Discriminating against African Americans
Background Information
After Franklin Roosevelt took over the presidency in 1932, he presented a new deal to the American people. In his campaign, Roosevelt promised to find ways to put an end to the economic crisis the country was battling. Franklin Roosevelt hoped to provide relief for the poor and unemployed, stabilize the economy, and reform the financial systems so as to avert the reoccurrence of an economic depression. It was apparent that his approach was that of relief, recovery, and reform. This launched a series of government programs that were approved by Congress in the years between 1933 and 1938 and enforced through executive order.
Social impact
The implementation of the new deal furthered the Jim Crow laws become quite widespread by greatly discriminating against African Americans. Many did not root for the new deal because they felt that Franklin Roosevelt was leading the country down the path of socialism. As a result there was a development of working labour unions that gained a lot of traction. The new deal also had a significant impact on the social aspect by allowing for the construction of roads, schools, parks and hospitals which were needed all over the country. Families were also greatly impacted by the new deal as they started to shrink and changed the way they entertained themselves. This caused radios and movies to become more popular because they were relatively inexpensive.
Economic impact
The new deal was able to restructure the economy by offering relief to the banking industry. The programs implemented in the new deal were designed to put unemployed people to work. However in predominantly black neighbourhoods the unemployment rate was at fifty percent which was twice the rate in white neighbourhoods. the new deal also provided fifnacila relief to the elderly through programs such as the social security act. Additionally the act was able to remedy the ecomomy by providing needed electricity to rural areas.
Political effects
The new deal was a political tool used by Franklin Roosevelt that helped him to win over the presidency using a collection of social programs. The communism aspect of the new deal formed a negative perception on Franklin Roosevelt’s leadership. The realization of the new deal allowed for the recognition of the minority groups such the African American having representatives in the government. Additionally African Americans gained the right to be tried by a jury of their peers which included other African Americans and the right to an attorney. However the Mexicans were notably left out of the new deal because they were immigrant workers
Conclusion
There were many programs involved in the new deal that had a variety of different intended purposes. The programs put millions of people to work thus providing economic relief during the great depression for struggling families. Unions gained enormous traction especially after gaining protection rights and numerous people joining the skilled and unskilled industry. The minorities were significantly affected as they received new rights such the right to an attorney.