The Components of Roosevelt's New Deal
             The stock markets crash of 1929 helped launch the United States and many other nations into the worst economic depression in history. All aspects of American society suffered during the Great Depression. By 1932, there were thirteen million people unemployed. There was no security for the millions who lost all of their savings in the bank failure or stock market crash. Volunteer organizations attempted to help the needy, but their resources were simply not adequate. Hope seemed non-existent. Americans had never seen such a severe depression. They could not look to history for guidance.
             After the United States had plummeted into the greatest depression to face this country while Herbert Hoover lead the country, many voters were looking for anyone with a promising plan and a bright outlook. As banks closed and unemployment rates soared, Roosevelt promised a balanced budget, and spoke of Hoover's rash and excessive spending. The election of 1932 was a landslide in Roosevelt's favor, and he quickly took over as soon as he began his term. The severity of the Great Depression called for federal government programs to protect the general welfare of citizens. "Great crises often call forth great leaders; and the hand of destiny tapped Roosevelt on the shoulder. On a dreary Inauguration Day, March 4, 1933, his vibrant voice, broadcast nationally from a bullet proof stand, provided the American people with an inspiration of hope. His clarion note was, "Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself" (797).
             Seeing the country in a state of emergency, Roosevelt established the New Deal. Roosevelt's New Deal programs aimed at three R's - relief, recovery, and reform. Short-term goals were relief and immediate recovery. Long-term goals were permanent recovery and reform of the current abuses. The New Deal was a political and social plan that was the presi...