Introduction: Why the New Deal Matters in APUSH

The New Deal (1933–1939) was President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s sweeping set of programs and reforms designed to address the Great Depression.

It’s one of the most tested topics in APUSH because it covers:

• Government expansion into the economy.
• Social and political reform.
• Long-term changes in the relationship between citizens and government.

On the exam, you’ll need to:

• Know the programs and policies.
• Evaluate its successes and failures.
• Connect it to broader APUSH themes like progressivism, reform, and federal power.

In this guide — plus RevisionDojo’s New Deal flashcards, DBQ practice, and timelines — you’ll learn exactly how to master this unit.

Step 1: Historical Context

Before the New Deal:

• 1929 Stock Market Crash → economic collapse.
• Bank Failures → millions lost savings.
• Unemployment → reached 25%.
• Hoover’s Response → limited federal intervention, unpopular with the public.

This context sets the stage for FDR’s election in 1932.

Step 2: The Three Rs of the New Deal

FDR’s New Deal aimed for:

• Relief: Immediate help for suffering Americans.
• Recovery: Restart the economy.
• Reform: Prevent future economic crises.

👉 Knowing which program fits into which “R” helps organize your essays.

Step 3: First New Deal (1933–1934)

Focused on emergency relief and recovery.

Key programs:

• CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps): Jobs for young men.
• AAA (Agricultural Adjustment Act): Paid farmers to reduce crop production.
• TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority): Regional development, electricity, dams.
• NIRA (National Industrial Recovery Act): Regulated industry, later declared unconstitutional.
• Glass-Steagall Act: Created FDIC to protect bank deposits.

Step 4: Second New Deal (1935–1938)

Focused on long-term reform and social safety nets.

Key programs:

• WPA (Works Progress Administration): Massive public works jobs.
• Social Security Act (1935): Retirement pensions + unemployment insurance.
• Wagner Act (1935): Protected labor unions.
• Wealth Tax Act: Higher taxes on wealthy.

Step 5: Opposition to the New Deal

Not everyone supported FDR’s policies:

• Conservatives: Said it expanded government too much.
• Supreme Court: Struck down NIRA and AAA.
• Huey Long: “Share Our Wealth” program, argued FDR didn’t go far enough.
• Father Coughlin: Radio priest, criticized FDR’s banking policies.

👉 1937 → FDR’s court-packing plan damaged his popularity.

Step 6: Successes of the New Deal

• Restored confidence in banks (FDIC).
• Provided millions of jobs (CCC, WPA).
• Created long-lasting programs (Social Security, SEC, FDIC).
• Expanded role of federal government in economy.

Step 7: Failures of the New Deal

• Didn’t fully end the Great Depression (WWII did).
• Many programs excluded African Americans and women.
• Some reforms were temporary or struck down.
• Expanded executive power → critics argued FDR overstepped.

Step 8: Long-Term Impact

• Shift in politics: African Americans began voting Democratic.
• Expansion of federal power → foundation for future reforms.
• New Deal Coalition: Democrats dominated national politics for decades.
• Precedent for government responsibility in economy and welfare.

Step 9: The New Deal on the APUSH Exam

Multiple Choice (MCQ)

• Question about Social Security’s purpose → Reform.

SAQ

• Identify one success and one limitation of the New Deal.

DBQ

• Example: “Evaluate the extent to which the New Deal expanded the role of government.”

LEQ

• Compare New Deal to Progressive Era reforms.

👉 RevisionDojo’s DBQ practice banks give you New Deal essay prompts with sample responses.

Step 10: Study Hacks for the New Deal

• Use the 3 Rs framework (Relief, Recovery, Reform).
• Create a programs chart → program + goal + success/failure.
• Compare to Progressive Era (government reform).
• Connect to LBJ’s Great Society (continuity of federal programs).

Step 11: Common Mistakes

• ❌ Mixing up First vs Second New Deal.
• ❌ Forgetting opposition (Huey Long, Supreme Court).
• ❌ Overstating success (New Deal didn’t end Depression).
• ❌ Not connecting to broader themes (Progressive Era, Great Society).

Step 12: The RevisionDojo Advantage

RevisionDojo helps APUSH students master the New Deal with:

• Program Flashcards (CCC, TVA, WPA, etc).
• Essay Outlines for DBQ and LEQ prompts.
• Timeline Charts for First vs Second New Deal.
• FRQ Practice Banks with sample answers.

👉 Check out RevisionDojo’s APUSH New Deal Resources here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Did the New Deal end the Great Depression?
A: No — WWII ended it, but the New Deal eased suffering and restructured government’s role.

Q: What’s the difference between the First and Second New Deal?
A: First = emergency relief. Second = long-term reform (Social Security, Wagner Act).

Q: Why was the New Deal controversial?
A: Conservatives said it went too far, radicals said it didn’t go far enough, Supreme Court struck down parts.

Q: How do I organize New Deal programs for essays?
A: Use the 3 Rs framework (Relief, Recovery, Reform).

Q: How does RevisionDojo help with New Deal review?
A: With flashcards, DBQ prompts, and structured timelines.

Final Thoughts

The New Deal is a turning point in APUSH. It reshaped the economy, expanded government power, and built a coalition that transformed U.S. politics.

To succeed on the exam:

• Learn programs using the 3 Rs framework.
• Remember both successes and failures.
• Connect to Progressivism and later reforms.
• Use RevisionDojo tools for essay prep and timelines.

Master the New Deal, and you’ll have one of the most powerful essay topics in your APUSH arsenal.