New Deal Network
New Deal Network: The Nation: Relief With Both Mind and Heart
A 1934 article from "The Nation" about relief efforts in Milwaukee, with several paragraphs on the Civil Works Administration programs. A great resource for attitudes of the time.
New Deal Network
New Deal Network: Presidential Statement on n.i.r.a.
Text of a speech given by Franklin D. Roosevelt after he signed the bill known as the National Industrial Recovery Act. Discusses purposes and intended impact of the legislation.
US Department of Labor
U.s. Department of Labor: Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938
Read about the struggle Franklin D. Roosevelt had in trying to get the Fair Labor Standards Act passed. With public support, he continued to push the ideas presented in the law until it finally was enacted into law.
Other
Schs: Fdr and the Court Packing Controversy
A narrated slideshow detailing the problems Franklin Roosevelt ran up against with putting his New Deal plans into effect. The conservative justices on the Supreme Court determined that many of the reforms were unconstitutional. Find out...
Other
Historical Thinking Matters: Social Security
Learn about Social Security and the New Deal at this inquiry-based site. Contains many primary source documents for students to critique, a timeline, video, audio, assignments and a WebQuest.
Flow of History
Flow of History: The Great Depression
The Great Depression, its causes and effects, is profiled through text and a colored graphic flowchart of events. Visually appealing for both students and teachers.
Other
Au: Frances Perkins on the Social Security Act (1935)
Here is a speech given by Frances Perkins, Secretary of Labor in the administration of Franklin Roosevelt, praising the passage of the Social Security Act in 1935. See how this groundbreaking legislation would help the elderly, disabled,...
Library of Economics and Liberty
Concise Encyclopedia of Economics: Great Depression
For upper level classes and abilities only. A very scholarly explanation of the causes of the Great Depression and steps Franklin Roosevelt to end it. An excellent source due to its thorough analysis and detail.
Other
Employment and Training Institute: Wpa Milwaukee Handicraft Project
Article on a WPA program in Milwaukee which provided work for unskilled women laborers. Great resource for students of all ages.
Virginia History Series
Virginia History Series: Virginia State History 20th Century (1921 1940) [Pdf]
The Roaring Twenties was a time of great prosperity in America and Virginia. However, it ended with a bust that shook our country to its core. Imagine the culture of this time with the help of pictures, charts, and maps. This slideshow...
University of Washington
University of Washington: Civil Rights
Minorities were hit the hardest by the Great Depression. Explore the challenges African Americans, Japanese Americans, Native Americans, Filipinos, and the Jewish people faced and how those challenges led to activism. Included is a...
Yale University
Yale Law School: First Inaugural Address of Franklin D. Roosevelt
Text of Franklin D. Roosevelt's first Inaugural address. In this speech, he outlines the world crisis facing the country in 1933. He also outlines the aims of government programs and his primary goal, which was to relieve unemployment by...
Internal Revenue Service
Understanding Taxes: The Social Security Act of 1935
This very complete lesson plan explains the history of the Social Security Act of 1935, its history and importance to the elderly during the Great Depression, and its importance today. Everything necessary to teach the lesson plan and...
Internal Revenue Service
Understanding Taxes : The Wealth Tax of 1935 and the Victory Tax of 1942
This lesson plan from the Internal Revenue Service gives the history of the progressive income tax which helped fund the social programs implemented during the Great Depression, and the war effort after the country joined the Allies in...
![U.s. Securities and Exchange Commission: Securities Act of 1933 [Pdf] Primary](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/108812-58bce5fee28db358afe04b85b3db1d5f.jpg?1661248116 "U.s. Securities and Exchange Commission: Securities Act of 1933 [Pdf] Primary")
Other
U.s. Securities and Exchange Commission: Securities Act of 1933 [Pdf]
President Roosevelt and his administration accomplished a lot during his first one hundred days in office. One piece of legislation was the Securities Act of 1933. Read the text of the entire act on this site. [pdf]
Other
Hamilton College: The Emergence of Public Housing
Read a history of the federal government's funding of public housing during the Great Depression. Find information about the Housing Act of 1937 and 1940.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: History Now: The Wpa: Antidote to the Great Depression?
[Free Registration/Login Required] A good assessment of the Works Progress Administration and its contribution not only of providing jobs for the unemployed during the Great Depression, but for the lasting improvements it made in the...
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: History Now: Women and the Great Depression
[Free Registration/Login Required] A very interesting essay showing how the Great Depression affected women as housewives and as employees. See how many New Deal programs discriminated against women, and find out who supported women's...
Other
Prezi: The 1930's: The Great Depression in Alabama
This slideshow offers an overview of life during the Great Depression of the 1930's, with a focus on the devastating impact it had on residents of the state of Alabama.
Other
Nypl Digital Gallery: National Youth Administration Collection
Find a series of photographs showing young people employed by the National Youth Administration as part of the Works Progress Administration during the New Deal. The photos have brief explanations and give information about the...
Other
Nypl Digital Gallery: Changing New York: Photographs by Berenice Abbott
See photographs taken by Berenice Abbott as part of the New Deal's Federal Artist Program. Her project was entitled Chaning New York. Find information about Abbott as a photographer and read information about each photograph.
Oklahoma Historical Society
Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture: National Youth Administration
Read about the goals of the National Youth Administration and the educational camps it funded during the Great Depression.
Teaching American History
Teaching American History: Letter to Franklin D. Roosevelt
Criticism from Herbert Hoover to President Roosevelt was sent in a private letter. Hoover offered suggestions for the president to help reassure the people of the United States during a time of great fear and desolation.
State Library-Florida
Florida Memory: Zora Neale Hurston and the Wpa in Florida
An account of the African-American writer Zora Neale Hurston and her experiences in Florida while working on the WPA. Includes a complete piece by Hurston entitled "Turpentine," photos and lesson plans.