CONNECTION #5: Review the Hexagonal Thinking: The Great Depression diagram in Step 1 of this question and locate the graphic pointing to "Connection #5". For this group of connected hexagons, you are describing the connection between Second New Deal & _______________________. Explain the Connection: Describe how each concept relates to the others. Think about: Does one event lead to or cause another? Are they part of the same event or time period? Do they share something in common, like similar ideas or themes?

Question

Choices: First New Deal & Herbert Hoover

Answer 1

To fill in the blank in "Connection #5" between the Second New Deal and the related concept, we will examine how the Second New Deal connects to the First New Deal.

Connection: Second New Deal & First New Deal

1. Causation and Continuity:

   • The First New Deal (1933-1934) was a series of programs and policies initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at addressing the economic turmoil of the Great Depression. It introduced various measures, including financial reforms, job creation programs (like the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Public Works Administration), and banking regulations to stabilize the economy.
   • As the Great Depression continued and economic recovery proved slow and incomplete, the Second New Deal (1935-1938) built upon the foundations laid by the First New Deal. It can be viewed as a direct response to the limitations and challenges that were encountered during the First New Deal, leading to a deeper and more comprehensive approach to economic recovery.

2. Expansion of Government Role:

   • Both New Deals marked an expansion of federal government involvement in the economy, but the Second New Deal took this further. It introduced more ambitious measures such as the Social Security Act and the National Labor Relations Act, which aimed to provide a safety net for the unemployed and support labor rights, respectively.
   • Thus, while the First New Deal focused largely on immediate relief and recovery, the Second New Deal sought to provide not only relief but also reform and long-term security.

3. Themes of Reform and Recovery:

   • Both the First and Second New Deals reflect themes of reforming the economic system to prevent future depressions and chronic unemployment. Together, they illustrate the shift towards a more interventionist role for the government in the economy, which addressed both crises and paved the way for modern social welfare programs.

4. Legacy and Influence:

   • The accomplishments of the First New Deal set the stage for the Second New Deal's more progressive reforms. The two collectively reframed the role of government in American society and governance, influencing future policies and understanding of economic responsibility.
   • Additionally, the lessons learned from the challenges faced during the First New Deal helped inform the crafting of the Second New Deal to be more effective and holistic.

In summary, the Second New Deal is closely linked to the First New Deal as a progression of ideas and policies aimed at addressing the continuing economic crisis of the Great Depression. The evolution from the First to the Second New Deal illustrates a growing complexity in government intervention aimed not only at immediate recovery but also at long-term economic reform and social safety.