To What Extent Was The New Deal Successful In Solving The Economic Crisis Of The Great Depression?

To What Extent Was The New Deal Successful In Solving The Economic Crisis Of The Great Depression? Introduction The Great Depression is probably the worst economic disaster to have hit the United States and other industrial countries across the world. This crisis that started in 1929 and ended in 1940 was initially an American problem but within a short time, it had spread to other countries. Due to the deepening problem, the leadership at that time was hard pressed to make quick amends to save the populace. Therefore, when the then president Roosevelt introduced the New Deal programs, there was a relief across the country. As an evidence of the success of the programs, some of the agencies set up at that time are still applicable today. Roosevelt’s Presidency and the Crisis Franklin Roosevelt took over the leadership of the United States in 1933, a time when The Great Depression was already underway. From the onset of his term, the president was aware of the huge responsibility ahead of him. "The withered leaves of industrial enterprise lie on every side; farmers find no markets for their produce; the savings of many years in thousands of families are gone” (Hardman, 1999). These were the words of Roosevelt during one of his addresses. The problems of the economy could be traced from the time the stock market crashed in 1929. After the collapse, some of the things that followed are what characterized The Great Depression. Many Americans lost their jobs and investments went to waste. Therefore, it was understandable to see Roosevelt make economic recovery his major priority. The highlight of Roosevelt’s inaugural speech after being sworn in office in 1931 was the New Deal program. As a way of motivating Americans to rally behind the programs, the president is quoted as saying that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” (Justin, 2013) On his part, the president promised to pull the country out of The Great Depression during his first 100 day...