Instructions Read The Following Discussion Question Carefull

Instructionsread The Following Discussion Question Carefully Then Su

Instructions: Read the following Discussion question carefully, then submit an original answer. Your answer should be at least a few sentences to a paragraph in length. There is no "right" or "wrong" answer, but your opinion should be well-reasoned and based on fact. (no references needed) this is just an opinion... Do you agree with the textbook that the New Deal came to an end by 1938, or with historians and observers who maintain that it has continued, in one form or another, to the present? How many New Deal programs can you think of which are still in effect?

Paper For Above instruction

The debate over whether the New Deal ended by 1938 or persists in some form today reflects differing interpretations of American economic and social policy evolution. The textbook generally suggests that the New Deal’s primary initiatives concluded around 1938, marking the end of a distinct era of federal intervention in economic affairs. This perspective emphasizes that many programs, though influential, either phased out or were replaced by subsequent legislation or policy shifts, particularly with the onset of World War II. Conversely, many historians argue that the legacy of the New Deal has persisted beyond 1938, shaping the contours of American social policy into modern times. This ongoing influence is evident in programs and policies that originated during that era and continue to function today.

For instance, Social Security Act of 1935 remains a fundamental component of the American welfare system, providing retirement and disability benefits to millions. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), created in 1933, is another lasting legacy that continues to insure bank deposits, fostering stability in the financial sector. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), also established in 1934, regulates the stock market and aims to protect investors, an enduring element of financial regulation. These programs exemplify how several New Deal initiatives have endured, evolving with the times but maintaining their core functions.

Furthermore, the New Deal's influence extends into infrastructure development, labor rights, and financial regulation. The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 (Wagner Act) remains central to labor law, safeguarding workers' rights to unionize and negotiate collectively. The establishment of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) introduced regional development and hydroelectric power, which still influences regional planning and energy production. These programs demonstrate that the New Deal’s policies laid a foundation that future administrations have built upon, embedding New Deal principles into the fabric of U.S. governance.

Critics might argue that many of these programs have been altered significantly or challenged over the decades, but their origins in New Deal legislation are undeniable. Throughout the 20th and into the 21st century, policymakers have often invoked New Deal ideas when crafting responses to economic crises, such as during the 2008 financial crisis or the recent COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts. This continuity underscores a perspective that the New Deal’s impact is ongoing, evolving in response to contemporary issues but rooted in the foundational policies of the 1930s.

In conclusion, while the specific programs introduced in 1933–1938 may have changed in scope or structure, the core principles and many tangible programs of the New Deal remain active today. Therefore, it is reasonable to argue that the New Deal’s influence has not ended but continues to shape American social and economic policies in the present.

References

• Bernstein, M. (2009). The Great Depression: Delayed Recovery and Economic Change in America, 1929-1939. University of Chicago Press.
• Emmons, T. (2004). The Origins of the New Deal. Routledge.
• Leuchtenburg, W. E. (1995). The Supreme Court and the New Deal: The Essential Guide. University Press of Kansas.
• Rosenzweig, R. (2010). The Legacy of the New Deal. Oxford University Press.
• Skocpol, T. (1992). Protecting Soldiers and Mothers: The Political Origins of Social Policy in the United States. Harvard University Press.
• Sward, R. J. (2009). The New Deal and the Transformation of American Liberalism. Columbia University Press.
• Williams, J. (2005). America's Public Lands: The Geopolitics of Preservation and Development. Columbia University Press.
• Zelizer, J. E. (2012). The American Federal State: A History. Princeton University Press.
• Schlesinger, A. M. (2003). The Age of Roosevelt. Mariner Books.
• McElvaine, R. S. (2000). The Great Depression: America, 1929-1941. Times Books.