#AP US History: The New Deal - Your Ultimate Study Guide 🚀

Hey there, future AP US History master! Let's dive into the New Deal, FDR's ambitious plan to tackle the Great Depression. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the exam. We'll make sure you're not just memorizing facts but truly understanding the big picture. Let's get started!

#The Big Picture: FDR and the New Deal

Key Concept

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) and his New Deal fundamentally changed the role of the federal government. It was a massive expansion, and it reshaped the political landscape. Think of it as a turning point in US history.

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#FDR's Initial Actions

Banking Holiday & Emergency Banking Relief Act: FDR's first move was to stabilize the failing banks. He closed them, inspected them, and only reopened the healthy ones. This restored public trust. 🏦
21st Amendment: Repealed Prohibition, boosting tax revenue and morale. 🍻
Fireside Chats: FDR used radio addresses to connect with Americans, restoring faith in government and banking. 🔥+📻=👍

#The Three R's of the New Deal

The New Deal can be broken down into three main goals:

Relief: Immediate help for the suffering (food, shelter, etc.) 🍲
Recovery: Getting the economy back on its feet and people back to work. 🛠️
Reform: Changing the system to prevent future crises. 💡

Memory Aid

Remember the 3 R's: Relief (like a band-aid), Recovery (like physical therapy), and Reform (like a new set of rules).

#First and Second New Deals

The New Deal evolved over time:

First New Deal (1933-1935): Focused on immediate relief and recovery through various "alphabet soup" agencies.
Second New Deal (1935+): Emphasized long-term reforms, particularly in labor and social security.

#New Deal "Alphabet Soup" Programs

Here are some of the key programs you should recognize:

| Program | Description | | :---------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | AAA (Agricultural Adjustment Administration) | Paid farmers to reduce acreage, increasing crop prices. Could hurt sharecroppers. (Declared unconstitutional in 1935)