New Deal Policies

Agricultural Adjustment Act (Recovery)

May 1, 1933

First New Deal
In 1933, AAA paid farmers to not plant crops in an attempt to descrease surpluses, increase demands to major farm commodities and raise prices. Farm income rose, but many were pushed into unemployment. In 1936, the Supreme Court voided the AAA.

Federal Emergency Relief Admin (Relief)

May 1, 1933

First New Deal
In 1933, FERA supported almost 5 million households each month and funded thousands of work projects for the unemployed. It provided vaccinations and literacy classes for the poor as well.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Reform)

Jun 1, 1933

First New Deal
In 1933, the government aimed to resource confidence in banks and encouraged savings. Congress created the FDIC to insure bank customers against the loss of up to $5,000 if their bank should fall. This corporation is still in existence.

Civil Works Administration (Relief)

Nov 1, 1933

First New Deal
In 1933, the CWA employed 4 million people with construction jobs such as, repairing schools, laying sewer pipes and building roads. They were paid an average of $15 a week. President Roosevelt disbanded the program after less than a year.

Indian Reorganization Act (Reform)

Jun 1, 1934

First New Deal
In 1934, this act reversed the assimilation policies that had been in effect since the Dawes Act of 1884. The IRA tried to stop the loss of Indian lands. It encouraged Native American tribes to establish local self-government as well as preserve their traditions.

Works Progress Administration (Relief)

Apr 1, 1935

Second New Deal
In 1935, WPA employed at least 8.5 million people at an average of $2 a day. They built schools, bridges, roads and post offices. Also, thousands of unemployed writers, musicians, artists, actors and photographers went on the federal payroll.

Rural Electrificafion Administration (Reform)

May 1, 1935

Second New Deal
In 1935, the REA gave low cost loans to farmers to bring power into their communities. By 1941, it succeeded by raising from 10% of the country outside cities and towns with electricity to 40%.

National Youth Administration (Relief)

Jun 1, 1935

Second New Deal
In 1935, the NYA provided more than 4.5 million jobs for the youth.

National Labor Relations Act (Reform)

Jul 1, 1935

Second New Deal
In 1935, the NLRA sought to protect the rights and organize labor or bargain with employers.

Farm Secruity Administration (Relief)

Mar 1, 1937

Second New Deal
In 1937, the FSA was created to aid sharecroppers. It set up temporary housing for "Okies" and "Akies" (Dust Bowl refugees from Oklahoma and Arkansas) that migrated to California in search of work.