The Great Depression and its economic impact

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

The National Industrial Recovery Act

The purpose of these reforms was to provide relief to the American people. The reforms were also introduced to stabilize the public sector, and secure government jobs. All these programs and initiatives were introduced during 1933 and 1935. This was the first phase of the Roosevelt intended reforms.

Surprisingly the reforms failed to address the economic concerns of the American people, and the wave of depression persisted. The needy Americans were not satisfied with offerings of the President. Although the introduced reforms helped in the instant recruitment of the millions of citizens, but still there were millions to other unemployed people who were looking towards the government for job and economic security. 'Programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Public Works Administration employed millions of Americans, but millions of other workers remained unemployed or underemployed' (August Constantino Bolino., From Depression to War: American Society in Transition).

President was therefore required to introduce major corrections into his plans; the President faced immense pressure to do more for the economic welfare of the American people. In 1935, the President introduced second phase of the reforms.

The Second Phase of the reforms emphasized on ending the depression that persisted among the masses. The President intended to implement safeguards to prevent another series of depression from occurrence. The President was convinced that the second series of reforms will provide assistance to the American people. The President introduced different programs; Works Progress Administration and the National Youth Administration. The government hired people, particularly men for the vacancies available in government departments. The President also introduced the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act, the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, the Rural Electrification Act, the Social Security Act, the Wagner-Connery Act, the Resettlement Administration, and the Federal Housing Act. Both the houses of the government adopted the resolution, and supported with minor amendments.

The first and second series of reforms introduced by the Roosevelt's administration provided relief and assistance to the American people, particularly the backward people of Ohio State. The resident of Ohio State received grants from government through one or more of these programs or agencies.

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.