How to Revise Bust – Americans' experiences of the Depression and New Deal — AQA GCSE History
This study examines the catastrophic economic collapse of the United States following the 1929 Wall Street Crash and the subsequent social and political transformations of the 1930s. It evaluates the efficacy of Herbert Hoover’s 'Rugged Individualism' against Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 'New Deal' interventions. Analysis focuses on the lived experiences of diverse groups, including 'Okies' in the Dust Bowl, African Americans under the 'Black Cabinet', and industrial workers benefiting from the Wagner Act, while assessing the long-term shift toward a federal welfare state and the expansion of executive authority.
Examiner Tips for Bust – Americans' experiences of the Depression and New Deal
- Ensure you can evaluate the effectiveness of the New Deal by considering both successes and limitations.
- Be prepared to discuss opposition to the New Deal from various political and legal perspectives.
- Understand the transition from the Depression to the economic recovery driven by the Second World War.
Key Marking Points
- Impact of the Depression on unemployment, farmers, and businessmen
- Hoover's responses to the Depression and his subsequent unpopularity
- Roosevelt's election as president
- Successes and limitations of the New Deal
- Opposition to the New Deal from the Supreme Court, Republicans, and Radical politicians
- Roosevelt's contribution as president