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.

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.

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.