Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal reforms and economic recovery programs

PRESIDENT'S REFORMS AND ERA OF DEPRESSION

Franklin Delano Roosevelt secured more than two presidential terms. The economic and social policies of the proficient president were nationally supported, and had positive impact on public living standards. The President provided guidance and leadership that was widely required by the Americans. The President was greatly concern about the rising depression among the American public, and it was important to provide rapid economic incentives so that people can be taken out from the psychological stress. The economic policies of the President were widely accepted, as prompt reforms were required to expedite the economic recovery. The President targeted to alleviate and remove the concerns of the American citizens, and President planned to launch such programs intended to provide basic needs to the citizens. The President introduced following proposals including the concept of Bank Holiday, Bank holidays were declared so that, 'the federal government could help struggling banks to become solvent' (August Constantino Bolino., From Depression to War: American Society in Transition).

FIRST AND SECOND SERIES OF REFORMS

The President was greatly concern about the rising depression among the American public, and it was important to provide rapid economic incentives so that people can be taken out from the psychological stress. The President Roosevelt planned to establish additional government programs and offices; the purpose of creating such units was to provide aid and jobs to the American citizens. The President desired to provide job security and stability to the American citizens, and therefore all the programs were launched with public support.

President launched following departments,

The Federal Emergency Relief Administration

The Civil Works Administration

The Public Works Administration

The Civilian Conservation Corps

President introduced following constitutional amendments to safeguard the economic prosperity of the American citizens,

The Agricultural Adjustment Act

CONSEQUENCES AND CRITICAL EVALUATION

Unfortunately for the American people, all of Roosevelt's efforts came to naught' (William (EDT) Dudley. The Great Depression: Opposing Viewpoints). The reforms did not successfully end the period of Great Depression. However it is important to observe that the efforts and reforms of the Roosevelt certainly alleviate the sufferings of Americans partially. It is the World War II, which ended the era of Great Depression. The era of WWII provided millions of American people with an opportunity to work and support for the cause of American nation. The war created opportunities for the citizens, irrespective of their genders.

Despite criticisms that his New Deal did not go far enough to help the American people, Roosevelt won overwhelming reelection in 1936. He went on to win reelection again in 1940 and 1944. He was the only person to win election as president to more than two terms'. The President was although partially successful in stabilizing the economic condition of the citizens, although the benefits of the reforms could not be availed by all the depressed class, however there were few who came out of depression, and got strengthen.

The critics are not satisfied with the amount of funds allocated by the Roosevelt towards his reforms. The critics have complained about the cost and shift of power to Washington. The critics were able to stop the expansion of the program after 1937, and also abolished certain introduced programs before 1943. 'The National Recovery Administration was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court' (August Constantino Bolino., From Depression to War: American Society in Transition). There are certain features of the programs which are still implemented with some improvements including, Social Security and the Securities and Exchange Commission.