economy." Explain.
The 1920s were very different than any other decade before it and established many different social standards. Sex was also a broken taboo that was very common throughout the 1920s. African-Americans also broke through with many entertainment and cultural phenomenon. African-Americans made many revolutionary contributions to entertainment such as jazz, blues, poetry, and acting,
Cultural Liberation
Know: H. L. Mencken, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Sinclair Lewis,
William Faulkner, Ezra Pound, T. S. Eliot, e.e. cummings, Eugene O'Neill, Louis
Armstrong, Frank Lloyd Wright
15. How did the arts of the 1920's reflect the times?
The arts of the 1920s were new and revolutionary with many never before seen themes and topics. Young authors came bursting onto the arts scene with great success with a revolutionary and rebellious attitude. Plays and architecture also took on great success with the plays like “Strange Interlude” and the modern marvel the Empire State building.
Wall Street's Big Bull Market
Know: Margin, Andrew Mellon
16. Was government economic policy successful in the 20's?
The US was in debt during the 1920s in 26 billion dollars because of borrowed money for the war effort. Secretary of the Treasury Andrew Mellon made drastic changes to taxes and cut the national debt down to 16 billion dollars. Overall I think that the government’s economic policy was successful.
Chapter #32: The Politics of Boom and Bust – Big Picture Themes
1. President Harding had several scandals underneath him, notably the Teapot Dome Scandal over oil.
2. America entered into policies of “isolationism” whereby the US just wanted to look after herself and leave Europe alone.
3. Coolidge was very pro-business, following a “hands-off” approach by government.
4. Hoover held the same ideas with his “rugged individualism” phrase. When the Stock Crash hit and Great Depression started, Hoover was very reluctant and slow to take government action.
Chapter #32: IDENTIFICATIONS
Andrew Mellon
Secretary of Treasury who favored expansion of capital investment, tax policies, successfully pushed congress to lower taxes
Herbert Hoover
secretary of commerce, he made his job important, good with foreign trade for US manufacturers
Albert B. Fall
was a scheming anti-conservationist and he was a corrupt secretary of interior
Robert LaFollette
Was the leader of a liberal third-party insurgency who attracted little support outside the farm belt.
Alfred E. Smith
The democrat nominee in the 1928 election who ran against Herbert Hoover. He was the four-time governor of New York. He did not get elected because he was "wet", a native to New York, Catholic, and a descendant of Irish grandparents.
Ohio Gang
Poker playing guys from Harding's native state who contributed to the morally lose atmosphere in his administration.
Washington Conference
Was hosted by US, called for US and British de-fortification of Far East possessions (though Japan could fortify all it wanted). Also called for general naval disarmament.
Kellogg-Briand Pact
An idealistic agreement between the great world powers to never engage in war except for defensive purposes.
Fordney-McCumber Tariff Law
Raised the tariff from 27% to 35%, taxes on farm produce increased. Passed during the Harding Administration.
Teapot Dome Scandal
A horrible political scandal involving the private bribery of Secretary of the Interior Albert B. Fall in exchange for government oileries. Up to that point, it was considered the worst political scandal in American History.
Dawes Plan
loan program that was crafted to give money to Germany so that they could pay war reparations and lessen the financial crisis in Europe; the program ended with the 1929 stock market crash.
Hawley-Smoot Tariff
Raised tariffs to an unprecedented level and worsened the depression by raising prices and discouraging foreign trade.
Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC)
Became a government-lending bank. Was designed to provide indirect relief by assisting insurance companies, banks, agricultural organizations, and railroads.
Bonus Army
the mass of struggling WWI vets who, in the face of hard economic times, wanted to collect their paychecks early.
Hoover-Stimson doctrine
American foreign policy that stated that US would not formally recognize any territories that were seized by force.
Chapter #32 Identifications
The Republican "Old Guard" Returns
Know: Warren Harding, Ohio Gang
1. What flaws did Warren Harding possess?
He was too loyal to his very corrupt friends and very gullible, and not too smart. He sought to have the best cabinet around him, and although he chose a few of the best people suited for their jobs such as Charles Evans Hughes, Andrew Mellon and also Herbert Hoover; he also chose people he thought he could trust but actually couldn’t such as Albert B. Fall who was a schemer and against conserving and also Harry M. Daugherty, who was easily bribed as attorney general.
GOP Reaction at the Throttle
2. What pro-business policies were taken by the government during the Harding administration.
Many of the progressive cases were halted or even reversed. Harding appointed 4 new judges for the Supreme Court, and he chose 3 traditional ones and also William Taft, who was the most liberal of the 4 new judges. With the Harding administration, America returned back to laissez-faire, which encouraged less government limitations on companies. They also reversed child labor laws and in Adkins v Children’s Hospital, they actually overturned the women’s minimum wage. They also turned back many anti-trust laws and encouraged big businesses to reign again.
The Aftermath of War
Know: Railway Labor Board, American Legion, Adjusted Compensation Act
3. What effects did the war have on the post-war economy?
The economy did not prosper after the war. In addition to war debts, many ex-soldiers
demanded 'adjusted compensation' to make up for the wages they 'lost' after joining the
army. Congress passed the Adjusted Compensation Act in 1924, which gave every former
soldier an insurance policy due in twenty years and added about $3.5 billion to the total war
cost. Labor also suffered; strikes were brutally dealt with by exploiting ethnic and racial
divisions among the workers.
America Seeks Benefits Without Burdens
Know: Unofficial Observers, Charles Evans Hughes, Five-Power Naval Treaty, Four-Power Treaty, Nine-Power Treaty, Kellogg-Briand Pact
4. How did the U.S. take the lead in disarmament in the 20's?
The United States, led by then-president Warren G. Harding, took the lead in disarmament in the 1920's by creating the Five-Power Naval Treaty and the Four-Power Treaty between Britain, Japan, France, and the United States. These treaties said to cut down on the amounts of battleships and aircrafts produced and used.
Hiking the Tariff Higher
Know: Fordney-McCumber Tariff Law
5. What effects were produced by high American tariffs?
Businesses in America need to have a higher tariff to protect themselves against cheaper European goods so the Fordney-McCumber Tariff Law was passed. Rates were raised from 27 % to 38.5%. Although this was good for America, Europe owed them some money, and because of the high tariffs, they aren't able to pay back the money they owed.
The Stench of Scandal
Know: Charles R. Forbes, Albert B. Fall, Teapot Dome, Harry M. Daugherty
6. "Such was his [Harding's] weakness that he tolerated people and conditions that subjected the Republic to its worst disgrace since the days of President Grant." Explain
Since businesses in America need to have a higher tariff to protect themselves against cheaper European goods, the Fordney-McCumber Tariff Law was passed. Rates were raised from 27 % to 38.5%. Although this was good for America, Europe owed them some money, and because of the high tariffs, they aren't able to pay back the money they owed.
“Silent Cal” Coolidge
Know: Calvin Coolidge
7. Do the nicknames, "Silent Cal" and "Cautious Cal" accurately describe the Coolidge presidency?
Both of Coolidge's nicknames were true descriptions for the five and a half years of his presidency. During the duration of his presidency he never performed or authorized any rash or controversial actions and decisions. Businesses favored him because he didn't bother to take any risks in their domain unlike many of his predecessors. His nickname "Silent Cal" suits his personality perfectly because he actually didn't talk much and his inability to have powerful speeches most likely stemmed from his silent personality.
Frustrated Farmers
Know: McNary-Haugen Bill
8. What had changed for the farmer since 1890? What had remained the same?
The most drastic change for the farmer since 1890 was probably the introduction of machines that increased the product a farmer could produce. Machines also eliminated the need for farm hands and were now able to grow larger crops. The conditions that remained the same were the farmers desire for high crop prices and ability to work their land.
A Three-Way Race for the White House in 1924
Know: Robert La Follette
9. Why did Calvin Coolidge easily win the 1924 election?
He was a good president and was popular. The other candidates were also not very capable and radical in their ideas and policy. John W. Davis seemed to be an unworthy candidate for presidency while Robert La Follette showed that he had the spirit but not the manpower for his progressive party.
Foreign-Policy Flounderings
10. What are the arguments for America canceling the WWI debt of European countries?
America during the time was doing financially well overall while they still wanted more money. The Allied countries additionally stated that they had sacrificed millions of lives and that their sacrifice was their repayment towards the loans. They also said that if they really did pay back America it would only go towards boosting the already successful economy.
Unraveling the Debt Knot
Know: Dawes Plan
11. What were the world-wide repercussions of America’s insistence on debt repayment?
Very strong, it had adverse effects on the world’s view of America. America was ridiculed by all of Europe when in the end the US didn’t get the money it was clamoring for. This led to the passing of a neutrality legislation in the 1930s that attempted to stem the ill will from Europe.
The Triumph of Herbert Hoover, 1928
Know: Al Smith, "Rum, Romanism, and Ruin"
12. Why was Herbert Hoover so much more popular with voters than Al Smith?
Smith drank while the country was still practicing prohibition, he was a Roman Catholic in a predominantly protestant county, and they saw him as too abrasively urban. Herbert Hoover was much more popular because he was a perfect example of the American Dream and dignity.
President Hoover's First Moves
Know: Farm Board, Hawley-Smoot Tariff
13. Did Hoover’s attempts to help farmers produce positive results? Explain.
No, he failed to make good on his promise to consider agricultural relief and bring limited changes to the tariff. The Hawley-Smoot Tariff was designed to protect the farmers but instead it took farmers’ incomes away by charging 60 percent. The act proved especially tragic on the farmers when the depression hit.
The Great Crash Ends the Golden Twenties
Know: Black Tuesday, "Brother Can You Spare a Dime?"
14. What were the immediate effects of the stock market crash?
Some of the immediate effects of the crash were job losses across the country, businesses went bankrupt, people lost homes to foreclosure, and mothers had fewer kids. Attempts to mediate the people were with the formation of bread lines and soup kitchens to feed the starving people.
Hooked on the Horn of Plenty
Know: Hoover Blankets, Hoovervilles
15. What causes contributed to the Great Depression?
The overproduction of both farm and factory. Other causes were overexpansion of credit, buying over stimulated production, and additional financial collapse in Europe. All of these factors ultimately led to the Great Depression in the end.
Rugged Times for Rugged Individualists
Know: Rugged Individualism, The Great Humanitarian
16. How did President Hoover’s beliefs affect the way he handled the Depression?
At first Hoover’s beliefs in individualism affected the way he handled the Depression by him not taking any action at all. But as soon as the Depression worsened he soon backed off of his individualistic ideas and offered help to businesses and the common people with relief stations. Hoover overall was criticized by the way he handled the Depression situation as a whole.
Hoover Battles the Great Depression
Know: Muscle Shoals Bill, Reconstruction Finance Corporation, Pump-Priming, Yellow Dog Contracts
17. Is Hoover’s reputation as ultra-conservative well deserved? Explain.
During the Depression he did not help people until it was too late which at first went against his policy. This shows that Hoover was truly conservative and not willing to go the extra mile and do something.
Routing the Bonus Army in Washington
Know: Bonus Expeditionary Force, Douglas MacArthur
18. What happened to the Bonus Army? Why?
The Bonus Army was forced out with brutal force by General MacArthur and Hoover’s reputation was shattered.
Japanese Militarists Attack China
Know: Manchuria, Stimson Doctrine
19. How did the Japanese attack on Manchuria demonstrate the weakness of the League of Nations?
The U.S. was still in the midst of the Depression other countries could not count on their support and thus were afraid to act against Japan. The only thing that the League of Nations could do was condemn their actions with a written document that the Japanese ignored.
Hoover Pioneers the Good Neighbor Policy
20. What was President Hoover’s policy toward Latin America
He wanted to improve relations in Latin America. Despite the Depression he was successfully able to remove Marine platoons from Haiti, and Nicaragua. These moves set the foundation of the “Good Neighbor” policy.
Chapter #33: The Great Depression and the New Deal – Big Picture Themes
1. FDR quickly got many New Deal programs passed. The general philosophy was: the government will start massive projects and spend huge quantities of money, and this will “jump-start” the economy.
2. These programs hit on all walks of life. Emphasis was placed on creating jobs, housing, construction projects, and restoring confidence in banks.
3. Though FDR was popular, there were critics to the New Deal—some saying it did too much, others that it did too little.
4. FDR pretty much had his way with Congress, until he asked for more Supreme Court judges and was finally told, “No.”
5. All told, though the New Deal may have helped the economy a bit, it did not boost the U.S. from the Depression.
Chapter #33: Identifications
Eleanor Roosevelt
Was the most active 1st Lady seen then, a political asset to FDR, outspoken, and went to media against FDR -supported civil rights
Harry Hopkins
A New York social worker; he headed the Federal Emergency Relief Administration and Civil Works Administration. He helped grant over 3 billion dollars to the states wages for work projects, and granted thousands of jobs for jobless Americans.
Frances Perkins
Secretary of labor and the first female cabinet member.
Father Coughlin
a catholic priest for "social justice", he was anti-deal and a fascist he did radio broadcasts until it was shut down by govt.
Huey Long
Louisiana Senator who opposed FDR's New Deal and came up with a , "Share the Wealth" wants to give $5k to all families
Francis Townshend
A retired physician who made plans for senior citizens to receive pensions
Harold Ickes
He headed the PWA for unemployment relief, he was the sec of interior
Alfred M. Landon
He ran for president in 1936 vs. FDR. Hoover backed him. He didn’t like social security.
Brain Trust(s)
A small group of reformers who wrote FDR's speeches often and other new deal legislation (often young college professors)
The three R's
Relief, Recovery, Reform.
National Labor Relation Board
An independent agency of the United States government that mediated disputes between management and labor unions.
Congress of Industrial Organizations
Union organization of unskilled workers that broke away from the American Federation of Labor in 1935 and rejoined it in 1955.
Liberty League
A group of wealthy conservatives who organized to fight socialist "New Deal" schemes
Court-packing scheme
Trying to appoint lots of new supreme court justices quickly, all based on the fact they were his allies and liked new deal, but he didn’t do it fairly. People were angry he tried to disrupt the checks and balances system
Chapter #33 Guided Reading Questions
FDR: A Politician in a Wheelchair
Know: Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt
1 What kind of man was FDR?
He was known for his leadership capabilities and qualities. FDR was very compassionate with an unbreakable will. FDR acquired these qualities by persevering through his deadly paralysis, polio.
Presidential Hopefuls of 1932
2. What was Roosevelt's campaign message in the 1932 election?
Roosevelt sent his message of a balanced budget and the condemnation of Hooverian deficits. Hoover knew that his campaign was doomed due to his tarnished reputation from the Great Depression.
The Humiliation of Hoover in 1932
3. What were the immediate results of Roosevelt's victory?
The switching of allegiances of blacks to the Democratic Party after staying with the Republicans since Lincoln’s presidency. People also began to save money in case the depression got worse with FDR as president.
FDR and the Three R's: Relief, Recovery, Reform
Know: New Deal, Banking Holiday, Hundred Days, Three R's,
4. Describe the New Deal.
It was program that was designed to help ease the United States back into normal post-depression life. The main focuses of the New Deal were the three R’s. Overall the New Deal would further cement the US’s recovered status as a strong nation again.
Roosevelt Manages the Money
Know: Fireside Chats, Glass-Steagall Banking Reform Act, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Managed Currency
5. What were the key aspects of FDR's monetary policy?
Congress modified the Emergency Banking Relief Act of 1933 and many other documents as well. Another key aspect of FDR’s monetary policy was his gold buying scheme to increase the number of dollars in circulation
Creating Jobs for the Jobless
Know: Pump Priming, CCC, FERA, Harry Hopkins, AAA, HOLC, CWA
6. Explain the difference between New Deal agencies and what radical critics wanted the government to do.
Although people were now gaining jobs these jobs were composed of trivial work and appropriately dubbed “boondoggling”. Radical critics wanted the government to assign real jobs to people instead of simple ones.
A Day for Every Demagogue
Know: Father Charles Coughlin, Huey Long, Dr. Francis E. Townsend, WPA
7. List other historical demagogues.
There are many demagogues found throughout history such as Adolf Hitler, the American Revolutionaries and other figures. All of these demagogues were eventually silenced in some way or another, which is something they all have in common.
New Visibility for Women
Know: Frances Perkins, Mary McLeod Bethune, Ruth Benedict, Margaret Mead, Pearl Buck
8. Explain the factors that made it possible for these women to gain fame.
Various women gained fame with their many works in literature and the arts while other gained fame by their actions. Women were also more socially acceptable as well which contributes to the factors that made it possible for women to gain fame.
Helping Industry and Labor
Know: NRA, Sick Chicken Decision, PWA, Harold Ickes
9. How did the NRA attempt to restore industry?
It tried to restore immediate relief with long range recovery and reform. It was also designed to assist industry, labor, and the unemployed. The NRA tried to restore industry by administering codes of fair competition under which hours of labor would be reduced so that employment could be spread over more people.
Paying Farmers Not to Farm
10. How did the federal government attempt to help farmers?
With the Agricultural Adjustment Administration. The AAA tried to help by letting farmers sell their products at a massive scale while simultaneously conserving land. Many attempts and acts were made and the government was able to help farmers.
Dust Bowls and Black Blizzards
Know: Dust Bowl, Okies and Arkies, The Grapes of Wrath, Indian Reorganization Act
11. How did nature cause problems for some farmers on the plains?
Nature was a problem because there was no rain and winds kicked up the bad soil from all around the plains. These conditions made the plains uninhabitable and therefore farming was impossible.
Makers of America: The Dust Bowl Migrants
Know: San Joaquin Valley, Farm Security Administration, Okievilles
12. In what ways were things better in California? In what ways were they the same?
Things were better in California because of the temperate climate and abundant land. Things were the same because of the nationally affecting Great Depression.
Battling Bankers and Big Business
Know: Federal Securities Act, SEC
13. "Reformist New Dealers were determined from the outset to curb the `money changers....'" Explain.
The New Dealers were ready to force out the money changers so that they could avoid another depression. These New Dealers wanted to reform the economy and stock market to make it all better. Their attempts rid the economy of fraud investors and manipulation.
The TVA Harnesses the Tennessee River
Know: TVA, Creeping Socialism
14. What arguments were used for and against the TVA project?
The arguments for the TVA project were that it brought many environmentally friendly results and also restored employment with cheap electric power. The arguments against it were that it was a socialistic ploy by the government.
Housing Reform and Social Security
Know: FHA, Social Security
15. How did the FHA and Social Security attempt to help some of society's least fortunate?
The FHA helped the less fortunate by building houses for a great number of people that were affordable. The Social Security helped people by providing insurance in case they ever found themselves unemployed or handicapped.
A New Deal for Labor
Know: Wagner Act, National Labor Relations Board, CIO, John L. Lewis, Sit-down Strike
16. How did labor respond to the improvement of conditions brought about by the New Deal?
Labor did not respond very well at first to the new deal, they thought it was offensive and did not accept it at all until they worked something out. It was primarily the labor unions that were opposing the new deals.
Landon Challenges "the Champ”
Know: Alfred Landon, American Liberty League
17. What was the significance of the 1936 election?
It determined a lot of racial facts for a while. Like the blacks moving towards the Democratic side instead of the Republican side. FDR also garnered support from many distinct religious groups and races.
Nine Old Men on the Supreme Bench
18. Why did Roosevelt ask Congress for a bill that would allow him to add justices to the Supreme Court?
He targeted old and possibly senile men who were out of their mental prime. After he eliminated these justices he turned out to have too many Justices.
The Court Changes Course
Know: Court Packing, Hugo Black
19. What were the consequences of FDR's attempt to pack the Court?
He had too many inexperienced judges. He also lost the court battles, which resulted in his first defeat. Another consequence was that the court was not reformed.
The Twilight of the New Deal
Know: Roosevelt Recession, John Maynard Keynes, Hatch Act
20. Assess the successfulness of FDR in his second term.
The economy took another major downturn and he did not do as much overall compared to his last term. FDR however would still get a chance to prove himself in his coming terms.
New Deal or Raw Deal?
21. What criticism of the New Deal seems most fair to you? Least fair?
I think the most fair criticism was the alphabet soup one and the least fair, the accusation that he had done nothing. This accusation is untrue because he did do a lot for the country.
Varying Viewpoints: How Radical Was the New Deal
Know: Arthur Schlesinger Jr., Carl Degler, Constraints School of Historians, New Deal Coalition
22. What did William Leuechtenburg mean when he called the New Deal a "half-way revolution?" (Your answer should focus more on the information before this term than on the information after it.)
The new deal was very radical and controversial in all of its decisions and ideals. Many supported it as a welcome change while most thought it was un-American.