If you had lived during the Great Depression, would you have supported Roosevelt’s policies or criticized them? Why?

Answer 1

If I were a person living during the Great Depression, my support or criticism of Franklin D. Roosevelt's policies would depend on various factors, including my personal experiences, socio-economic status, and political beliefs.

Support for Roosevelt’s Policies:

1. Relief for the Unemployed: Many individuals struggled due to widespread unemployment. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs, like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), provided jobs and financial relief, which would be a significant source of support for those in desperate need.

2. Economic Recovery: Supporters would argue that the New Deal was essential for stabilizing the economy, promoting recovery through programs tailored to various sectors, such as agriculture and industry.

3. Social Safety Nets: The establishment of Social Security and other safety nets would be viewed positively, as they aimed to provide long-term assistance and security for the elderly and disabled.

4. Regulation of Financial Markets: Roosevelt's reforms in banking and securities, like the Glass-Steagall Act, would likely be seen as necessary to restore public confidence in the financial system.

Criticism of Roosevelt’s Policies:

1. Government Overreach: Critics might argue that Roosevelt's policies represented an overreach of federal power, encroaching on states' rights and individual liberties, potentially leading to an increase in government control over daily life.

2. Ineffectiveness and Dependency: Some could claim that the New Deal did not go far enough to address systemic issues or that it created dependency on government assistance, rather than promoting self-sufficiency and private enterprise.

3. Discrimination in Programs: Critics might highlight how some New Deal programs did not adequately serve all demographics, particularly African Americans and women, reflecting and reinforcing existing inequalities.

4. Political Opposition: Those aligned with more conservative or business-oriented ideologies might have opposed the New Deal as an affront to capitalism, arguing it stifled innovation and economic growth.

Ultimately, my stance would depend on a combination of personal experiences during that difficult era, the prevailing socio-economic climate, and my broader views on government intervention and economic policy.