The measures implemented by the goverment had an
immediate effect.
They restored confidence in
government.
Reporters who traveled the country brought back reports
of the new spirit to be seen around the USA.
During his election campaign
Roosevelt had promised the American people a New Deal. He planned to get the
US out of the depression.
In the first hundred days of his presidency (1932-1933). Roosevelt worked
with his advisers to produce an enormous range of sweeping measures.
He set out his priorities as follows:
Getting American industry and agriculture back on their feet.
The Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) tried to
take a long-term view of the problems facing farmers.
It set quotas to reduce farm production in
order to force prices gradually upwards.
Providing relief for the sick, old and unemployed.
The Federal Emergency Relief Administration tackled the urgent
needs of the poor.
$500 million was spent on soup kitchens,
blankets, employment schemes and nursery
schools.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was aimed at
unemployed young men.
They could sign on for periods of six months, which could be
renewed if they could still not find work. Around 2.5 million were
helped by this plan of the goverment.
Protecting their savings and property.
One of the major problems that affect the US was the lost of
confidence in banks.
Every Sunday, Rooselvelt broadcast on radio to the nation,
in which he took time to explain to the American people
what he was doing and why he was doing it.
So Roosevelt ordered all of the banks to close and to
remain closed until government officials had checked
them over.
The following days 5,000 trustworthy banks were allowed to
reopen.I In addition, They were supported by government money
if it was necessary.
They came up with a set of rules and regulations to prevent
what happened to the Wall Street Crash.
Getting Americans back to work.
The final measure of the Hundred Days passed on 18 June was the
National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA). It set up two important
organizations.
It set up two important organizations.
The Public Works Administration (PWA)
Used government money to build schools, roads,
dams, bridges and airports. These would be vital
once the USA had recovered. They created millions of jobs.
The National Recovery Administration (NRA)
Improved working conditions in industry and outlawed child
labor. The idea was to stimulate the economy by giving workers
money to spend, without overproducing.