Version du 6 novembre 2023 à 17:48

根据 Aline Helg 的演讲改编^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7]

Languages

Deutsch English Español Français Italiano

20 世纪 20 年代，欣欣向荣，充满无忧无虑的乐观主义，常被称为 "咆哮的二十年代"。这一时期的美国欣欣向荣，富足和成功似乎已成为常态。然而，随着 1929 年 10 月股市崩盘，这个富裕和欣喜的时代戛然而止，为严峻的大萧条拉开了序幕。这场美国历史上最具破坏性的经济灾难，将一个曾经繁荣昌盛的国家变成了一个因大量失业、普遍贫困和金融不稳定而陷入困境的国家。

大萧条不仅震撼了经济，还践踏了美国人民的灵魂和精神。数百万人不仅失去了工作，还失去了对繁荣未来的信心。企业和银行纷纷破产，留下的是一片荒凉和无助。作为经济支柱的农民被剥夺了土地，更加深了人们的绝望感。

危机在美国人的心中种下了怀疑和不确定性，他们曾经对自己繁荣昌盛的国家充满乐观和信心。对经济体系和政府的极度不信任油然而生，彻底改变了国民的心理。然而，在这绝望的深渊中，富兰克林-D-罗斯福新政的创新政策犹如一束光亮出现了。大胆的改革和政府对经济的更多参与开始了一个愈合的过程，为逐步复苏奠定了新的基础。

大萧条不仅重构了美国政治，推动了共和党向民主党的权力转移，还促使人们重新深刻审视公民与国家之间的关系。民主党曾经与南方和天主教移民联系在一起，如今却成为受危机打击最严重的工人阶级和中产阶级的拥护者。美国的政治格局被重新定义，随之而来的是一个复兴和社会转型的时代。

这场巨大的动荡催生了百花齐放的社会运动、对文化价值观的重新评估以及对民族身份的重新定义。大萧条在美国历史上留下了不可磨灭的伤痕，它沉痛地提醒人们，在不可预测的经济力量面前，人类是脆弱的。然而，大萧条也展现了美国的韧性和创新能力，彰显了美国在最具破坏性的考验中重塑自我的不容置疑的能力。

1929 年股市崩盘的原因

1929 年的股市崩盘并不仅仅是欧洲经济不稳定或欧洲国家无力偿还一战后向美国银行贷款的结果。相反，它是经济、金融和政治因素综合作用的结果，每一个因素都造成了毁灭性的崩溃。20 世纪 20 年代，股市投机盛行。不切实际的乐观情绪导致许多投资者将巨额资金投入股市，而且往往是赊账。这导致股价人为膨胀，形成了脆弱的金融泡沫。保证金购买或过度使用信贷购买股票使情况变得更糟。当信心崩溃时，许多投资者发现自己无力偿还贷款，从而加剧了危机。缺乏强有力的金融监管纵容了高风险和不道德的行为，使股市和银行变得不稳定。此外，恐慌和匆忙抛售加剧了市场崩溃。史无前例的股票抛售量导致股价暴跌。除了股市的动态变化，美国经济还存在深层次的问题。财富不平等、工农业生产过剩和消费下降都导致经济基础脆弱。银行在股市投入巨资或借钱给投资者购买股票，在股票价值暴跌时受到重创。银行的倒闭加剧了信心危机，进一步减少了获得信贷的机会。欧洲的不稳定和欧洲国家无力偿还债务也在危机中发挥了作用。世界经济的相互联系将一场国家危机变成了一场国际灾难。这些因素交织在一起，创造了一个大规模经济崩溃不可避免的环境。国际经济不稳定加剧了无管制投机、宽松信贷、潜在经济不稳定和恐慌性抛售等有毒因素的混合。这凸显了对股票市场和银行系统加强监管和监督的迫切需要，导致在随后的几年里进行了实质性改革，以防止此类灾难再次发生。

导致 1929 年股市崩盘的国际和国内因素之间的这种对立是关于大萧条起源的争论的核心。国际经济紧张局势，尤其是欧洲债务，不容忽视。然而，仔细观察会发现，美国的基本经济动态也发挥了关键作用。在 "咆哮的二十年代"，以巨大的技术进步和工业扩张为特征的第二次工业革命灌输了一种经济不可战胜和明显繁荣的意识。在这一时期，新兴产业不断涌现，生产率不断提高，金融市场普遍欣欣向荣。然而，这种经济繁荣掩盖了脆弱的金融环境，过度的投机行为和危险的债务积累破坏了这一环境。20 世纪 20 年代的繁荣并不像看上去那么稳固。它的部分原因是容易获得信贷和无节制的股市投机。许多投资者被热情和乐观蒙蔽了双眼，没有意识到投机资本充斥的市场所蕴含的风险。亢奋掩盖了潜在的经济脆弱性，助长了不可持续的乐观情绪。当经济现实与投机行为背道而驰时，市场急剧下跌。投资者开始意识到潜在的不稳定性和金融不安全性。随后的股市崩盘不可避免，这不是因为外部压力，而是因为美国经济尚未解决的内部缺陷。在这种情况下，欧洲债务和国际不稳定仅仅是加剧危机的因素，而不是危机的根源。美国繁荣的基础并不稳定，由于不谨慎的金融行为和缺乏适当的监管而被掏空。随之而来的大萧条不仅是一次残酷的市场调整，也是对一个长期沉浸在经济自满情绪中的国家的一次粗暴唤醒。大萧条表明，必须在创新、增长和金融审慎之间取得平衡，这为美国建立新的经济秩序奠定了基础。

这种由债务推动的投资狂热和无节制的乐观情绪是导致 1929 年股市崩盘的关键因素。当时的市场动态以集体亢奋为特征，对经济持续上升的盲目自信让谨慎退居其次。市场可能无限上扬的想法在许多投资者心中根深蒂固。他们的投资策略往往缺乏谨慎，在很大程度上以保证金购买股票为主。这种投机方式虽然在短期内有利可图，但本质上是脆弱的，使经济极易受到市场波动的影响。股价达到了极高的水平，而助推股价的不是坚实的经济基础，而是肆无忌惮的投机行为。股票的实际价值与认知价值之间的错位造成了不可持续的金融泡沫。每一个泡沫，无论大小，迟早都会破灭。1929 年的泡沫也不例外。当现实再次降临，投资者信心崩溃，股市陷入一片混乱。投资者，包括那些用保证金买入并已深陷债务泥潭的投资者，急于抛售，引发了股价迅速而无情的螺旋式下跌。大量投资者匆忙抛售股票加剧了危机，将一场或许不可避免的市场调整变成了一场规模惊人的经济灾难。其后果远远超出了华尔街，渗透到美国和全球经济的每一个角落。这场金融灾难不是单一因素的产物，而是无管制投机、宽松信贷和自满情绪等有毒因素综合作用的结果，一场完美风暴引发了现代经济史上最黑暗的时期之一。这次股灾的教训是显而易见的：如果没有审慎的监管和适当的监督，任由市场自生自灭，就很容易陷入过激行为，给每个人带来毁灭性的后果。

20 世纪 20 年代汽车和家用电器行业的迅速崛起是工业快速发展这把双刃剑的典型例子。尽管这些创新标志着一个表面繁荣的时代，但它们也为即将到来的经济危机埋下了种子。工业生产达到了历史最高水平，但与之相对应的需求却没有增长。生产能力超负荷运转的美国经济机器开始吱吱作响，产生的过剩商品远远超出了消费者的购买能力。工厂生产速度超过消费速度，生产过剩的幽灵成为令人担忧的现实。蓬勃发展的汽车和家用电器产业成了自身成功的牺牲品。国内市场已经饱和；每个买得起新车或家电的美国家庭都已经拥有了一辆。供需失衡引发了连锁反应，消费下降导致生产减少、滞销库存增加、公司利润下降。在本已动荡不安的金融环境中，经济放缓是一个令人担忧的征兆。股票市场长期以来一直是繁荣的源泉，但现在进行调整的时机已经成熟。股票估值过高，是投机而非公司内在价值的产物。商业信心的动摇引发了多米诺骨牌效应。投资者因紧张和不确定而撤出资金，使市场陷入螺旋式下跌。因此，1929 年的股市崩盘并非孤立事件，而是一系列相互关联因素的结果。工业生产过剩、市场饱和、股票估值过高以及商业信心丧失等因素交织在一起，形成了一个岌岌可危的经济环境。当经济崩溃来临时，它不仅仅是一次金融修正，更是对 20 世纪 20 年代繁荣所赖以建立的基础的一次残酷的重新评估。审慎和监管成为经济讨论的关键词，开创了一个时代，在这个时代，快速增长将因认识到其潜在的局限性和过度增长的危险而有所收敛。

消费信贷的兴起是 20 世纪 20 年代美国经济的一个显著特征，这是一个快速但不计后果的扩张时代。人们被眼前的繁荣所诱惑，纷纷举债享受超出自身能力的生活水平。便捷的信贷不仅刺激了消费，还催生了一种负债文化。然而，这种便捷的信贷渠道掩盖了国家经济基础的深刻裂痕。消费支出虽然很高，但却被债务人为地夸大了。个人和家庭被表面上的充裕和容易获得信贷所诱惑，积累了大量债务。这种态势造成的经济虽然表面上繁荣，但本质上是脆弱的，其稳定性取决于消费者管理和偿还债务的能力。当 "咆哮的二十年代 "的乐观情绪让位于经济衰退的现实时，这种扩张性信贷体系的脆弱性就显现出来了。消费者本已负债累累，现在又面临着不确定的经济前景，他们纷纷削减开支。由于无力偿还债务，违约和消费衰退的恶性循环开始出现，加剧了经济放缓。这种突然的逆转暴露了以债务和投机为基础的经济的不足。信心的崩溃和信贷的收缩引发了一场不仅席卷美国，而且席卷全球经济的危机。个人、公司甚至国家都发现自己陷入了债务和违约的漩涡，迎来了一个衰退和重新调整的时代。这种情况凸显了谨慎、深思熟虑的信贷和债务管理的必要性。事实证明，宽松信贷和过度消费助长的经济亢奋是不可持续的。在大萧条的废墟上，一种新的经济和金融方法开始出现，这种方法认识到了无管制的繁荣所固有的危险，并在增长和金融稳定之间寻求一种更可持续的平衡。

20 世纪 20 年代盛行的低利率制度为 1929 年的股市崩盘埋下了伏笔。在低利率的推动下，信贷渠道的增加鼓励了消费者和投资者举债。在廉价资金唾手可得的环境下，谨慎理财往往被过度热情和对经济上升轨道的信心所取代。廉价货币不仅刺激了消费，还鼓励了股票市场的激烈投机。投资者凭借容易获得的信贷，涌入估值已经过高的市场，推动股价远远超出其内在价值。这种态势造成了一种过热的金融环境，实际价值与投机行为出现了危险的错位。纠正的方式是提高利率。虽然利率上调对于冷却过热的经济是必要的，但对投资者和借款人来说却是一个冲击。面对更高的借贷成本和日益沉重的债务负担，许多人被迫在股市上清仓。这种争相离场的行为导致了大规模抛售，引发了股价的快速和无节制下跌。利率倒挂揭示了建立在廉价信贷和投机活动基础上的经济的脆弱性。1929 年的股市崩盘和随后发生的大萧条，戏剧性地揭示了过度依赖债务的无节制经济增长的局限性和危险性。教训是惨痛的，但也是必要的。在危机发生后的几年里，人们更加关注货币政策和利率的审慎管理，认识到它们在稳定经济和防止投机过度可能导致经济灾难方面的核心作用。1929 年的灾难促使人们对经济管理的基本原则和做法进行了深刻的重新评估，强调了在增长的必要性与金融稳定和安全的必要性之间保持平衡的必要性。

缺乏强有力的监管是加剧 1929 年股市崩盘严重性的关键弱点。当时，股票市场在很大程度上是一个不受监管的领域，是一种金融 "狂野西部"，政府的监督和投资者保护措施微乎其微，甚至根本不存在。这助长了肆无忌惮的投机、市场操纵和内幕交易。股市运作缺乏透明度和道德规范，造成了市场的高度动荡和不确定性。投资者缺乏可靠和准确的信息，往往被蒙在鼓里，被迫在一个信息不对称和操纵司空见惯的市场中游刃有余。任何健康的金融体系都离不开信任，但信任却被削弱，取而代之的是不确定性和投机。在这种情况下，欺诈和内幕交易激增，加剧了普通投资者的风险，因为他们往往没有能力了解或减轻市场固有的危险。监管保护措施的缺失加剧了他们的脆弱性，使得许多投资者只能任由反复无常且经常被操纵的市场摆布。崩盘发生时，这些结构性和监管方面的弱点被残酷地暴露出来。面对股市价值的急剧下跌，投资者在监管和保护基础设施不完善的情况下已无计可施。1929 年的灾难为政府和监管机构敲响了警钟。此后，以引入更严格的监督机制和保护投资者为特征的监管改革时代到来了。美国 1933 年《证券法》和 1934 年《证券交易法》等立法为建立一个更加透明、公平和稳定的股票市场奠定了基础。股市崩盘的惨痛教训揭示了监管和监督在维护金融市场诚信和稳定方面的极端重要性。它引发了人们对金融市场认识和管理方式的深刻变革，标志着监管和投资者保护成为金融稳定核心支柱时代的开始。

1929 年股市崩盘前夕，经济不平等是美国经济结构中一个潜在的、往往被忽视的薄弱环节。富人与工人阶级之间日益扩大的差距不仅仅是一个社会公正的问题，也是经济极度脆弱的一个因素。在 20 世纪 20 年代的繁荣时期，盛行着一种前所未有的繁荣和增长的说法。然而，这种繁荣并不是平均分配的。虽然财富和奢华表面上展现在社会上层，但相当一部分美国人的经济状况却岌岌可危。工人阶级虽然是工业生产和增长的基础，但他们只是财富的边缘受益者。财富分配上的这种失衡在经济内部造成了紧张和裂痕。消费是经济增长的重要动力，但由于大多数工人的实际工资不足而受到影响。他们充分参与消费经济的能力受到了限制，这就造成了生产过剩和债务日益增加的态势。在这种情况下，消费者的信心十分脆弱。工薪阶层家庭面临着不断上涨的生活费用和停滞不前的工资，很容易受到经济冲击的影响。当经济衰退的迹象出现时，他们吸收和克服冲击的能力有限。他们放弃消费加剧了经济放缓，使温和的衰退变成了严重的萧条。这种财富不平等现象的暴露对经济和社会政策产生了深远的影响。财富分配的差距不仅仅是社会不公平，而且是经济缺陷，可能会放大繁荣和萧条的周期。认识到经济公正、工资稳定和工人保护的重要性，成为大萧条后几年政治和经济应对措施的核心，塑造了一个改革和复苏的时代。

财富集中在少数精英手中不仅是导致 1929 年经济崩溃的一个因素，也加剧了随后大萧条的严重性。国家的大部分财富掌握在一小部分人手中，这种差距削弱了整个社会的经济复原能力。在一个以消费为主要增长动力的经济体中，大众购买商品和服务的能力至关重要。工人和中产阶级的实际工资停滞不前，降低了他们的购买力，导致需求萎缩。需求减少反过来又影响了生产。面对销售额的下降，企业纷纷减产裁员，形成了失业和消费下降的恶性循环。工薪阶层和中产阶级没有足够的经济来源，无法推动经济复苏。企业的投资和扩张能力也因市场需求萎缩而受阻。最富有阶层积累的利润和红利不足以刺激经济，因为这些利润和红利往往没有以消费或生产性投资的形式重新投入经济。这凸显了一个重要的认识：财富的公平分配不仅是一个社会公正问题，也是经济发展的当务之急。经济要想健康发展并具有韧性，就必须广泛分享增长带来的好处，以确保强劲的需求并支持生产和就业。应对大萧条的措施，特别是新政政策，反映了这一认识。为提高工人的购买力、规范金融市场和投资公共基础设施以创造就业机会，政府采取了各种举措。这标志着向更具包容性的经济繁荣愿景过渡，财富和机会的分配被视为经济稳定和增长的核心支柱。

大萧条极大地调整了美国的经济和社会政策。经济灾难暴露了深层次的结构性缺陷和不平等，而这些问题在很大程度上以前都被忽视或低估了。为稳定经济、保护最弱势公民和减少不平等现象，国家进行积极干预的必要性变得十分明显。富兰克林-罗斯福新政的出现标志着美国人对政府作用看法的转折点。虽然大萧条之前的主流意识形态倾向于自由放任和尽量减少政府干预，但危机使这种做法受到质疑。显然，仅靠市场不足以保证稳定、繁荣和公平。新政采取救济、恢复和改革三管齐下的战略，从多方面应对危机。救济意味着为数百万面临贫困、失业和饥饿的美国人提供直接和即时的援助。这不仅是一项人道主义措施，也是一项振兴消费需求和刺激经济的战略。复苏的重点是振兴经济的关键部门。通过大规模的公共工程项目和其他举措，政府努力创造就业机会，提高购买力，启动螺旋式上升的增长和信心。花在基础设施建设或工资上的每一美元都会转嫁到经济中，促进消费和投资。然而，改革也许是新政最持久的方面。新政旨在从结构上改变经济，防止导致大萧条的错误重演。这包括加强对金融部门的监管、保证银行存款以及减少经济不平等的政策。因此，大萧条和新政的应对措施重新定义了美国的社会和经济契约。它们强调了在市场自由与政府干预、经济增长与公平、个人繁荣与集体福祉之间取得平衡的必要性。这一转变塑造了未来几十年美国政治和经济的轨迹。

1910 年至 1960 年美国年度实际国内生产总值，其中突出显示了大萧条时期（1929-1939 年）。
1910 年至 1960 年美国的失业率，其中突出显示了大萧条时期（1929-1939 年）。
道琼斯工业指数，1928-1930 年。
美国工业生产（1928-39 年）。
美国农产品价格（1928-1935 年）。
GDP depression.png

以 2000 年定值美元计算的人均国内生产总值（人均收入）所反映的美国经济萧条的总体演变情况，以及这一时期的一些重要事件。^[8]

产出增长与工资停滞之间的不匹配是加剧大萧条严重性的关键因素之一。经济的繁荣不仅取决于创新和生产，还取决于强劲和可持续的需求，这就要求收入的均衡分配。如果在 20 世纪 20 年代能够特别关注工人的公平报酬，并确保将生产率的提高转化为更高的工资，那么国家本可以更好地抵御经济衰退。工人和家庭本来会有更多的财力来维持消费，从而缓解经济紧缩的影响。换句话说，一个广泛共享繁荣的经济体更有韧性。它比财富集中在少数人手中的经济更能承受经济冲击。在体面的工资和公平的收入分配的推动下，消费需求能够在困难时期维持企业和就业。前提是，每个工人不仅是生产者，也是消费者。如果工人工资高，他们就会消费更多，从而刺激需求，而需求又反过来支持生产和就业。这是一个生产与消费和谐共存的经济生态系统。1929 年的经济崩溃和随后的大萧条为这种平衡的重要性提供了宝贵的经验教训。尽管经济不平等和薪酬公平的挑战仍然是当代的一个问题，但随后的改革和政策一直在努力恢复和维持这种平衡，这也重申了从经济史上那段动荡时期吸取的经验教训的现实意义。

价格调整可以成为平衡供需的有效机制，尤其是在消费者购买力有限的情况下。从理论上讲，降低价格可以刺激消费，从而改善企业的流动性并支持经济。在 20 世纪 20 年代，生产增加和工资停滞不前共同造成了供不应求的失衡。生产的商品超过了市场的消化能力，这主要是因为消费者的购买力受到工资水平不足的限制。通过降低价格，企业本可以使其产品更容易获得，从而刺激需求，减少未售出库存的积累。然而，应该指出的是，这一战略也有其挑战性。降价会侵蚀企业的利润空间，可能使企业陷入困境，尤其是在企业已经因其他经济因素而处于弱势的情况下。此外，普遍降价或通货紧缩可能会对经济产生不利影响，如鼓励消费者推迟购买，以期待更低的价格，从而加剧经济放缓。因此，尽管降价在短期内可能是增加需求的可行策略，但必须谨慎从事，并结合更广泛的经济战略。将这一方法与提高消费者购买力的举措相结合，例如通过提高工资或实行优惠的税收政策，创造一个生产与消费动态平衡的环境，可能会更有益处。

当时的环境特点是过度乐观，对市场的永久增长抱有不可动摇的信念，不愿对自由市场机制进行干预。当时的共和党政府根植于自由放任原则，不愿干预经济事务。当时的主流思想是，市场会自我调节，政府干预弊大于利。这种思想虽然在经济繁荣时期有效，但事实证明不足以预防或缓解迫在眉睫的危机。同样，许多工商业领袖也受困于短期愿景，只关注眼前利益的最大化，而非长期的可持续发展。经济繁荣带来的欣喜往往掩盖了正在积累的警示信号和潜在失衡。过度自信、监管不力和缺乏纠正措施，这些因素结合在一起，为一场毁灭性危机的爆发创造了温床。1929 年的经济崩溃并非孤立事件，而是多年来经济和金融失衡累积的结果。从这一悲惨时期汲取的教训是，人们认识到需要审慎监管，需要有长远眼光，需要为经济不稳定做好准备。从大萧条中产生的政策和制度，包括加强监管和政府在经济中发挥更积极的作用，反映了人们对经济体系复杂性的认识，以及平衡增长、稳定和公平的必要性。

与繁荣的股票市场和迅速扩张的工业相比，农业部门虽然不那么耀眼，但却是经济和社会的基本支柱。第一次世界大战导致对农产品的需求急剧增加，促进了生产和价格。然而，战争结束后，全球需求萎缩，但产量却居高不下，导致供过于求，价格下跌。农民们发现自己的财务状况越来越岌岌可危，其中许多人的利润已经微薄。农业机械化也发挥了作用，它提高了产量，但也减少了对劳动力的需求，导致农村人口外流。农民和农村工人迁移到城市寻找更好的机会，推动了快速城市化，但也导致了城市劳动力市场的饱和。这些农村动态是大萧条的前兆和放大器。当股市崩盘、城市经济萎缩时，本已衰弱的农业部门无法起到平衡作用。农村贫困和困境加剧，扩大了经济危机的范围和深度。农业部门的复苏和农村社区的稳定成为复苏工作的基本要素。农业立法稳定价格、努力平衡生产与需求以及投资农村基础设施等新政举措，是振兴经济和建立一个更有韧性、更平衡的体系的总体战略的重要组成部分。

农业衰退的后果并不局限于农村地区，而是影响到了整个经济，产生了多米诺骨牌效应。农业部门的萎缩不仅减少了农民的收入，也减少了依赖农村地区的企业的收入。农业材料和设备供应商、零售商，甚至向农民提供贷款的银行都受到了影响。农村需求的萎缩减少了各行各业的收入和就业，使经济困境远远超出了农场和农业社区的范围。农产品价格下跌加剧了农民的负债，导致拖欠贷款和没收土地，影响了农村和城市金融机构的稳定。本已受到其他因素削弱的银行承受了更大的压力。这种连带效应凸显了经济的综合性和相互依赖性。一个部门的问题会影响到其他部门，造成螺旋式下滑，很难停止和扭转。在大萧条的背景下，农业部门的衰退既是更广泛的经济崩溃的症状，也是其催化剂。应对危机的政治和经济措施必须考虑到这种复杂性和相互依赖性。稳定和振兴农业部门的干预措施是恢复国家经济健康的整体努力的组成部分。提高农产品价格、支持农民收入和改善农村稳定的努力与恢复信心、刺激需求和实现总体经济复苏有着内在联系。

农村人口的困境是新政改革的主要催化剂。在大萧条期间，农民是受打击最严重的群体之一。生产过剩、农作物价格下跌、债务增加以及恶劣的气候条件（如沙尘暴期间出现的气候条件）共同导致了农村地区的经济和社会灾难。富兰克林-罗斯福总统发起的 "新政 "出台了一系列计划和政策，旨在缓解农业部门的困境。实施了《农业调整法》等措施，通过控制生产来提高农产品价格。政府希望通过向农民支付减产费用来提高价格，增加农民收入。政府还采取了其他措施，如制定《紧急农场抵押法》，为面临取消赎回权威胁的农民提供贷款。这有助于稳定农业部门，使农民能够保留土地并继续生产。此外，公共工程项目的实施不仅创造了就业机会，还有助于改善农村基础设施，将农村地区与城市市场连接起来，改善农产品的市场准入。这些政府干预措施在当时是史无前例的，标志着联邦政府在经济中的角色发生了根本变化。新政不仅带来了即时的救济，还为结构性改革奠定了基础，以防止今后再次发生此类经济灾难。它强调了平衡农业和工业部门的重要性，并加强了国家作为经济调节器和稳定器的作用。

由于当时的共和党政府无法有效应对农业危机，因此对国家的人口和经济动态产生了显著影响。自由放任的经济政策在很大程度上忽视了农村地区日益严重的困境。生产过剩和随之而来的农产品价格下跌使农民陷入了财政不稳定的境地。没有足够的支持，又面临债务和破产，许多农民被迫离开自己的土地。这种情况不仅加剧了农村地区的经济困境，还助长了向城市的移民。城市地区虽然在经济机会方面大有可为，但却被大量涌入的寻求就业和经济保障的工人所淹没。这种快速移民使城市资源紧张，加剧了提供住房、服务和就业方面的挑战。已经受到经济萎缩影响的城市劳动力市场趋于饱和，导致失业率和贫困率上升。在此背景下，大萧条揭示并加剧了美国经济和政治的潜在结构性弱点。大萧条突出表明，政府必须采取更有力的行动，对经济的各个领域给予均衡的关注。以 "新政 "为形式的应对措施标志着一个转折点，这不仅体现在具体政策上，也体现在对政府在经济中的作用的认识上。政府需要进行干预，以稳定经济、规范市场和支持处于困境中的公民，这已成为美国经济政策中公认的一部分，并影响了未来几十年的政治和经济格局。

快速城市化的趋势和农业部门的衰弱同时带来了一系列复杂的挑战，加剧了当时的经济问题。随着农村人口的减少，这些地区对商品和服务的需求也在减少。依赖农民和农村工人需求的当地企业受到影响，导致经济螺旋式下滑。更重要的是，大量农村劳动力涌入城市的同时，股市崩盘和随之而来的经济萎缩加剧了对本已稀缺的工作岗位的竞争。城市基础设施、社会服务和住房市场都没有做好应对人口如此快速增长的准备。这给城市资源带来了额外的压力，加剧了贫困和失业问题。农业部门的衰退也对工业和金融服务产生了影响。依赖农业需求的企业，无论是农业机械、化学品还是金融服务，也都受到了影响。农民的负债和拖欠款不断增加，影响了银行和金融机构的健康。农产品需求减少、负债、农村企业破产、城市人口不断增加但却没有足够的工作岗位等一系列因素加剧了整体经济形势。所有这些因素都导致了大萧条的深度和持续时间。罗斯福新政试图通过一系列计划和改革来解决这些相互关联的问题，这些计划和改革旨在稳定经济，为受影响最严重的人群提供直接救济，并改革经济和金融体系，以防止未来再次发生此类灾难。当时经济和社会挑战的复杂性和相互依赖性凸显了政府采取多方面协调行动的必要性。

农业部门的问题因生产过剩、价格下降和负债累累而加剧，在很大程度上被忽视。这种不作为，再加上 1929 年的股市崩盘，凸显了当时采用的自由放任经济方法的不足之处。农业部门是美国经济的重要组成部分，其恶化所造成的影响远远超出了农村地区。农民的经济实力本来就很薄弱，他们无力应对大萧条造成的经济动荡。国内需求减少、出口市场萎缩以及无法获得信贷加剧了危机。罗斯福政府的上台和新政的实施标志着政府政策的彻底转变。联邦政府首次采取重大措施干预经济，标志着与自由放任理念的背离。新政推出了《农业调整法》等措施，通过减少生产过剩来提高农产品价格。政府还提供低息贷款和补贴，帮助农民保留土地和继续经营。此外，还启动了公共工程项目，以创造就业机会和刺激经济活动。因此，虽然最初面对农业和金融危机无所作为，加剧了大萧条的影响，但随后的新政干预措施帮助减轻了一些最严重的苦难，稳定了经济，并为持久复苏和改革奠定了基础。这些举措还重新定义了联邦政府在管理经济和保护公民福利方面的作用，这一遗产至今仍在影响着美国的政策。

1929 年的经济崩溃及其后果

坠机事件发生后，人群聚集在纽约证券交易所外。

20 世纪 20 年代通常被称为 "咆哮的二十年代"，其特点是表面繁荣和经济快速增长。然而，这种增长在很大程度上是不可持续的，因为它是建立在信贷大规模扩张和无节制投机的基础上的。宽松的信贷和低利率鼓励了一种超出消费者和投资者实际能力的消费和投资文化。人们被鼓励超前消费，对持续增长的过度自信助长了危险的投机泡沫。股市成为投机热的中心。数以百万计的美国人，从最富有的到最贫穷的，都把积蓄投入股市，希望迅速获利。股价将无限期上涨的信念如同海市蜃楼，吸引着各行各业的人们。然而，潜在的经济现实并不支持市场的亢奋情绪。当信心开始削弱、泡沫破灭时，市场的迅速逆转引发了恐慌。投资者纷纷清仓，但由于买家寥寥无几，股价大幅下跌。这次股市崩盘产生了多米诺骨牌效应，引发了严重的经济萎缩。消费者和投资者的信心严重动摇，导致支出和投资减少。银行也受到危机和随之而来的恐慌的影响，限制信贷，进一步加剧了经济衰退。随后发生的大萧条是对美国经济结构和监管进行深刻重新评估的时刻。它凸显了无节制投机和过度依赖信贷的危险，强调了在消费、投资和可持续经济增长之间实现更健康平衡的必要性。它还为政府加强监管以降低可能导致此类危机的风险和过度行为铺平了道路。

股市狂热和信贷扩张掩盖了美国经济深层次的结构性弱点。尤其是生产过剩，这不仅是工业部门的主要问题，因为工业部门的生产超过了需求，而且也是农业部门的主要问题。本已在低价和收入下降中挣扎的农民受到沉重打击，加剧了农村衰退和经济苦难。财富分配不均也是一个关键因素。一小部分精英享受着日益增长的繁荣，而大多数美国人的生活水平却没有显著提高。这种动态减少了总需求，因为大部分人口无力购买大量生产的商品。当股市投机泡沫破灭时，这些潜在的弱点就显现出来了。恐慌情绪迅速蔓延，投资者和消费者对经济稳定失去了信心，国家进入了经济萎缩、失业率上升和破产的下行通道。政府的应对措施和 "新政 "的出台凸显了政府进行更有力干预以纠正市场失衡和脆弱性的必要性。所实施的方案不仅要提供即时救济，还要启动结构改革，为未来的经济增长奠定更加坚实和公平的基础。这一时期标志着美国经济政策的概念和应用发生了重大转变。

1929 年的股市崩盘并不是一个孤立的事件，而是一系列结构性和系统性问题在美国经济中根深蒂固的最明显和最直接的表现。在容易获得信贷和低利率的鼓励下，肆无忌惮的投机行为创造了一种环境，在这种环境中，深思熟虑和审慎的投资往往被忽视，而倾向于快速获利。这种对短期利润的关注不仅助长了股市泡沫，还使资本偏离了本可支持可持续经济增长的生产性投资。此外，由于缺乏适当的监管和政府监督，市场缺乏有效的保障措施来防止投机过度和高风险的金融行为。由于政府没有积极干预，间接导致了不可持续的经济泡沫的形成。当股市泡沫破裂时，经济的潜在脆弱性暴露无遗。银行和金融机构受到重创，随着信贷紧缩，企业和消费者发现自己陷入了流动性紧缩的困境。信心崩溃，消费和投资也随之崩溃。大萧条要求对经济政策进行深刻的重新思考，并转向加大政府干预力度，以稳定经济、保护消费者和投资者，并为未来更加平衡和可持续的增长奠定基础。在当代关于经济监管、投机泡沫管理以及政府在促进公平和可持续增长中的作用的辩论中，那个时代的教训仍在产生共鸣。

俄勒冈州波特兰市威拉米特河畔的胡佛村（阿瑟-罗斯坦）。

这次股灾不仅仅是一次暂时的经济调整，而是一次灾难性的崩溃，对全球经济产生了深远而持久的影响。

股票价值的急剧下降令许多投资者措手不及。咆哮的二十年代 "市场欣欣向荣，财富似乎无止境地增长，但很快就变成了绝望和恐慌。大小投资者的投资组合价值暴跌，不仅侵蚀了他们的个人资产，也削弱了他们对金融体系的信心。恐慌迅速蔓延到华尔街之外。本已因不良贷款和投机性投资而衰弱的银行，又受到了恐慌性撤资浪潮的冲击。一些银行无法应对突如其来的流动性需求，被迫关门歇业。这加深了危机，使不信任和不确定性蔓延到整个经济体系。市场价值的迅速损失，加上恐慌和投资者撤资，标志着大萧条的开始。其影响远远超出了股票市场，波及全国各地的企业、工人和消费者，最终波及全世界。金融崩溃导致经济萎缩、大量失业、企业破产以及普遍的贫困和苦难。股市崩盘促使人们对金融体系及其监管机制进行彻底的重新评估。它严酷地揭示了不受监管的投机市场所固有的危险，并引发了重大改革，以加强金融体系的透明度、问责制和稳定性，从而防止今后再次发生此类灾难。

银行和信贷公司的倒闭是毁灭性的。尤其是银行系统，它是现代经济的支柱，促进了经济增长所需的信贷和投资。它的失败加剧了经济问题。银行的倒闭意味着许多人和企业失去了储蓄和获得信贷的机会。在这个世界上，从日常的个人财务管理到企业的经营和扩张，信贷都是必不可少的，银行的倒闭造成了深远的影响。企业被迫缩小经营规模或关闭，导致失业率迅速上升。不确定性和恐惧导致消费支出急剧萎缩。人们担心自己的经济前景，避免不必要的消费，造成需求、产出和就业减少的恶性循环。这种自我实现式衰退的特点是需求减少，而需求减少又导致生产减少，失业率上升。这场危机还凸显了货币和金融体系的脆弱性以及信心对经济稳定的重要性。事实证明，恢复信心是一个漫长而艰难的过程，需要深入改革和政府的大力干预，以稳定经济、改革金融和银行体系，并采取保障措施防止未来发生危机。这场经济灾难开创了一个转型时代，带来了新的、创新的经济政策，重新定义了政府、经济和公民之间的关系，并重新关注监管、社会保护和经济公平。

经济崩溃是大萧条历史上的一个决定性时刻。它不是一场短暂的危机，而是一个深刻而持久的经济困难时代的前奏，几乎影响到日常生活的方方面面。大萧条的广度和深度都是前所未有的。股市崩盘暴露并加剧了美国经济结构中已有的裂痕。失业率达到前所未有的水平，企业以惊人的速度倒闭，绝望和悲观的气氛笼罩着整个国家。从工业到农业，各行各业都受到了影响，人们排队等待食物的画面成为时代的显著标志。股市崩盘和随后的大萧条也导致了对经济和金融政策的深刻重新审视。自由放任和放手不管的做法暴露了其局限性和失败。为此，人们开始加强监管、政府监督，并采取措施提高透明度和金融稳定性。例如，富兰克林-罗斯福的新政不仅是应对直接经济危机的一系列措施，也是政府与经济互动方式的一场革命。新政引入的政策和制度至今仍影响着美国的经济政策。

移民母亲》，多萝西娅-兰格摄于 1936 年。这张照片成为大萧条的象征之一。

一些惊人的数据显示，大萧条对美国经济造成了量化的灾难性影响。1929 年至 1932 年间，美国国民生产总值（GNP）急剧下降，降幅超过 40%。工业生产下降了 50%，加剧了这一巨大的经济衰退，而这一行业在美国曾一度蓬勃发展。与此同时，作为美国经济支柱的农业部门也未能幸免。农业大幅萎缩，产量的下降与工业的下降如出一辙。这些关键部门的同时衰退造成了经济活动的螺旋式下滑。失业率作为经济健康状况的一个明显指标，飙升得令人震惊。1929 年，约有 150 万美国人失业。然而，到 1932 年，这一数字跃升至 1200 万，标志着一场前所未有的就业危机改变了经济和社会面貌。大规模失业导致数百万家庭收入大幅减少。收入减少的直接后果是无家可归者人数增加、饥饿现象更加普遍以及贫困加剧。人们获取食物、住房和医疗保健等基本需求的能力受到严重影响，凸显了经济危机的严重性。

农村地区也未能幸免于经济困境，农产品价格的急剧下降使农民陷入了经济衰退的漩涡。为了量化这一点，让我们设想一下农产品价格下跌 50%的情况。这意味着农民的收入以及他们的购买力将受到严重影响。价格下跌的多米诺骨牌效应将是显而易见的。由于农民收入减少，被迫放弃土地，农村人口大幅减少。试想一下，农村人口减少 30%，反映了向城市中心迁移的严重程度。农村人口向城市的流动导致了农业生产的萎缩。如果对这种下降进行量化，我们可以设想农业生产减少 40%，由于持续供过于求，加剧了价格下跌。农村经济正处于螺旋式下滑之中。价格下降和人口减少导致产量下降。这种有毒的组合不仅加剧了农村地区的贫困和困境，还导致城市剩余劳动力饱和，加剧了本已很高的失业率。

大萧条的特点是经济状况灾难性地恶化，给人类带来了无法估量的痛苦。如果我们用数字来描述这场危机，我们可能会认为失业率飙升至令人震惊的 25%，这意味着每四个处于工作年龄的美国人中就有一个没有工作。粮食不安全问题十分严重。可能多达三分之一的美国人口受到影响，在没有稳定收入的情况下面临营养不良和饥饿。贫困率达到了前所未有的高度，数百万人（可能多达总人口的 40%）生活在贫困线以下。在此背景下，新政应运而生，以解燃眉之急。通过各种计划创造了数百万个工作岗位--举例来说，"平民保护团 "雇用了约 250 万单身青年从事保护和自然资源开发工作。然而，尽管做出了这些巨大努力，经济衰退仍在持续。差不多过了十年，直到 20 世纪 40 年代中期，美国经济才开始出现强劲复苏的迹象，失业率恢复到一个比较容易控制的数字，贫困率和粮食不安全率开始下降。这一时期凸显了经济和人道主义破坏的规模，以及政府需要进行协调和有意义的干预，以促进复苏并确保公民在危机时期的福祉。

消费者支出估计下降了 30%，表明经济下滑，消费者信心和购买力崩溃。失业率达到了令人吃惊的 25%的峰值，凸显了人们找不到工作、因而无法赚取收入的程度。收入减少造成了恶性循环，消费减少导致对商品和服务的需求减少。用数字来说明，工业生产下降 40%，说明需求急剧下降。经济困境渗入每个家庭，平均收入可能下降 50%，使数百万美国人难以获得基本需求。事实上，多达三分之一的美国人无法满足食品和住房等基本需求。这场危机造成了巨大的人员损失。食品银行和避难所不堪重负，可能有 20% 的人口在为家人的一日三餐而挣扎。无家可归者的人数成倍增加，全国各地出现了数以千计的 "帐篷城"。这些令人震惊的数据描绘了大萧条时期美国的惨淡景象，凸显了经济和人类的深重困境，需要政府进行大规模的果断干预，以扭转经济和社会恶化的趋势。

大萧条摧毁了美国中产阶级的经济和社会基础。试想一下，50% 的中产阶级家庭的经济保障崩溃了，他们不仅失去了工作，还失去了积蓄。房屋的损失令人震惊；一度每天有近 1 000 处房屋被取消赎回权，导致家庭无家可归，陷入绝境。财产作为经济安全的支柱，对数百万人来说已不复存在，无家可归者估计增加了 25%。人们对赫伯特-胡佛总统领导下的政府的信心降到了历史最低点。对危机的反应迟缓而不充分，使得约 60% 的美国人感到被忽视，在日益严重的贫困和不确定性中得不到支持或救济。曾经富裕的中产阶级家庭的生活水平急剧下降。实际工资可能下降了 40%，可自由支配的开支成为奢侈品。每四个美国人中就有一个失业，经济苦难渗透到日常生活的方方面面。这些数字从一个具体的角度说明了大萧条对美国中产阶级造成的破坏程度，并强调了许多人对政府的无力感，因为政府被认为是无效的，对人民的深重苦难麻木不仁。

胡佛村 "的出现标志着大萧条的低谷，凸显了美国所遭受的人类和经济苦难的规模。毫不夸张地说，全美各城市涌现出成千上万个这样的临时定居点，为失去一切的家庭提供住所。这些社区背后的数字讲述了一个绝望的故事。每个 "胡佛村 "都可能有数百甚至数千名居民。在纽约市，中央公园出现了一个特别大的 "胡佛村"，数百人住在临时搭建的避难所里。这些社区的生活岌岌可危。由于几乎没有适当的卫生设施，疾病很容易传播。营养不良率很高，可能多达 75% 的居民缺乏足够的食物，这些营地的预期寿命大大缩短。胡佛村 "的出现是政府未能有效应对危机的明显标志。90%以上的居民失业，失去了一切生活来源，他们的困境成为国家经济和社会恶化的有力象征。这些数字让人们看到了大萧条时期人类危机的严重性，凸显了失业、贫困和政府未能应对普通美国人日益恶化的生活条件所造成的破坏性影响。

胡佛村的居民代表了受大萧条打击最严重的人群。例如，60%的人可能是移民或非裔美国人，这反映出经济危机加剧了歧视和不平等。在这些临时社区，有色人种和移民的失业率比全国平均水平高出约 50%。获得支持和工作机会的途径有限，加剧了他们的经济脆弱性。每个胡佛村都有自己的自助系统。近 80% 的居民依靠慈善、食物和衣物捐赠或偶尔工作来维持生计。他们必须自给自足，对社区服务和慈善机构的依赖程度极高。心理影响也是深远的。对许多人来说，胡佛村的生活代表着生活水平的急剧下降，可能有 70% 的居民以前生活在中产阶级的条件下。羞耻和屈辱无处不在，每个家庭和个人都在不堪重负的环境中努力维持尊严。这些数字描绘了一幅胡佛别墅区生活的动人画卷，凸显了大萧条时期数百万处于社会边缘的美国人所经历的不平等和苦难。这是黑暗的一章，生活条件恶化和社会边缘化成为深刻的经济和人道主义危机的明显症状。

大萧条加剧了美国现有的种族不平等，对非洲裔美国人社区的影响尤为严重。例如，当全国失业率达到惊人的高度时，非裔美国人的失业率却高出约 50%。这一令人痛心的统计数字凸显了这样一个现实：非裔美国人往往最先被解雇，最后才被雇用。随着失业率的上升，出现了逆向移民现象。约 130 万非裔美国人（占当时城市非裔美国人的很大比例）发现自己被迫返回南方，往往面临着佃农或农民的生活。这又回到了不稳定的生活和工作条件，加剧了贫困和歧视。非裔美国人的工资在大萧条之前就已经很低，现在更是进一步下降。非裔美国人的平均工资可能比白人工人低 30%，加剧了经济和社会挑战。非裔美国人的生活条件也每况愈下。在大量非裔美国人居住的胡佛村，生活条件岌岌可危。由于缺乏饮用水和卫生设施等基本服务，这些居住区多达 90% 的有色人种居民受到了影响。这些数字不仅揭示了大萧条对非裔美国人造成的毁灭性经济影响，还揭示了这场危机如何加剧了种族和社会不平等，使许多非裔美国人陷入极度贫困和岌岌可危的境地，并凸显了当时的系统性歧视。

政府的歧视性政策加剧了大萧条对墨西哥移民的影响。1929 年至 1936 年间，在 "墨西哥遣返 "行动中，大量墨西哥裔人被迫离开美国。据精确估计，高达 60% 的受影响者实际上是在美国出生和长大的美国公民。困难的经济环境导致仇外心理加剧。大萧条时期，全国失业率高达 25%，"释放 "工作岗位的压力助长了反移民情绪。对于墨西哥裔美国人来说，这种情绪往往转化为大规模驱逐，10% 到 15%的墨西哥裔美国人被迫离开美国。遣返 "的条件往往十分残酷。火车和公共汽车被用来将墨西哥裔人运回墨西哥，其中约 50%是在美国出生的儿童。他们发现自己来到了一个几乎不熟悉的国家，往往没有资源安顿下来，开始新的生活。遣返政策非但没有解决失业问题，反而加剧了人类的苦难。墨西哥裔美国人，包括墨西哥裔美国公民，被污名化和边缘化，社区四分五裂。美国历史上的这一篇章凸显了仇外心理和歧视的危险，尤其是在经济危机时期。

大萧条并不局限于美国边境，它也深深影响了墨西哥，加剧了被遣返者所面临的挑战。在包括美国公民在内的数十万墨西哥裔人被遣返回墨西哥的同时，墨西哥也面临着自身的经济危机。失业率居高不下，大量人员回国给本已脆弱的经济带来了更大的压力。据估计，墨西哥的经济在大萧条时期萎缩了近 17%，没有能力应对突然涌入的工人。劳动力市场的吸纳能力有限；劳动力需求远远超过供给，导致失业率和贫困率上升。许多返回者是美国公民，他们发现自己身处一个陌生的国家，没有资源或支持网络。约 60% 的被驱逐者从未在墨西哥生活过。他们面临着融入社会的挑战，包括语言和文化障碍，以及不友好的经济环境。这种大规模的流离失所造成了持久的后果。家庭离散，社区纽带断裂，集体创伤逐渐形成。这一事件见证了移民政策，尤其是在全球经济危机背景下实施的移民政策所造成的深刻而持久的影响。然而，受影响者的复原力也证明了人类在特殊情况下的适应和重建能力。

大萧条加剧了美国现有的种族和经济不平等。尽管这场危机影响到各阶层人口，但非裔美国人和墨西哥移民等边缘化群体受到的影响尤为严重，加剧了他们日常的艰辛和挣扎。非裔美国人本来就面临着系统性的种族隔离和歧视，在大萧条期间，他们的处境更加恶化。非裔美国人的失业率约为白人的两倍。许多救济措施和就业计划要么是有色人种无法获得的，要么是种族隔离的，提供的工资和工作条件也很差。非裔美国工人往往最先被解雇，最后才被雇用。在农业发达的南方，许多黑人农民已经作为佃农受到剥削，由于农产品价格下跌，他们被赶出了自己的土地，加剧了贫困和粮食不安全。墨西哥移民也遭受了更严重的偏见。大规模驱逐和强制遣返使家庭和社区支离破碎，许多人在美国和墨西哥都岌岌可危。仇外情绪加剧了这些行动，而在经济危机时期，仇外情绪往往被放大。在此期间，争取获得资源和援助是一个共同的主题。现有的种族偏见限制了边缘化群体获得政府救济计划和经济机会，加剧了不平等和贫困。大萧条凸显了美国社会在公平和正义方面存在的深刻裂痕，这些裂痕在随后的几十年中仍在继续得到解决和争论。

1932 年大选和富兰克林-罗斯福的崛起

Herbert Hoover, President of the United States from 1929 to 1933, was often criticised for his handling of the Great Depression. His ideological beliefs in 'rugged individualism' and laissez-faire economics led him to adopt a hands-off approach, in stark contrast to the public's growing expectations of government action. Hoover believed that the primary responsibility for economic recovery lay with individuals, businesses and local communities. He firmly believed in the inherent ability of the American economy to recover naturally without direct government interference. Hoover encouraged private initiative and charity as the primary means of relieving public distress. He expected businesses to avoid layoffs and maintain wages, and the wealthy to contribute generously to charitable efforts to help the less fortunate. However, these expectations proved unrealistic in the gloomy economic reality of the time, marked by a rapid contraction in employment, bankruptcies and widespread social distress. The American people, faced with astronomical unemployment rates, loss of housing and poverty, expected a more vigorous and immediate response. The perception of Hoover's inaction contributed to a sense of despair and abandonment among the population, making the Hoovervilles, shanty towns where the homeless lived, visible and ubiquitous symbols of the perceived failure of his presidency. It was only towards the end of his term that Hoover began to recognise, at least in part, the need for more direct federal action to combat the economic crisis. By then, however, public confidence in his ability to steer the country through the Depression had been profoundly eroded. Franklin D. Roosevelt's landslide victory in the 1932 presidential election reflected the public's yearning for a change of direction and vigorous government action to turn the nation around.

In 1932, the economic and social distress caused by the Great Depression was palpable in every corner of the United States. The apparent failure of the hands-off approach of President Hoover and the Republican Party left many Americans disillusioned and desperate, intensifying the call for decisive government action. Unemployment had reached record levels, poverty and homelessness were rampant, and ordinary citizens were struggling to survive. Franklin D. Roosevelt, with his charisma and empathetic approach, captured the nation's attention. He presented the "New Deal" as a bold and necessary remedy to combat the ravages of the Depression. He pledged to use the power of the federal government to alleviate the suffering of citizens, stimulate economic recovery and introduce structural reforms to prevent a recurrence of the crisis. This radical departure from laissez-faire orthodoxy was exactly what many voters were looking for. Roosevelt's promise of swift, direct and vigorous action inspired confidence and hope in a country beset by despair and mistrust. His proposals aimed to create jobs, support farmers, stabilise industry and reform the financial system. Roosevelt's election in 1932 therefore symbolised not only a rejection of Hoover's conservative approach, but also a clear public mandate for proactive government intervention. It marked the beginning of an era of transformation in which the state played a pivotal role in the economy, a trend that would continue for decades. Roosevelt's election victory signalled a transition to a government that, rather than standing on the sidelines, took bold steps to protect and support its citizens in times of crisis.

In contrast, the Democratic Party fielded Franklin D. Roosevelt, a man whose energy, confidence and bold proposals for a "New Deal" promised radical change and vigorous action to combat the Depression. Roosevelt proclaimed that the economic and social deterioration required direct and substantial intervention by the federal government to create jobs, support agriculture, stabilise industry, and reform the financial system. The contrast between the two candidates was clear. Hoover, though respectable, was associated with policies that seemed powerless in the face of the scale of the crisis, and he was seen by many as aloof and unresponsive to the distress of the population. His message that the economy was on the mend seemed out of touch with the reality of millions of Americans who were unemployed, homeless and living in poverty. Roosevelt, by contrast, communicated a dynamic and empathetic vision. His commitment to using government power to bring direct and immediate relief to affected citizens and to institute structural reforms to prevent a recurrence of the crisis resonated deeply with a population in distress. Ultimately, the election of 1932 was a clear reflection of the American people's desire for change. Hoover and the Republicans were swept aside in a crushing defeat, while Roosevelt and his bold New Deal programme were greeted with a mixture of hope and despair. The election result marked the beginning of a profound transformation in the government's approach to the economy and social welfare, ushering in an era of government activism that would define American politics for decades to come.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) embodied a wave of transformation and renewal in American politics and governance. Taking the reins of a nation deeply rooted in the economic and social desolation of the Great Depression, FDR infused a sense of hope and renewed confidence among American citizens. His New Deal programmes, characterised by a series of bold policies and projects, centred on the three 'R's': Relief (relief for the poor and unemployed), Recovery (recovery of the economy) and Reform (reforms to prevent another depression). FDR catapulted into iconic popularity and leadership, largely due to his ability to communicate directly with the American people. His 'fireside chats', regular radio speeches in which he explained the policies and intentions of his administration, played a crucial role in restoring public confidence and articulating his vision for national renewal. Interestingly, FDR was not the first Roosevelt in the White House. Theodore Roosevelt, another prominent member of the family, had also held the highest office. Theodore was a progressive who initiated many reforms aimed at controlling business, protecting consumers and conserving nature. FDR's presidency seemed a natural extension of Theodore's legacy of renewal and progress. The two men shared common traits, including a commitment to public service, a willingness to challenge established norms, and a passion for creating a more just and equitable society. Although distant cousins, they shared a common vision of renewal that was not only symbolic of their family lineage but also indicative of their transformative impact on the American nation. Today, their legacies are intrinsically linked to periods of progress and transformation, establishing the Roosevelt family as a dynamic force in American political history.

Franklin D. Roosevelt grew up in an environment of privilege and opulence, imbued with the advantages of a well-to-do and well-connected New York family. His formative years at Groton and Harvard were characterised not only by academic excellence, but also by a network of relationships that shaped his future political rise. At Groton and Harvard, Roosevelt developed a distinct personality, marked by charisma and leadership. Although academic rigour and intellectual opportunities were abundant, it was the social culture and relationships that Roosevelt cultivated during these years that were particularly influential. When he joined Columbia Law School, Roosevelt was already a young man of great promise. Although he did not finish his degree, his career was not hindered. His marriage to Eleanor Roosevelt, a woman of conviction and passion, marked a significant turning point. Eleanor was not only a link to the iconic presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, she also became a powerful force in her own right, committed to humanitarian and social causes. Franklin D. Roosevelt was a product of his upbringing and environment. Every step of the way, from Groton to Harvard and beyond, helped forge a leader whose ambition, insight and network were ready to meet the challenges of his time. His marriage to Eleanor not only strengthened his social and political position, but also introduced a dynamism and social commitment that would become central to his presidency. Together, they entered the political arena, ready to influence the course of American history in the tumultuous decades ahead.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's political career was as impressive as it was diverse. His first steps as a member of the New York State Senate were a springboard for his passionate commitment to the public good and the general interest. His deeply held convictions in favour of workers' and consumers' rights not only defined his tenure in the Senate, but also paved the way for the reform initiatives he would later introduce as President. Serving under Woodrow Wilson as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Roosevelt honed his sense of governance and diplomacy. This broadened his horizons, exposing him to the complexities and challenges of national and international politics. However, it was in 1921 that Roosevelt faced one of the most difficult challenges of his life. Polio changed everything, transforming not only his physical condition but also his outlook on life. Far from holding him back, the disease fuelled a determination and resilience that would become cornerstones of his leadership. His personal battle with illness strengthened his empathy for the less fortunate and disadvantaged, broadening his vision of social and economic justice. As President, Roosevelt's ability to overcome personal adversity translated into bold leadership in times of crisis. During the Great Depression, his hard-won empathy and unwavering commitment to progress combined in the formulation of the New Deal, a series of innovative policies and programmes designed to restore hope, dignity and prosperity to a country besieged by economic despair. When the Second World War broke out, Roosevelt again stepped forward with unwavering determination. His leadership during the war was not only the product of strategy and diplomacy, but also the expression of a deeply personal resilience and tenacity. Franklin D. Roosevelt, a man shaped by adversity, became a symbol of American resilience. His leadership during the Great Depression and the Second World War is the testament of a life in which personal challenges were transformed into bold public engagement, leaving an indelible mark on the nation and the world.

Defeat in the 1920 election was not the end, but rather a new beginning for Franklin D. Roosevelt. This failure, far from extinguishing him, rekindled his passion and commitment to public service. His return to New York was not a retreat, but an opportunity to refocus, rebuild and prepare for the challenges ahead. Polio, a debilitating disease that could have ended the careers of many public figures, became a catalyst for transformation for Roosevelt. With unwavering determination, he not only rebuilt himself physically, but also refined and expanded his political vision. From this confrontation with polio came a deeper sensitivity to the struggles of others, an empathy that influenced and enriched his political approach. In 1928, American politics was about to undergo a transformation. Roosevelt, now Governor of New York, was at the forefront of this change. The Great Depression was not just an economic crisis, but also a profound humanitarian and social crisis. The old methods and ideas were no longer sufficient. A new kind of leadership, bold, compassionate and innovative, was needed. Roosevelt answered the call. His commission for the unemployed, his stance in favour of retirement pensions and trade union rights were not symbolic gestures, but concrete actions. They demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges of the time and a willingness to act. Roosevelt's term as governor was marked not only by progressive policies, but also by a new approach to politics, in which humanity, compassion and innovation were central. He was a renewed Democrat, a transformed leader, who was prepared to go beyond traditional norms and expectations. Victory in the 1932 presidential election was therefore no accident, but the result of a profound personal and political transformation. The New Deal, with its range of progressive and humanitarian policies, was the manifestation of a vision forged through years of struggle, challenge and transformation. Thus Roosevelt, a man scarred and shaped by adversity, ascended to the presidency with deep conviction and bold vision. His leadership during the Great Depression was not just the product of politics, but also the expression of a deep humanity, a broad compassion and a resilience forged in the heat of personal adversity.

Wheelchair photo, 1941.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's victory in the 1932 presidential election symbolised the American nation's profound desire for change. At the time, America was in the grip of the Great Depression, an economic disaster of unprecedented scale and intensity. Millions of Americans were out of work, businesses were wiped out and a sense of despair permeated the air. Outgoing President Herbert Hoover, despite his best efforts, was widely seen as incapable of effectively combating the crisis. Against this backdrop of economic and social disarray, Roosevelt presented himself as a beacon of hope. His successful experience as Governor of New York established him as a leader who not only understood the depth of the crisis, but was also ready and able to initiate bold action to combat it. The New Deal, which was at the heart of his campaign, was not just a set of policies and programmes; it was a renewed vision for an America that was recovering, rebuilding and moving forward. Roosevelt excelled at communicating this vision. With inspiring rhetoric and undeniable charisma, he managed to touch the hearts of Americans. He not only spoke of policies and programmes, but also addressed the despair, fear and uncertainty that haunted the nation. He offered hope, not as an abstract concept, but as a tangible plan of action, embodied in the New Deal. When Roosevelt was elected President, it was more than a political victory. It was the adoption of a new direction for the nation. It was a rejection of austerity policies and economic conservatism, and an embrace of innovation, progress, and government intervention to protect and uplift those who were most vulnerable. This was not simply a change in leadership; it was a transformation in the nation's approach to its most pressing challenges. Under Roosevelt's presidency, America would witness a series of unprecedented reforms and programmes, bold legislation and decisive action that not only fought the Depression, but also shaped the country's future for decades to come. Roosevelt's tenure would be an era of renewal and reconstruction, an era in which hope was not just a word, but a lived reality and a force transforming the nation.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's accession to the presidency in 1932 marked a turning point in the way the American government tackled economic and social problems. The crisis of the Great Depression demanded swift and effective action, and Roosevelt's New Deal was a bold response to an unprecedented challenge. Each programme introduced under the New Deal had specific characteristics and particular objectives to address the various facets of the economic crisis. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was an example of this innovative approach. It was a public works programme that put millions of unemployed young men to work on natural resource conservation and development projects. This initiative brought immediate relief to families suffering from poverty and unemployment, while investing in the improvement and preservation of national public spaces. At the same time, the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) has played a central role in providing direct emergency assistance to states to meet the needs of the unemployed and their families. At a time of hunger, cold and disease, FERA's rapid response was vital to prevent a deeper humanitarian catastrophe. On the economic recovery front, the National Recovery Administration (NRA) was created to spur recovery by establishing fair competition codes and labour standards. Although controversial and ultimately ruled unconstitutional, the NRA embodied an ambitious attempt to reform and regulate an economy riven by instability. Finally, the Social Security Act was one of the New Deal's most enduring contributions. By establishing a system of insurance for the elderly and disabled, as well as unemployment insurance, Roosevelt and his administration laid the foundations for a social safety net that continues to protect Americans from poverty and economic insecurity. The impact of Roosevelt and his New Deal on depressed America cannot be underestimated. At a time of despair and distress, Roosevelt's energy, determination and practical action restored precious public confidence and instilled renewed hope in a beleaguered nation. The promise of a rebuilt America, not just recovered but strengthened and balanced, was embodied in every New Deal initiative. This sense of optimism and possibility, backed by tangible actions and ambitious reforms, guided the country through the darkest of times and into a brighter future.

Franklin D. Roosevelt stood out for his speeches of hope and optimism during his presidential campaign in 1932. At a time when the United States was plunged into the depths of the Great Depression, Roosevelt proposed a bold "New Deal" for the American people. He envisaged a series of government programmes and policies designed to bring relief to the unemployed, stimulate economic growth and introduce essential financial reforms. Roosevelt also promised to tackle the powerful and domineering interests, such as Wall Street tycoons and big business, which he blamed for the economic crisis. His resounding election victory over incumbent President Herbert Hoover was due to his ability to connect with ordinary Americans. Roosevelt conveyed a palpable sense of hope and optimism, rallying a desperate nation around his vision of a reformed and revitalised America. During his presidency, he translated this popular support into action, bringing many elements of his promised New Deal to fruition. The political history of this period also reveals an interesting international parallel. Lázaro Cárdenas, President of Mexico from 1934 to 1940, shared many similarities with Roosevelt. Like his American counterpart, Cárdenas was committed to implementing progressive policies. His administration was marked by the nationalisation of key industries and the expansion of land reform programmes. These measures were designed to redistribute wealth and power, balancing out the deeply rooted inequalities in Mexican society. The charisma and communication skills of both leaders played a key role in their respective successes. Roosevelt and Cárdenas have a distinct ability to captivate the public, inspire confidence and mobilise substantial popular support for their progressive initiatives. In times of crisis and transformation, these men stand out not only for their policies but also for their ability to connect, communicate and lead with conviction.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's remarkable victory in 1932 marked a major reconfiguration of the American political landscape. For the first time since the Civil War, the Democrats not only stormed the White House, they also won control of both houses of Congress. This political dominance gave Roosevelt extraordinary latitude to shape and deploy his bold vision of reform, embodied in the New Deal. The New Deal was not simply a programme; it was a wide-ranging set of initiatives and policies, a multifaceted response to the multidimensional crisis of the Great Depression. Roosevelt envisioned an America where the government did not simply observe economic ups and downs, but played a proactive and decisive role in stabilising and revitalising the economy. Each New Deal agency and programme had its own specialised role, designed to respond to a distinct aspect of the crisis. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration is there to meet the immediate needs of distraught Americans, offering direct assistance to those hardest hit by the Depression. The National Recovery Administration is laying the foundation for a more balanced and sustainable economy, seeking to balance the interests of business, workers and consumers to create a system that benefits everyone. The Agricultural Adjustment Administration, meanwhile, targets the specific challenges of the agricultural sector, seeking to remedy chronic overproduction and stabilise prices to ensure that farmers receive a fair wage for their work. Beyond these direct economic measures, the New Deal also established iconic social programmes such as Social Security, laying the foundations for a social safety net that would protect generations of Americans for years to come. The Civilian Conservation Corps not only provided employment for thousands of young Americans, but also helped preserve and improve the country's natural resources. Every aspect of the New Deal reflected Roosevelt's profound conviction that, in the face of a crisis of such magnitude, a dynamic and committed government could not simply be beneficial; it was absolutely necessary. By redefining the role of the federal government in the economic and social life of the United States, the New Deal did more than simply respond to the crisis of the moment - it laid the foundations for a new, fairer and more resilient America, ready to face the challenges of the twentieth century and beyond.

The election of Franklin D. Roosevelt as President of the United States in 1932 marked a major turning point in the country's political history. This tumultuous period, marked by the economic ravages of the Great Depression, provided the backdrop for a major reorientation of American politics. Roosevelt succeeded in uniting the disparate factions of the Democratic Party, overcoming the regional divisions that had hindered party unity. This unification was no mere political exercise; it proved to be the prelude to an era of Democratic dominance that would last for two decades, ending only with the ascension of Dwight D. Eisenhower to the presidency in 1952. With the strength of the Democratic Party and a majority in Congress, Roosevelt had a robust platform from which to roll out his ambitious New Deal. The New Deal was a comprehensive, multi-dimensional response to the various economic and social ills engendered by the Great Depression. Programmes such as the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Federal Emergency Relief Administration were set up to provide immediate employment and assistance to the millions of Americans affected by the Depression. These initiatives were not just intended to provide temporary relief, but also to lay the foundations for a lasting economic recovery. The National Recovery Administration also symbolises this dual approach, aiming to rebalance and revitalise the economy through a series of reforms and regulations. It embodied Roosevelt's conviction that to emerge from the Depression, the country needed not only to stimulate economic growth, but also to reorient and reform existing economic structures to create a more balanced and sustainable system. It was an era of renewal, not just economic, but also political. Roosevelt did not simply manage a crisis; he redefined the role of government in the economic and social life of Americans. This transformation, imbued with the spirit of the New Deal, continues to shape the political and social landscape of the United States well beyond Roosevelt's term in office. It is the legacy of a leader who, in times of despair and division, dared to envision a future in which government could be an active agent of protection and prosperity for all its citizens.

Roosevelt's Brain Trust played a crucial role in the conceptualisation and implementation of the New Deal. This group of highly qualified experts and advisors was instrumental in developing innovative policies to meet the multi-dimensional challenges of the Great Depression. The New Deal, with its panoply of programmes and initiatives, was a holistic effort to stimulate the American economy, offer direct relief to the millions of people affected by the Depression and reform the country's financial and economic institutions. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) was a pillar of this programme, providing direct and immediate assistance to the unemployed and underemployed, mitigating the devastating effects of mass unemployment. At the same time, the Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) worked to restore the economic viability of American agriculture, tackling the problems of overproduction and falling prices by controlling harvest volumes and stabilising farmers' incomes. At the same time, the National Recovery Administration (NRA) was set up to bring stability to the economy by regulating prices and wages and promoting fair competition. This multi-stakeholder approach was also complemented by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a programme that not only provided employment for thousands of young men but also contributed to major conservation and development projects. To counter the fragility of the banking system revealed by the Depression, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was established, providing insurance on bank deposits and restoring confidence in the banking system. This innovation marked a crucial stage in the evolution of financial security in the United States. Through the Brain Trust, Roosevelt implemented a diverse set of policies that not only addressed the immediate symptoms of the Great Depression, but also laid the foundations for a more stable and equitable economy. The New Deal reflects the ingenuity and political innovation of a team determined to transform a period of economic despair into an era of reform and renewal.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's "New Deal" became synonymous with bold government intervention to resolve economic crises. The global economic collapse that marked the Great Depression had left millions of Americans jobless, with little or no resources to meet their basic needs. Against this backdrop of despair and uncertainty, the New Deal emerged as a lifeline, a set of political and social initiatives designed to restore dignity, work and hope to the lives of those affected. The National Recovery Administration (NRA) was one of the key pillars of the New Deal. It was created to regulate industry, promote fair wages and hours and stimulate job creation. The NRA was a significant step in regulating business practices and encouraging cooperation between employers, workers and government in the economic recovery. At the same time as the NRA, the Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) was set up to deal with the crisis facing farmers. Soaring commodity prices had devastated the rural economy; the AAA aimed to relieve farmers by reducing agricultural production, stabilising prices and providing financial assistance to farmers. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was another iconic New Deal programme, focusing on job creation. These were not just any old works, but projects that built and strengthened the national infrastructure, promoted art and culture, and had a significant impact on society. Beyond these programmes, the New Deal had a profound social component. Efforts were made to alleviate the plight of the unemployed and to support rural communities. Improved access to housing, education and healthcare was also integrated into the overall recovery strategy. So the New Deal was not just a reaction to a crisis; it represented a fundamental rethink of how government interacted with the economy and society. At a time of despair, Roosevelt and his administration succeeded in instilling a sense of hope and laid the foundations for a more resilient and inclusive nation. It was a time when government was not a distant observer, but a committed player, providing concrete and tangible solutions to the challenges of its time.

The New Deal: 1933 - 1935 (programmes and achievements)

The inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt as the 32nd President of the United States on Saturday 4 March 1933 marked a decisive turning point in the way the country responded to the major economic crisis of the time. The Great Depression had left a devastating impact, not only on the economy but also on the morale of the American people. Uncertainty, despair and lack of confidence prevailed, and it was against this backdrop that Roosevelt uttered his now famous words: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself". These words became a call to action and resilience in difficult times. With his New Deal policy, Roosevelt promised a rapid transformation of the country's economic policies to provide immediate relief to the millions of unemployed and to bring about far-reaching structural reforms in the economy. He envisaged a greater role for the federal government in economic regulation, an approach that contrasted sharply with the laissez-faire policy that had prevailed until then. This call to action was not just a strategy for revitalising the economy. It was also a means of restoring confidence among Americans, so that they would once again believe in themselves and in the nation's ability to overcome this devastating crisis. Roosevelt understood that recovery depended not only on economic policies but also on the psychology of the nation. Restored confidence would stimulate consumption, investment and, ultimately, economic growth.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's bold statement, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself", emerged as a moment of defiance in the dark context of the Great Depression. These words not only symbolised the new President's resolute commitment to combat the monumental challenges of the time, but also embodied a message of hope and resilience for a country in the grip of despair and uncertainty. Roosevelt knew that restoring the confidence of the American people was as crucial as the economic reforms themselves. From the first days of his presidency, Roosevelt set about implementing his ambitious New Deal, a series of programmes and policies designed to offer immediate relief to the millions affected by the economic crisis, stimulate recovery and reform the system to avoid a repeat of such a catastrophe. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration was launched to provide direct assistance to those in need. The Civilian Conservation Corps provided employment for young men while contributing to important conservation projects. The National Recovery Administration was designed to stimulate industrial production and increase employment. Roosevelt's New Deal, implemented with unprecedented speed and determination, marked a turning point in the federal government's role in the American economy. For the first time, the government took proactive and direct action to alleviate the crisis, ushering in a new era of federal responsibility for economic management and social welfare. While criticism and controversy accompanied the implementation of these policies, the net impact of the New Deal was profound, mitigating the devastating effects of the Great Depression and laying the foundation for a more robust and resilient American economy.

Franklin D. Roosevelt was a pragmatist concerned with meeting the immediate needs of a nation in distress, and he formulated his New Deal in this context. His aim was to repair and stabilise the American capitalist system, not to replace or radically transform it. His policies focused on repairing the obvious flaws that had led to the economic collapse, while keeping intact the fundamental foundations of America's market-based economy. His actions were guided by a desire for balance. On the one hand, there was an urgent need for direct state intervention to remedy the devastating effects of the Great Depression - massive unemployment, failed banks, and widespread misery. On the other hand, he recognised the need to preserve the structures and principles of capitalism that had been the engines of American prosperity. So he did not seek to abolish private property or establish state capitalism as was happening in other parts of the world. This approach differentiated Roosevelt's actions from the more radical transformations taking place in Mexico, where state capitalism and deeper reforms were being introduced. Roosevelt wanted to avoid a social or economic revolution; instead, he sought to reform the system from within, introducing stricter regulations and providing a safety net for the most vulnerable citizens. The New Deal reflected this philosophy: an attempt to safeguard and revitalise American capitalism, to provide emergency relief, and to put in place structural reforms to avoid a repeat of such an economic catastrophe in the future. Roosevelt was motivated by the belief that government had an essential role to play in protecting citizens from the excesses and failures of the free market, while maintaining the fundamental principles of capitalism. His policies were a blend of pragmatism and reformism, designed to restore confidence, stability and prosperity within the context of the existing economic system.

Poster on the employment and activities of the WPA's federal arts project, 1936.
The WPA employed 2 to 3 million unskilled workers.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the VAT Act.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency began against the backdrop of one of the darkest periods in American economic history. With millions out of work, rampant poverty and a banking system on the verge of collapse, the Roosevelt administration had the urgent task of stabilising the economy and bringing direct relief to Americans in distress. Roosevelt had identified unemployment and economic insecurity as central problems requiring immediate attention. Public disillusionment and distrust of the economic system and financial institutions were palpable. To remedy this, Roosevelt not only implemented programmes to provide direct employment and income for the unemployed, but also worked to restore confidence in the economic system. Roosevelt's plan for the banking crisis was emblematic of his pragmatic and decisive approach. By temporarily closing all the banks and only allowing those that were solvent to reopen, he aimed to stop the banking panic and restore public confidence in the banking system. This "bank holiday" was a crucial element in stabilising the financial system. Roosevelt's swift and decisive action to tackle the banking crisis was an early example of how his administration would differ from that of his predecessors. Not only did he recognise the need for government intervention to correct market failures, but he also saw the importance of communicating effectively with the American public to restore confidence. Roosevelt's leadership during this period was characterised by a willingness to take bold and swift action to meet the immediate needs of Americans. His pragmatism, focus on efficiency and ability to inspire confidence helped guide the country through the most difficult times of the Great Depression. His New Deal policies and programmes were rooted in a commitment to the economic and social well-being of ordinary citizens and a belief that proactive government intervention was essential to stabilising the economy and restoring prosperity.

The National Recovery Administration (NRA) occupies a special place in American history as one of the federal government's first and most ambitious efforts to coordinate and regulate the economy in order to combat the Great Depression. Established under the aegis of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, the NRA was charged with implementing codes of industrial practice aimed at raising workers' wages, reducing working hours and eliminating unfair trade practices. The NRA's codes, although varied, all had the common aim of stimulating consumer demand by raising wages, while stabilising industries by setting minimum prices and limiting excessive production. They were developed in collaboration with business, labour and government, in an attempt to balance the interests of all stakeholders. However, the NRA was not without controversy. Critics saw it as excessive government interference in economic matters. The large number of regulations and codes, their complexity and the challenges associated with implementing and complying with them were often criticised. In addition, although the intention was to promote fair competition, in practice some codes have been criticised for favouring large companies over small ones and reducing competition. The final blow to the NRA came from the US Supreme Court in Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States in 1935. The Court ruled that the NRA exceeded the constitutional powers of Congress by regulating companies not directly engaged in interstate commerce, and therefore declared the NRA unconstitutional. Despite its short-lived and controversial existence, the NRA nevertheless laid the foundation for future government regulation of the economy and signalled a move towards more direct and extensive involvement of the federal government in economic affairs. It helped set a precedent for future labour relations and welfare legislation.

The Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) was a centrepiece of Roosevelt's response to the Great Depression. It aimed to solve the problems of overproduction and low prices in agriculture, which had placed enormous financial pressure on American farmers. Through AAA, the government paid farmers to reduce their production, a strategy designed to increase the price of agricultural products and, consequently, farmers' incomes. However, the effectiveness and fairness of AAA are widely debated. While the administration is helping to raise prices, its benefits are unevenly distributed. Large farmers, who have the financial capacity to reduce production while maintaining profitability through operational efficiency and technology, benefit disproportionately from subsidies. They also have the flexibility to navigate AAA regulations while maintaining profitable operations. Conversely, small farmers, crofters and tenant farmers are in a precarious position. For these groups, reduced production means a direct loss of income and livelihood, and they do not necessarily benefit from the price increases that result from reduced production. This dynamic exacerbates existing inequalities in the US agricultural sector. So while AAA was an innovative response to a persistent economic problem, it also revealed the challenges inherent in balancing government interventions. It has encouraged the consolidation and commercialisation of American agriculture, moving the sector away from the small family farm and towards agribusiness. The social and economic impact of these changes was felt for decades, shaping American and rural agriculture in a way that persists to this day.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) embodied an ambitious and transformative dimension of the New Deal, demonstrating the federal government's willingness to intervene directly in the economy to stimulate regional development. This monumental effort targeted the Tennessee Valley, a region that at the time was languishing in poverty, ravaged by environmental and social problems and lacking basic infrastructure. The introduction of the TVA inaugurated a concerted effort not only to address poverty and underdevelopment, but also to revolutionise the way in which the region's natural and human resources were managed. The dams and power stations built under the aegis of the TVA did more than simply generate electricity; they symbolised a drive towards modernisation, a movement that promised to pull the region out of the economic and social stagnation in which it was mired. The provision of affordable electricity has had multi-dimensional benefits. Not only has it facilitated industrialisation and created jobs, it has also improved the quality of life of residents, bringing light and power to areas that were previously isolated from such benefits. Flood control, another key objective of the TVA, has protected communities, farmland and infrastructure, reducing the economic and humanitarian losses associated with devastating floods. So the TVA was more than an infrastructure project; it was a project of social and economic transformation. It demonstrated the potential of coordinated government intervention to reshape distressed regions, laying the foundations for sustainable development. However, it was not without its critics and controversies, particularly concerning the displacement of communities and environmental impacts. Nevertheless, the TVA remains an emblematic case study of the ambition of the New Deal and the profound, if complex, impact that government can have when it engages directly in economic and social development efforts.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) is emblematic of the ingenuity and humanity that characterised Roosevelt's New Deal. At a time of economic despair and soaring unemployment, the CCC offered a ray of light, embodying hope and newfound dignity for thousands of young men and their families. At first glance, the CCC was an employment programme, but its design and delivery reveal a depth and sophistication that goes far beyond simply providing jobs. The young men who joined the CCC didn't just work; they were immersed in an environment that valued service, work ethic and responsibility. They lived in camps, shared responsibilities and worked together to improve the country's public lands. In return for their service, they were fed, housed and paid, a valuable financial lifeline for themselves and their families in difficult times. The work done by the CCC has had a lasting impact, leaving a tangible legacy in national parks and forests, many of which still benefit today from the infrastructure and improvements made by the Corps. But perhaps most importantly, the CCC has transformed the lives of the men who have served with it. They gained skills, confidence and a sense of achievement that, for many, were a springboard to future opportunities and success. The CCC was a manifestation of Roosevelt's belief in the power of public service and collective action. At a time when confidence and hope were in short supply, the CCC demonstrated that through hard work, cooperation and enlightened leadership, individuals and the nation could overcome the most daunting challenges. The programme merged economic necessity with environmental stewardship, and in doing so not only provided employment and support for young men and their families, but also contributed to the preservation and enhancement of the country's natural resources. Renewed forests, beautified parks and built playgrounds tell the story of a time when, even in the turmoil of the Depression, vision and initiative created a legacy of beauty and functionality that endures to this day. Throughout the CCC, every tree planted and trail built embodied a step towards reclaiming not only the land but also the national spirit. In this, the Civilian Conservation Corps established itself not only as an emergency programme in a time of crisis, but also as a lasting testament to American resilience and capacity for innovation.

The emergence of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) and, later, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), is symptomatic of the Roosevelt administration's determined commitment to navigating through the turmoil of the Great Depression. FERA, with its mandate to provide direct emergency aid to the destitute, embodied the initial impetus to alleviate the human misery caused by dire economic circumstances. FERA was an immediate response, a Band-Aid for a bleeding nation, but it carried within it the seeds of a broader vision, a vision that would take shape with the WPA. Under the umbrella of the WPA, the ambition of emergency aid was transformed into a more robust strategy aimed at revitalising the national economic dynamic and restoring people's dignity through productive work. The WPA was not simply a programme of work; it was a manifestation of a conviction that, even in times of crisis, human potential remains an inexhaustible resource of innovation, creativity and resilience. The impact of the WPA can be measured in miles of roads built and buildings erected, but its legacy transcends these tangible measures. It provided a stage for artistic talent, cultivated cultural expression and nurtured the public spirit. Jobs in the arts were not an afterthought but a recognition that economic recovery and cultural renaissance were inextricably linked. While FERA and the WPA were children of their time, designed to respond to specific crises, they embody universal lessons. They are a reminder that economic prosperity and human well-being are inseparable companions, and that in the crucible of crisis, the human capacity to innovate and persevere not only survives, but often thrives. FERA laid the foundation stone, but the WPA erected an edifice where work and human dignity, infrastructure and innovation, and economy and culture were mutually reinforcing. This legacy continues to inspire, offering a living reminder that the answer to the crisis is not just about economic remediation, but also about a bold reaffirmation of the intrinsic value and immeasurable potential of every individual.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) is a shining example of how government can respond innovatively and productively in times of economic crisis. Under the far-sighted vision of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the WPA didn't just offer jobs and wages to desperate workers; it deftly intertwined economic need and cultural expression, intrinsically recognising that a nation's well-being depends as much on its cultural soul as its economic vigour. Every road built and every building erected by the WPA was a tangible testament to the resilience of a nation in the throes of one of the darkest periods in its history. But beyond the stones and mortar, there was a profound recognition of the value of arts and culture. Artists, often relegated to the margins of the traditional economy, were put at the centre of the national effort to rebuild and revitalise the nation. The work of photographers supported by the WPA, for example, is an indelible contribution to America's cultural heritage. They have captured the resilient spirit of ordinary Americans, offering a human face to adversity and bearing witness to the indomitable dignity that persists even in times of deep despair. These images remain an invaluable resource for understanding not only the challenges of the time, but also the indomitable spirit that enabled the nation to overcome them. The parallels with the initiatives in Mexico underline a universal theme: in times of crisis, nations have the opportunity not only to rebuild, but also to reinvent themselves. The challenge is not only economic, but also spiritual and cultural. The WPA has not only fought unemployment and economic stagnation, but it has also nurtured and preserved the cultural spirit of the nation, and strongly affirmed that every individual, whatever their occupation or economic situation, has a valuable contribution to make to the national fabric. It is this blend of economic pragmatism and cultural vision that defines the enduring legacy of the WPA. It is a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, there is an opportunity to affirm and celebrate the richness and diversity of the human spirit. In its conception and execution, the WPA was a bold affirmation of the belief that economic reconstruction and cultural renaissance are not separate processes, but intimate partners in the nation's ongoing quest to realise its highest potential.

Intensification of reforms: 1935 - 1936 (Social Security, WPA, etc.)

The implementation of New Deal programmes between 1933 and 1935, marked by initiatives such as the NRA, VAT, CCC and WPA, was influenced by earlier initiatives in Mexico, a point often overlooked in standard historical analysis. Mexico, with its own rich history of reform and social initiatives, had rolled out programmes that were strikingly similar to key components of the New Deal, suggesting a transnational exchange of ideas and strategies to combat economic crises. However, even with the introduction and deployment of the New Deal, significant gaps remained in the American social and economic fabric. The initial initiatives, while ambitious and generally effective, left whole segments of the population in the dark, particularly marginalised groups and disadvantaged communities. Poverty, unemployment and inequality continued to challenge the frameworks of the original New Deal programmes. Recognition of these persistent challenges and inadequacies led to a new wave of reforms between 1935 and 1936. The Roosevelt administration, attentive to criticism and evaluations of programme effectiveness, sought to extend and intensify efforts to reach those who had remained beyond the reach of New Deal benefits. It was a time of readjustment, characterised by political and social introspection and a desire to correct the errors and omissions of the initial phases of the programmes. However, despite these readjustments and intensified reform efforts, the spectre of unemployment continued to hang over the nation. With around 30% of the population out of work, the economic crisis persisted, testing the resilience and creativity of the New Deal. This is a reminder of the intrinsic complexity of economic crises and the need for a multifactorial and adaptable approach to navigating ever-changing economic and social dynamics. The story of this phase of the New Deal serves as a reminder that, while significant progress was made, the road to economic recovery and social stability was far from linear. Every success was tempered by ongoing challenges, and every advance was met by the continuing reality of inequality and unemployment. It is in this context that the resonance and impact of the New Deal must be assessed - not as a quick fix, but as a series of persistent and adaptive efforts to navigate through one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the National Labor Relations Act on 5 July 1935. Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins (right) looks on.

Roosevelt's intensification of reforms in 1935 and 1936 took place against a backdrop of persistent challenges related to unemployment and inequality. The creation of the National Youth Administration and the expansion of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) were direct responses to the need to create jobs and support individuals affected by the economic depression. These initiatives had a particular focus on supporting young people and creative professionals, in recognition of the multi-dimensional impact of the crisis. While these programmes have provided significant help and created opportunities, they have not been without their limitations. Unemployment, despite these interventions, remained an endemic problem, underlining the depth of the crisis and the challenges inherent in fully addressing the impacts of the Great Depression. Criticism grew, pointing to the inequality in the distribution of the benefits of the New Deal programmes. While well-organised entities benefited disproportionately, the most vulnerable segments of society felt neglected. This inequality was not only an economic problem, but also a political challenge. The cracking of the political consensus was palpable. Some members of the Democratic Party, dissatisfied with existing policies, began to disassociate themselves, signalling an ideological split. Protests against government policies reflected growing dissent and a diversification of perspectives on how to respond effectively to the economic crisis. This discontent and diversity of opinion marks a moment of intense political and social dynamism. Navigating conflicting demands, diverse needs and multiple expectations became a central feature of governance under Roosevelt. The tensions between economic efficiency, social equity and political cohesion intensified, setting a precedent for the debates on economic and social policy that continue to this day. Every action and every initiative was scrutinised in the light of the imperatives of justice, inclusion and efficiency, a balance that is always difficult to achieve in times of deep crisis.

Franklin D. Roosevelt found himself in a delicate situation. While his New Deal programme had brought some relief to the American economy and he had succeeded in laying the foundations for a recovery, he was faced with a major dilemma. Unemployment remained unacceptably high, and with an election on the horizon, it was imperative to step up efforts to generate employment and establish economic stability. It was a delicate balancing act. Roosevelt had to navigate between pursuing policies that would bring macroeconomic stability and meeting the immediate needs of those most affected by the Depression. The first phase of the New Deal had been criticised for favouring specific groups. Big business and well-established farmers had been the main beneficiaries, and this had exacerbated inequalities. In this tense political environment, every decision was scrutinised. Roosevelt was aware that the growing inequalities were unsustainable, but the rectification of these inequalities had to be carefully orchestrated. Marginalised groups and those most in need needed support, but implementing policies that could potentially alienate other segments of the population or economic partners was a minefield. 1935 and 1936 were years of recalibration. The new reforms were bold and aimed to extend the economic safety net to include those who had been left behind. It was a period of political and economic readjustment, when the raw reality of the Depression was confronted with intensified efforts not only to stabilise the economy but also to ensure a fairer distribution of opportunities and resources. Political and social discontent was a palpable reality. Members of the Democratic Party broke away, signalling a fracture in the previous political consensus. Roosevelt, however, was determined. His commitment to the New Deal, despite its imperfections and criticisms, was unshakeable. The complexity of the task was to balance economic imperatives, social expectations and political reality in a world still recovering from one of the worst economic crises in modern history. This chapter of his administration illustrated the complexity inherent in governance in times of crisis, where every step forward is fraught with unexpected challenges, and where flexibility and resilience become indispensable assets.

The Social Security Act of 1935 embodied a major transformation in the US federal government's responsibility to its citizens. Prior to the Act, protection and assistance for the vulnerable had been largely neglected, leaving many families without a safety net in times of need. Signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Act was one of a series of radical New Deal reforms designed to reshape the way government interacted with society, especially in times of economic crisis. The first component, the retirement programme, provided a solution to the financial insecurity experienced by the elderly, a problem exacerbated by the Great Depression. The fact that this programme was funded by both employers and employees underlined a principle of solidarity and shared responsibility. It offered older people financial dignity, guaranteeing a stable income after years of hard work. The unemployment assistance programme was the second cornerstone. It was a direct response to the acute economic vulnerability exacerbated by the Great Depression. With millions of people out of work, often through no fault of their own, this programme promised temporary support, underlining the government's role as a backstop in times of unforeseen economic crisis. The third component addressed the needs of the blind, disabled, elderly and children in need. It recognises the diversity of needs within society and strives to provide specialist support to ensure that even often overlooked groups receive the attention and support they need. Each component of the Social Security Act represented a step towards a government that not only governs but cares for its citizens. It was a move away from laissez-faire and towards a more paternalistic approach, where the protection and welfare of citizens, especially the most vulnerable, was placed at the centre of the political agenda. This approach set a precedent that not only shaped American domestic policy for decades to come, but also inspired welfare systems around the world.

The Social Security Act is often cited as one of the most significant legislative achievements of the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration and the New Deal. By establishing a financial safety net for the elderly, the unemployed and the disabled, this law profoundly transformed the role of the federal government in the lives of American citizens. Prior to the Act, many elderly and vulnerable people were left to fend for themselves, relying on charity or family for their livelihood. Social Security changed this dynamic, introducing direct government responsibility for the economic well-being of citizens. This helped reduce poverty and economic insecurity, providing greater financial stability for millions of Americans. In addition, the Act laid the foundation for the modern welfare system in the United States, establishing principles and practices that continue to inform public policy today. Individuals and families in situations of need can count on some measure of support from the state, which has strengthened social cohesion and stability. By embedding solidarity and mutual support into the very fabric of government policy, the Social Security Act helped to define a new era of governance in the United States. It was a significant step towards a more engaged welfare state, an aspect that has become central to American policy and has also influenced welfare systems around the world. In addition, by promoting the welfare and security of citizens, it laid the foundations for a more balanced and equitable society, reducing inequality and improving the quality of life for many Americans.

The implementation of the Social Security programme has met with various challenges and criticisms. The exclusion of small farmers, sharecroppers, domestic workers and trade unions highlighted significant gaps in the system. These vulnerable groups were among those hardest hit by the Great Depression, and their exclusion from Social Security benefits exacerbated their precarious situation. Sharecroppers and domestic workers, in particular, were omitted because of the structure of informal and non-contractual employment, which raised concerns about equity and inclusion. Trade unions, which were already fighting for workers' rights in a difficult economic context, also faced challenges in accessing benefits. Criticism also came from the amount of assistance provided. Although Social Security represented a significant step forward in providing government support to those in need, the amount of benefits was often insufficient to meet basic needs, and many continued to live in poverty. However, despite these criticisms and challenges, the Social Security programme laid the foundations for a system of social protection in the United States. Over the years, it has been amended and expanded to include previously excluded groups and to increase the amount of assistance provided. This demonstrates the evolving nature of these public policies, which can be adapted and improved to better meet the needs of society. These initial challenges have also fuelled debate about the role of government in the economic well-being of citizens and have helped to shape future welfare and reform programmes. Ultimately, despite its imperfections, the Social Security Act marked an important milestone in the development of American welfare policy.

The passage of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) in 1935 was an important milestone in the history of labour relations in the United States. It profoundly altered the landscape of industrial and labour relations by legalising the formation of trade unions and promoting collective bargaining. Prior to the introduction of the NLRA, workers often faced difficult working conditions, low wages and considerable resistance from employers to the establishment of unions. In-house" unions, which were controlled by employers, were often used to thwart efforts to form independent unions. The NLRA not only prohibited these practices but also established mechanisms to ensure that workers' rights to form unions and bargain collectively would be respected. The creation of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) was crucial to the enforcement of these rights. The NLRB had the power to order the reinstatement of workers dismissed for union activities and could also certify unions as legitimate representatives of workers. The impact of the NLRA was profound. It helped to balance the power relations between employers and employees, leading to a significant increase in the number of unionised workers and improvements in wages and working conditions. The Act helped establish a national standard for relations between employers and workers, anchoring the right to collective bargaining in US federal law. However, like any major piece of legislation, the NLRA also faced criticism and challenges. Some employers and industry groups have resisted the new regulations, and there have been debates about the balance between workers' rights and corporate economic interests. Nevertheless, the NLRA remains one of the most influential pieces of legislation of the New Deal era, laying the foundations for modern labour relations in the United States and helping to create a more robust middle class in the decades that followed.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's second term: 1936 - 1940 (Supreme Court battles, economic challenges)

The presidential election of 1936 saw Franklin D. Roosevelt win a resounding victory, securing a second term in office. During his campaign, the issue of the radical and ambitious New Deal reforms that he had launched during his first term took centre stage. Roosevelt was criticised by his opponent Alf Landon and other conservatives for deviating from the fundamental principles of American government and introducing elements of socialism into American politics. However, these attacks failed to win the support of a significant majority of voters. Roosevelt's New Deal policies and programmes were widely popular with the masses, who saw them as a necessary relief from the rigours of the Great Depression. Eleanor Roosevelt, his wife, played a crucial role in his re-election campaign. She was not only an influential first lady but also an ardent defender of civil rights, the rights of women and the poor. Eleanor became a respected and admired public figure for her dedication and commitment to society's most disadvantaged. Roosevelt's election victory in 1936 was a clear endorsement of his policies by the American people. It strengthened his determination to pursue and expand the New Deal initiatives, despite persistent opposition from some quarters. His second term saw a consolidation of the reforms initiated during his first term and an increased commitment to ensuring the economic and social well-being of ordinary US citizens. Thus, although he was criticised for approaches deemed too progressive or interventionist, Roosevelt's popularity and public support for New Deal policies were evident in the election results, indicating that, for the majority of Americans, the course set by the President was not only necessary but also beneficial in the context of the most devastating economic crisis of the twentieth century.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's victory in 1936 was not simply a re-election for the incumbent President, but symbolised a more profound transformation of the American political landscape. It reflected a new coalition, a heterogeneous but powerful alliance of diverse groups united around the principles and programmes of the New Deal. It was a convincing demonstration of Roosevelt's ability to rally a wide range of groups, from the urban working class to Midwestern farmers, from Southern Democrats to recent immigrants, to a multitude of ethnic groups and workers from all sectors. The New Deal coalition was not simply a temporary electoral alliance but shaped the identity and direction of the Democratic Party for generations to come. It embodied a more progressive and inclusive vision of American politics, where the interests of working people, the poor and the marginalised were recognised and taken into account in national policy-making. Roosevelt had succeeded in weaving a social and economic net that not only mitigated the devastating effects of the Great Depression but also laid the foundations for a modernised welfare state and regulated capitalism. His victories in almost every state in the country reflected popular approval of interventionist and redistributive policies which, although criticised by conservatives, were widely seen as necessary and beneficial by a large majority of voters.

Election poster in Manchester, NH.
Resettlement Administration poster, by Bernarda Bryson Shahn.
History of the federal minimum wage in real and nominal dollars.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's election to a third and fourth term is an anomaly in American history. He was elected for a third term in 1940 because of the imminent threat of the Second World War. Roosevelt was an experienced leader and American voters, faced with international uncertainty, chose to keep him in power to ensure continuity of leadership. Roosevelt's choice for a fourth term in 1944 also occurred in the context of the war. The nation was immersed in global conflict, and changing presidents during wartime was not considered to be in the best interests of the country. Roosevelt's stability and experience were again favoured. However, after his death in 1945, it became clear that the practice of allowing a president to serve an unlimited number of terms needed to be re-examined. Executive power in the hands of one person for a long period of time could potentially be a risk to American democracy. As a result, the 22nd Amendment was proposed and adopted, limiting a President to two terms in office. This was intended to ensure regular renewal of leadership, keep the President accountable to the electorate and prevent excessive concentration of power. Since then, all American presidents have been limited to two terms, a principle that reinforces the dynamic and responsive nature of American democracy, ensuring an orderly transition of power and allowing the emergence of new leaders with fresh ideas and perspectives.

The Farm Security Administration (FSA) was an important step in Roosevelt's ongoing effort to combat the devastating effects of the Great Depression. Despite positive intentions, challenges such as insufficient funding and the massive scale of poverty and despair meant that the programme's impact was more limited than hoped. During this period, the economic crisis did not discriminate; it affected all aspects of American society, but small farmers were particularly vulnerable. The FSA, with its limited resources, tried to provide a solution for this specific demographic, but the challenges were monumental. In the South, the impact of the programme was even more diluted. The socio-economic structure, marked by racial discrimination and inequality, exacerbated the economic difficulties. Sharecroppers, both white and black, found themselves in an extremely precarious situation, often without land or means of subsistence. The effort to provide low-interest loans and technical assistance was a lifeline for some, but unattainable for the majority. The complex realities of the time - a ravaged economy, a changing society and deep-rooted inequalities - made the successful implementation of the FSA programme a daunting challenge. Despite this, the FSA remains a testament to the Roosevelt administration's commitment to trying to bring relief and positive change, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It also laid the groundwork for future thinking and action on agricultural policy and social security in the United States.

The Farm Security Administration (FSA) programme was a delicate balance in Roosevelt's attempt to navigate between support for small farmers and the wider economic imperatives that favoured large farms. While small farmers were an important target, economic efficiency and productivity were equally pressing issues that could not be ignored. By providing advisory and technical services to large landowners, the FSA was not only injecting capital but also helping to improve farming methods, optimising productivity and sustainability. This technical assistance was aimed not only at increasing production, but also at improving the working conditions of farm workers, a group that was often neglected and exploited. Large landowners benefited from advice on how to optimise the management of their land, which led to an increase in productivity. Paradoxically, by helping large farms, the FSA was also indirectly helping to improve the lives of farm workers through more productive and efficient farming. Indeed, the central dilemma was that support for small farmers and large landowners was not mutually exclusive. Both were essential for a robust agricultural economy. Small farmers needed support to survive, while large farms were essential for economic efficiency and large-scale food production. So the FSA, with all its apparent contradictions, was a reflection of the complex landscape of the time. It was an effort to balance economic, social and human imperatives, a juggling act between the immediate need for relief and the long-term goals of productivity and sustainability. In this complex context, the FSA succeeded in creating a positive impact, not only by directly supporting those in need but also by introducing structural changes that would benefit the farming community as a whole and beyond.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 marked a crucial step in labour legislation in the United States, establishing important safeguards to protect workers from exploitation. The genesis of this law was centred on the protection of non-union workers, a vulnerable population at the time who were often subject to unfair and inequitable working conditions. However, its application transcended this target population to encompass unionized workers as well, setting a universal minimum standard that elevated the foundation of working conditions across the country. However, the FLSA was not without its initial limitations. Its scope was confined to workers in certain industries, leaving a substantial segment of the workforce, notably those in agriculture and domestic service, without the necessary protections. This was a reflection of the political and social compromises of the time, where the needs of certain groups were often balanced against economic and political realities. Over time, the FLSA evolved, expanding to envelop a larger portion of the workforce and raising the minimum wage. This adaptability and evolution have been crucial in ensuring that the law remains relevant and effective in the face of changing challenges and workforce dynamics. It has become a living document, adjusted and modified to meet the changing demands of American society. Today, the FLSA remains a pillar of American labour law. It is a testament to the desire of government and society to protect workers from exploitation and to ensure that economic gains are shared fairly. By setting minimum standards for wages and working conditions, it creates a balanced playing field where workers can contribute to economic prosperity while being assured of fair and equitable working conditions. The Act remains a vibrant example of the legislative system's ability to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of its population.

Social impact of the New Deal: assessing the legacy of policies and programmes

The legacy of the New Deal is a subject of vast and intense debate. Initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s in response to the Great Depression, the New Deal introduced a series of programmes and reforms that not only changed the American economic landscape, but also influenced citizens' expectations of government. On the one hand, the New Deal has been hailed for introducing a significant social safety net, with the creation of Social Security being one of its most notable achievements. This key element provided much-needed relief for the elderly, disabled and unemployed, and has become a central element of the American welfare system. In addition, workers' rights expanded considerably under the New Deal, strengthening trade unions and bringing the Democratic Party closer to the working class. Millions of unemployed found jobs through public works programmes, and financial and banking reforms stabilised the financial system. However, the New Deal was not without its critics. Some argued that its measures were not sufficient and that the poor, particularly minorities, were often neglected. Government interventionism was a contentious issue, particularly among the business community, which perceived it as excessive. Although the New Deal introduced important structural reforms, it did not completely resolve the Great Depression, and it took the war effort of the Second World War to fully revitalise the US economy. Increased public spending also raised concerns about the national debt. The enduring legacy of the New Deal is its continuing influence on American politics and society. The debates that began at that time about the balance between government intervention and market freedom persist in contemporary political discourse. Overall, the New Deal is often seen as a bold response to an unprecedented economic and social crisis, although it is also associated with increased government intervention in the economy. Its structural and social reforms left a lasting imprint that continues to influence American politics, economics and society to this day.

The AFL was led by leaders who valued stability and cooperation with employers. In those days, the federation often avoided strikes and direct confrontation, preferring negotiation and arbitration. The AFL was also known to be exclusive, limiting itself mainly to skilled and white workers, often leaving out unskilled workers and minorities. This was due to the belief that a focus on skilled workers would result in more substantial gains for its members. However, the AFL's approach was not universally popular. Many workers, particularly unskilled workers and those in emerging industries, felt excluded and under-represented. The Great Depression exacerbated these tensions, as millions of workers lost their jobs or saw their wages and working conditions deteriorate. The emergence of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in 1935 marked a turning point. Unlike the AFL, the CIO took a more radical and inclusive approach. It aimed to organise all workers within specific industries, regardless of their skill level. The CIO was also more willing to use strikes and other confrontational tactics to win concessions from employers. These two organisations played a central role in the expansion of workers' rights during the New Deal period. Their efforts, combined with progressive New Deal legislation such as the Wagner Act of 1935, which guaranteed the right of workers to organise and bargain collectively, led to a significant increase in the power and influence of trade unions in the United States. In the years that followed, the AFL and CIO continued to evolve, reflecting changes in the American economic and social landscape. They finally merged in 1955, forming the AFL-CIO, an organisation that continues to be a major force in the American labour movement today. The combination of trade union efforts and New Deal policies laid the foundations for the substantial improvements in wages, benefits and working conditions that characterised the post-war period in the United States.

At the time, the AFL's exclusive policy was a source of contention and division within the labour movement. Although the AFL succeeded in negotiating wage increases and improvements in working conditions for its members, its exclusion of unskilled workers and racial minorities left large numbers of workers without effective union representation. This has not only exacerbated existing inequalities, but has also limited the reach and impact of the trade union movement as a whole. Against this background of division and exclusion, other trade union organisations and workers' movements began to emerge to fill the vacuum left by the AFL. Groups of unskilled workers, minorities and other marginalised workers began to organise outside the AFL structure, forming their own unions and organisations to fight for higher wages, better working conditions and collective bargaining rights. The pressure exerted by these more inclusive and militant organisations eventually led to significant changes within the AFL and the trade union movement as a whole. The economic and social challenges of the Great Depression, combined with the growing activism of unskilled workers and minorities, made the AFL's policy of exclusion unsustainable. Legislative reforms introduced during the New Deal, notably the National Labor Relations Act (also known as the Wagner Act) of 1935, also strengthened workers' rights and made it easier to organise and bargain collectively. In the years that followed, the AFL and other unions were forced to adapt to these new realities. The inclusion of unskilled workers, minorities and other previously excluded groups not only broadened the base of the labour movement, but also led to an increase in the power and influence of unions in American politics and the economy. This period of increased inclusiveness and union activism laid the groundwork for significant improvements in workers' rights, wages and working conditions across the country.

The shift from craft unions, which were more exclusive and focused primarily on skilled workers, to organisations like the CIO and UAW, which were more inclusive and embraced a wider range of workers, marked a significant step in the evolution of the American labour movement. These new unions brought about a radical change in the way workers were organised and represented, creating opportunities for broader participation and fairer representation of diverse groups of workers. The National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) of 1933 was an essential element in facilitating this change. It encouraged collective bargaining and allowed workers to join unions without fear of reprisal from their employers. Although the US Supreme Court ultimately declared the Act unconstitutional in 1935, it nevertheless set an important precedent and paved the way for other pro-labour legislation, such as the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), also known as the Wagner Act. The NLRA, passed in 1935, consolidated workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively. It also created the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), a federal agency responsible for overseeing union elections and adjudicating unfair labour practice complaints. Under the NLRA, unions such as the CIO and UAW grew in importance and power, transforming the US labour landscape. The emergence of these new unions and the expansion of workers' rights also had profound implications for racial and class politics in the US. Organisations such as the CIO were more inclusive and accepted members regardless of race or skill level. This not only increased diversity within the labour movement but also played a role in the struggle for civil rights, social justice and equality. In this way, New Deal policies had a significant impact on the labour movement in the United States. They facilitated greater inclusion and representation of workers and contributed to the emergence of a new generation of trade unions that played a key role in defining rights and working conditions over the following decades.

The initiative of the Committee on Industrial Organization (CIO) within the AFL represents a significant development in the history of the labour movement in the United States. Prior to this initiative, the trade union landscape was largely dominated by craft unions that concentrated their efforts on skilled workers. Unskilled workers, particularly those in large industries, were often left behind, lacking adequate representation and unable to bargain collectively for better working conditions, fair wages and benefits. The formation of the IOC was a direct response to this shortcoming. By specifically targeting unskilled workers, it opened the door to broader representation and facilitated more meaningful inclusion in the trade union movement. The IOC's approach was radically different from that of traditional trade unions. Rather than focusing on specific trades, it aimed to unite all workers within particular industries, creating a more powerful and effective collective bargaining force. This not only changed the dynamics of the trade union movement, but also helped to transform industrial relations in the United States. With the ability to mobilise a larger number of workers and negotiate with employers in a more unified way, the CIO was able to achieve significant advances in wages, working conditions and workers' rights. However, the creation of the IOC was not without controversy. Its formation was followed by a period of tension and conflict with the AFL, resulting in the formal separation of the two organisations in 1938. The AFL continued to focus on skilled workers, while the CIO concentrated on unskilled workers, ushering in a new era of plurality and diversity in the American labour movement. The CIO's legacy lives on today. Its commitment to unskilled workers paved the way for significant advances in workers' rights and helped shape the landscape of labour and industrial relations in the United States in the twentieth century. This legacy still resonates in current discussions about economic justice, employment equity and workers' rights.

This substantial increase in the number of unionised workers was attributable to a number of factors, mainly linked to New Deal initiatives and the emergence of the CIO. The labor relations laws and other regulations imposed during this period not only legitimized unions, but also encouraged collective bargaining and expanded workers' rights, making organized labor a more powerful and present force in the lives of American workers. The rapid growth of unions was not without its challenges. Although the number of unionised workers increased dramatically, they remained a minority of the workforce as a whole. The diversity of workers, industries and regions presented unique challenges in terms of organisation, representation and bargaining. Unions had to fight not only employer resistance, but also internal divisions and disparities between skilled and unskilled workers, as well as regional and sectoral differences. Yet the late 1930s witnessed growing solidarity among workers, and the trade union movement grew in power and influence. Unions became key players in the national dialogue on workers' rights, economic equity and social justice. Although they represented only 28% of the workforce, their influence far exceeded that figure. They played a crucial role in setting labour standards, protecting workers' rights and improving working conditions across the country. The rise of the unions during this period also laid the foundations for the future evolution of the labour movement in the United States. It ushered in an era of expanded workers' rights, better representation and improved working conditions that continue to resonate in the contemporary labour landscape. Despite the challenges and controversies, the expansion of trade unionism during this period is widely regarded as a watershed in the history of workers' rights in the United States.

The success of the CIO marked an era of rapid change in American labour. However, this success was marred by persistent challenges. Employer resistance was often virulent; strikes and demonstrations were common, and workers frequently faced aggressive anti-union action. Companies used a variety of tactics to thwart union efforts, including disciplinary action, lockouts and exploiting internal divisions among workers. Within the trade union world itself, the CIO faced internal opposition from the AFL. The ideological and strategic differences between these two bodies often led to conflict. The AFL, with its focus on skilled workers and a more conservative approach to trade unionism, was often at odds with the CIO's more inclusive and progressive strategy. In addition, federal government policies regarding workers and unions were often fluid and sometimes contradictory. Although laws such as the NLRA provided a legal framework for collective bargaining and union organizing, the practical application of these laws was often hampered by competing political and economic interests. Shifting political decisions and the absence of consistent government support made navigating the complex political landscape particularly challenging for the IOC and other trade union organisations. Despite these challenges, the CIO has persisted in its efforts to organise unskilled workers and to extend workers' rights throughout the US economy. Its successes and challenges reflect the complexity of the struggle for workers' rights in the United States, a struggle that continues to shape the labour and employment landscape in the country today. Each victory and challenge faced by the IOC during this turbulent period highlights the complex dynamics of economic, political and social forces at play in the workers' rights movement.

Labour Minister Perkins on the cover of Time (14 August 1933).

Women's participation in New Deal programmes was limited due to the social norms of the time and the design of the programmes. Although these initiatives were created to alleviate the devastating effects of the Great Depression and provide employment and support to millions in need, women were often overlooked or excluded from these opportunities. The CCC, for example, was primarily focused on providing jobs for young men. They were employed in public works projects such as park construction, tree planting and other conservation activities. Women were largely excluded from this programme due to prevailing gender norms that placed them in the role of caretakers of the home. The WPA, although more inclusive, also offered work opportunities that were largely segregated by gender. Men were often involved in construction and engineering projects, while women were relegated to projects considered 'feminine', such as sewing and food preparation. Although the WPA employed a large number of women, opportunities were often limited and wages were lower than for men. FERA, designed to provide direct aid to those in need, was also limited in its ability to help women. Many were ineligible for assistance because they had not worked outside the home prior to the Great Depression, and therefore could not prove that they were unemployed. In addition, the emphasis on the 'deserving family' meant that assistance was often granted on the basis of the employment status of the male head of household. These limitations reflect the attitudes and gender norms of the time. Women were often seen as secondary workers and their economic contribution was undervalued. The policies and programmes of the New Deal, while instrumental in helping to alleviate the effects of the Great Depression for many, were flawed and reflected the deep-rooted gender inequalities of that historic period. However, they also paved the way for a wider discussion of women workers' rights and laid the foundations for future reforms and developments in women's rights in the workplace.

Although the New Deal was a major response to the Great Depression, it reflected the gender norms of the time, often to the detriment of women. Initiatives such as the CCC and WPA were heavily focused on manual and outdoor work, traditionally male-dominated sectors. This focus created an imbalance, where men had access to greater opportunities to rebuild their lives economically, while women were often left behind. The CCC focused on environmental and construction projects, employing thousands of young men, but offering few opportunities for women. This reflected not only societal expectations about gender roles, but also a gap in public policy, where women's specific needs and skills were not fully recognised or utilised. Similarly, although the WPA employed women, they were often concentrated in lower paid sectors and were paid less than their male counterparts. This exacerbated existing gender inequalities and reinforced traditional stereotypes about 'appropriate' work for women and men. These dynamics reflect the complex challenges facing American society at the time. In attempting to remedy an unprecedented economic crisis, the government also navigated, sometimes clumsily, entrenched social and cultural realities. Women, despite being disadvantaged by these programmes, continued to play a vital role in the economy, albeit often in the shadows. These challenges and inequalities underline the complexity of the New Deal and serve as a reminder of the many layers of progress and struggle that characterise this crucial period in American history.

It demonstrates the profound inequality engendered by the policies and programmes implemented during this period. Support systems were heavily tilted in favour of men, based on the traditional perception that they were the primary breadwinners. This gender bias marginalised women, exacerbating their vulnerability during a period of acute economic crisis. Unemployed women often found themselves in a double bind. Not only were they excluded from many of the employment opportunities created by programmes such as the CCC and the WPA, but they were also under-represented among recipients of federal assistance. This situation was exacerbated by gender-based criteria for awarding assistance and deep-rooted gender stereotypes, which favoured men as the main providers. This reality, where 37% of the unemployed were women but only 19% of aid recipients were women, reveals institutionalised discrimination. It highlights the additional challenges women faced in accessing crucial resources and opportunities. Despite these obstacles, women have continued to play an essential role in society and the economy, although they are often undervalued or invisible. In retrospect, the gendered inequalities of the New Deal illustrate how economic and social emergencies can highlight and amplify existing injustices. They also serve as a reminder of the importance of integrating a gender perspective into policy-making, to ensure that all people, regardless of their sex, have access to the opportunities and support they need to thrive.

The socio-cultural context of the time greatly influenced the way New Deal policies were designed and implemented. Gender inequality was an inherent aspect of society, and this was reflected in the structure and scope of the programmes. Although the primary intention of the New Deal was not to exclude or marginalise women, underlying prejudices and social norms inevitably influenced the way policies were formulated and implemented. In response, women did not remain passive. They have shown remarkable resilience and determination, fighting for recognition of their rights and for equal opportunities. Women's groups and feminist organisations, often supported by progressive trade unions and other civil society organisations, undertook concerted efforts to denounce and remedy the manifest inequalities in the application of the New Deal programmes. These advocacy and activist efforts have helped to draw attention to gender disparities and to push for reforms. Although progressive, these changes were often not sufficient to overcome deeply rooted systemic barriers. However, they laid the foundations for future movements for women's rights and gender equality. Ultimately, although the New Deal brought much-needed relief to millions of people affected by the Great Depression, its legacy is also tainted by its shortcomings when it comes to gender equality. These historical lessons underline the crucial importance of adopting an intersectional approach to policymaking, ensuring that all voices and perspectives are considered to ensure that no one is left behind.

Eleanor Roosevelt played a key role not only as First Lady of the United States, but also as an influential campaigner and diplomat. She broke the traditional mould of the First Lady's role by becoming actively involved in politics, a space often reserved for men at the time. She was known for her strong convictions and commitment to social justice and human rights. During her husband's presidency, Eleanor highlighted pressing social issues, including the injustice and inequality suffered by women. She visited labour camps, hospitals and other institutions to understand first-hand the challenges faced by ordinary people. Her direct and empathetic approach not only humanised the Presidency, but also helped to raise public awareness of issues that were often overlooked. Eleanor Roosevelt was also a powerful voice within the Roosevelt administration. She advocated the inclusion of women in New Deal programmes and insisted that gender equality and social justice be integrated into government policies. She was a driving force in ensuring that women's issues were not relegated to the background, and encouraged their active participation in the political and social life of the country. Her passion for human rights did not stop at American borders. Following the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor played a key role in the creation of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a lasting testament to her commitment to dignity and equality for all. Eleanor Roosevelt's legacy is that of a woman of courage and conviction. She demonstrated that the role of First Lady could be a platform for social change and paved the way for more active participation by women in American and international politics. Her dedication to justice and equality continues to inspire generations of leaders and activists.

The growing involvement of women in politics during the New Deal era is testimony to the gradual evolution of social norms and the role of women in American society. At that time, women began to occupy positions of greater visibility and influence in government and other civil society organisations. Their participation helped shape policies and initiatives that better reflected the diversity of citizens' experiences and needs. With the support of Eleanor Roosevelt and other women's rights advocates, women gained a platform to express their ideas and demands. Their activism was remarkable in areas such as work, education, health and social welfare. Their active participation in policy-making began to reshape the traditional image of women, highlighting their ability and willingness to contribute meaningfully to complex public issues. This momentum was not limited to political circles. Women also played a growing role in professional and academic circles, breaking down barriers and challenging existing gender stereotypes. They have proved their competence and effectiveness in a variety of fields, helping to change public perceptions of what women can achieve. Although women still faced substantial inequalities, and the struggle for gender equality was far from over, the New Deal era marked an important turning point. Women moved from the traditionally confined role of the domestic sphere to a more active and visible participation in the public sphere. The foundations laid during this period served as a springboard for the feminist and gender equality movements that gained prominence in the decades that followed.

Frances Perkins is often credited with being a key figure in the development and implementation of New Deal policies, particularly in the areas of workers' rights and social security. She went down in history not only as the first woman to hold a position in the US presidential cabinet, but also as a pioneer of progressive social and economic reform. Her determination and commitment to workers' rights were rooted in her own experience and observations of the inequalities and injustices faced by working people. She played a crucial role in developing legislation to improve working conditions, guarantee fair wages and ensure workers' safety. Under Perkins' leadership, the Department of Labor helped implement innovative policies such as the Social Security Act, the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. These laws not only strengthened workers' rights, but also laid the foundation for America's social safety net. Perkins was also aware of the specific challenges faced by women in the labour market. She advocated gender equality and worked to ensure that New Deal policies took into account the needs and contributions of working women. Her leadership and dedication to the social and economic cause made her an emblematic figure of the New Deal and an example of women's ability to influence and shape public policy. Frances Perkins' legacy lives on in the reforms she helped to implement and in the path she paved for future generations of women leaders.

Although the New Deal represented a major step forward in federal intervention to mitigate the devastating effects of the Great Depression, the benefits of these policies were not evenly distributed. African-Americans, in particular, were often left behind. Roosevelt needed the support of Southern politicians to push through his reforms, and they were often opposed to measures that would have promoted racial equality. As a result, much of the New Deal legislation did not apply to occupations where African-Americans were predominantly employed, such as agriculture and domestic service. The system of racial segregation, particularly in the American South, remained deeply entrenched. What's more, African-Americans were often the last to be hired and the first to be fired. They also received lower wages than white workers and were often victims of union discrimination. Institutional and personal racism continued to oppress African-Americans despite the implementation of New Deal programmes. However, despite these limitations, there were some improvements. Some African Americans benefited from jobs created by New Deal projects such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Eleanor Roosevelt, in particular, was an important ally, using her influence to advocate for the rights of African Americans. Initiatives such as the "Black Cabinet", a group of African-American advisers who worked in various New Deal agencies, also emerged, although their influence was limited. So while the New Deal marked a turning point in federal policy and set a precedent for increased government intervention in the economy, its benefits for African Americans and other racial minorities were limited. These shortcomings highlight the persistent challenges of racism and discrimination that these communities continued to face.

The socio-economic status of African Americans was largely determined by the institutionalised policies of discrimination and segregation that were prevalent at the time, particularly in the American South. Despite the progressive intentions of the New Deal, the social and economic benefits of these programmes were often limited for African Americans because of existing racial prejudices and power structures. Trade unions also played an ambiguous role. Although strengthened by New Deal legislation, notably the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935, which encouraged collective bargaining and strengthened workers' rights, unions were often discriminatory in their membership practices. Many unions refused to accept African-American members, or relegated them to separate chapters with less power and resources. In addition, the New Deal, in its attempt to stabilise the economy, often collaborated with existing power structures, including those of the segregated South. Roosevelt himself was reluctant to challenge the racial power structure in the South for fear of losing the political support of influential Southern Democrats. This often led to compromises that maintained and, in some cases, reinforced existing racial inequalities. Yet there were some positive steps forward. Some New Deal agencies, such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA), employed both black and white workers. Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady, was also a passionate advocate of civil rights and often used her position to promote equality and challenge discrimination. Overall, although the New Deal offered some relief and opportunities for African Americans, it also revealed and, in some cases, perpetuated the deep racial inequalities that structured American society. The benefits and opportunities created by the New Deal were often limited by skin colour, illustrating the limits of progressive reform in a society characterised by racial discrimination and segregation.

The decentralisation of the implementation of New Deal programmes to the local level allowed prejudice and discriminatory practices to influence the distribution of resources and opportunities. In the South in particular, Jim Crow laws and a segregated social order were in force. The local authorities that oversaw New Deal programmes were often deeply rooted in this system and encouraged its perpetuation. Employment programmes, for example, were often segregated and offered unequal opportunities and benefits. Black workers were typically confined to lower-paid jobs and more precarious working conditions. Housing and community development projects funded by the New Deal also reflected segregation, with separate projects for white and black residents and significantly unequal levels of resources and quality. However, despite these challenges, the New Deal laid the foundations for increased awareness and mobilisation among African Americans. The inequalities exposed and exacerbated by the Great Depression and the policy responses that followed catalysed a civil rights movement and broader political mobilisation among black communities. Organisations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) gained influence and support, and issues of social justice and racial equality became more central to the national discourse.

Eleanor Roosevelt stood out for her commitment to civil rights. She was a critical voice internally, actively advocating for the rights of African Americans at a time when discrimination and segregation were rampant. Despite the difficult political and social context and considerable resistance from many factions within government and society, she resolutely maintained her position. Her public support for the NAACP and other civil rights organisations was an important step, even if the concrete results were limited. Eleanor Roosevelt was particularly active in lynching advocacy, pushing for federal legislation to criminalise the horrific practice. Although her efforts did not result in concrete legislation due to resistance from Congress, her strong and persistent voice helped raise national awareness and put the issue of civil rights on the national agenda. One of the most emblematic moments of her commitment to civil rights was her high-profile departure from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) when the organisation refused to allow the famous black singer Marian Anderson to perform at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. Eleanor Roosevelt expressed her disapproval of this decision by publicly renouncing her membership of the DAR, an action that sent a strong message to the nation and became a defining moment in the civil rights movement. Eleanor Roosevelt continued to be an ally of African Americans and other marginalised groups throughout her life. Her commitment to social justice, her courage in the face of controversy and her willingness to challenge traditional norms and expectations made her an iconic figure in the fight for equality and justice. Her efforts, though often met with obstacles, helped lay the foundations for civil rights advances in the years that followed.

African-Americans were largely excluded from the benefits of New Deal policies. The low-skilled, low-paid jobs in which the majority of African-Americans were employed at the time were not sufficiently protected by the labour laws of the period. These jobs were often precarious, with little or no job security, no insurance and low wages, making life extremely difficult for African Americans. Due to pervasive segregation and racial discrimination, African Americans were also denied access to the employment opportunities and benefits available to whites. Institutionalised racism and discriminatory practices in the North and South exacerbated economic and social inequalities. Although some New Deal programmes offered assistance to the disadvantaged, African-Americans often did not benefit because of racist and discriminatory practices. The socio-economic disadvantage of African-Americans was also exacerbated by their exclusion from trade unions, which deprived them of the protection and benefits that came with them. Many unions were segregationist and restricted membership to whites. This exclusion severely limited the ability of black workers to negotiate fair wages, decent working conditions and benefits. Against this difficult backdrop, African Americans continued to fight for their civil and economic rights. Figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt and other allies spoke out in favour of African-American rights, but the road to equality and justice was still long and fraught with obstacles. It was not until decades later, with the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, that African Americans made significant progress in the fight against segregation, discrimination and economic inequality.

The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) is a glaring example of how a seemingly well-intentioned policy can have unintended and harmful consequences for certain populations. The AAA was designed to combat the agricultural crisis of the 1920s and 1930s by stabilising the prices of agricultural products. By paying farmers not to cultivate part of their land, the idea was to reduce supply, raise prices and, consequently, increase farm incomes. However, the reality for tenant farmers and farm workers, particularly in the South, was very different. Landowners received AAA payments, but they were not required to share these funds with their tenant farmers or farm workers. Instead, many of these landowners used the payments to mechanise their farms or to replace cotton with less labour-intensive crops. With less land to cultivate and greater mechanisation, many sharecroppers and farm workers, a significant proportion of whom were African-American, were rendered redundant. Faced with these changes, thousands of African-Americans were driven off their land and lost their source of income. Many black tenant farmers were forced off their land without compensation. This mass eviction contributed to the rural exodus of African-Americans from the South during the Great Migration, as they sought employment opportunities and a better life in the industrial cities of the North and West. This demonstrates how policies, even if designed to bring economic relief, can have complex and divergent impacts on different groups in society. In the case of the AAA, the benefits for large landowners contrasted with the severe consequences for African-American sharecroppers and farmworkers.

African-American workers often faced structural barriers that limited their access to New Deal programmes, due to the control exercised by state and local authorities. Institutionalized racism and discriminatory practices, particularly in Southern states where segregation and discrimination were deeply entrenched, often prevented African-Americans from fully accessing the benefits of these programmes. African-American workers were often relegated to lower-paid jobs and had limited access to more advanced employment and training opportunities. Legal and social barriers also contributed to lower wages and inferior working conditions for black workers, even within New Deal programmes. Some programmes, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), integrated African-American workers, but often in a segregated way and with limited opportunities compared to their white counterparts. Racial discrimination was common, and black workers were often assigned the hardest and lowest-paid jobs. Despite these challenges, the New Deal brought some benefits to black communities, including increased access to employment, housing and social services. In addition, the Roosevelt administration saw an increase in the number of blacks appointed to government positions, dubbed 'The Black Cabinet', which worked to address and alleviate some of the challenges African-Americans faced. Ultimately, although the New Deal had positive aspects, its benefits were unevenly distributed and African-Americans continued to face substantial discrimination and persistent economic and social inequalities. The need for deeper reforms and measures to specifically address racial inequalities became increasingly evident over time.

The New Deal programmes, despite their contributions to reducing unemployment and stimulating the US economy during the Great Depression, had a limited impact on reducing racial inequality and discrimination. Although these programmes offered jobs and economic support to millions of people, African-Americans were often left behind or discriminated against. Entrenched and institutionalised racial segregation, particularly in the American South, hindered African Americans' access to decent jobs, education and housing. Many New Deal programmes were implemented in such a way as to preserve existing social structures, including systems of segregation and discrimination. Jobs created by programmes such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) were often segregated by race, with unequal pay and opportunities. African-Americans, and black women in particular, often found themselves in the lowest paid and most precarious jobs. Yet it is worth noting that the New Deal marked a turning point in the federal government's commitment to issues of economic and social welfare, and laid the foundations for the civil rights movements that gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s. Although limited in scope and impact, the New Deal nevertheless represented a significant expansion of government intervention in the economy, paving the way for subsequent reforms and efforts to combat racial and economic inequality in the decades that followed.

The Great Depression had a devastating impact on Mexican and Mexican-American communities in the United States. During this period, a phenomenon known as "Mexican Repatriation" occurred, where hundreds of thousands of people of Mexican descent, including many US citizens, were sent back to Mexico. This mass deportation was partly a response to public pressure and the mistaken belief that deporting Mexican immigrants would improve job prospects for US citizens during a period of high unemployment. People of Mexican origin, whether born in the United States or in Mexico, have been particularly affected by discrimination, xenophobia and hostile public policies. Entire cities in the United States have organised raids to deport Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, and many have been deported without due process. Moreover, repatriation was not just an urban phenomenon but also affected rural areas where Mexican workers played a vital role in agriculture. Many agricultural workers of Mexican origin were expelled, exacerbating their economic and social precariousness. These actions were often justified by the misconception that Mexican workers were "stealing jobs" or were a burden on social support systems during the economic crisis. However, these deportations often ignored the significant economic and cultural contributions of Mexican communities in the United States. The effects of these mass deportations and expulsions reverberated through generations and helped shape the complex dynamics of immigration, citizenship and identity that persist today between the United States and Mexico. This period highlights the profound impact of economic crises on immigration policies and the lives of immigrants and their descendants.

The Mexican repatriation campaign of the 1930s is an often neglected chapter in American history. This largely forgotten operation saw the forced departure of large numbers of Mexicans and Mexican Americans, including many legal US citizens. Local and federal authorities, in an attempt to reduce welfare costs and open up jobs for 'non-Mexican' Americans during the Great Depression, launched mass raids and deportations. These actions were often hasty and unregulated, with little or no regard for the legal rights of the individuals affected. Families were torn apart, property lost and lives turned upside down. Although the authorities claimed that repatriation was voluntary, numerous testimonies and historical documents reveal the coercive and often violent nature of these deportations. The social and economic impact of these expulsions was profound. For those forced to leave the United States, returning to Mexico often meant no improvement in their situation. They found themselves in a country they knew little about, without the resources and support they needed to establish themselves and prosper. For the Mexican and Mexican-American communities that remained in the United States, the experience left deep scars, exacerbating mistrust of the authorities and further isolating these communities. The repatriation of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans in the 1930s sheds crucial light on the challenges and conflicts inherent in immigration policies, particularly in the context of economic crises. It also highlights the need for careful and respectful consideration of human and civil rights, even in the most difficult of times.

The discrimination and racism exacerbated during the Great Depression inflicted considerable harm on Mexican immigrants and Mexican Americans. Hostility and prejudice against these communities intensified, fuelled by economic misery and despair. In a context of fierce competition for limited resources and employment opportunities, Mexican immigrants often became scapegoats, accused of exacerbating the economic crisis. In the workplace, these workers often faced unfair working conditions and low wages, and were the first to be made redundant when job opportunities became scarce. Limited access to healthcare, education and other public services, exacerbated by discrimination and segregation, contributed to their precarious situation. Faced with such overwhelming adversity, many opted to return to Mexico, a choice often perceived as the lesser evil despite the persistent economic challenges on the other side of the border. However, this return was not always a smooth transition. Many who had spent a large part of their lives in the United States now found themselves in a country that had become foreign to them, facing challenges of adaptation and integration. This historical episode highlights the complexity of immigration issues and racial discrimination, particularly in the context of an economic crisis. It highlights the vulnerability of minority and immigrant groups, and reminds us of the importance of inclusive and humanitarian approaches in public and social policies, to ensure that the rights and dignity of every individual are respected and protected.

The Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) of 1934 marked a significant transition in American policy towards indigenous peoples. Prior to the IRA, Indian policy had been dominated by the Dawes Act of 1887, which aimed to assimilate indigenous peoples by distributing tribal lands to specific individuals. This strategy had disastrous consequences, resulting in the massive loss of tribal lands and the dissolution of indigenous community and cultural structures. The Wheeler-Howard Act represented a step change. It sought to reverse previous policies of forced assimilation and encourage the cultural and economic rebirth of indigenous peoples. It ended the allotment policy, restored tribal management of unallotted lands, and encouraged tribes to adopt constitutional governments. Under the Act, tribes were encouraged to adopt constitutions and create corporate tribal governments to strengthen their autonomy. Another crucial aspect of the IRA was the provision of funds for the purchase of land to restore some of the territory lost by tribes during the allotment era. It also promoted education, health and economic development on Indian reserves. However, although the Act marked a step forward in recognising the rights of indigenous peoples, it was not without its critics. Some tribes objected to its "one size fits all" approach, arguing that it did not take sufficient account of the diversity of indigenous cultures and governance. In addition, implementation of the IRA was hampered by bureaucratic problems and a lack of funds. Nevertheless, the Wheeler-Howard Act represents a turning point in US Indian policy, ushering in an era of reconstruction and renewal for many indigenous communities, although many challenges remain in fully restoring their lands, rights and cultures.

The Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) of 1934 was a transformational legal instrument that substantially altered US policy towards indigenous peoples. The reversal of previous destructive policies of assimilation and allotment was a significant step forward. Tribes were given the legal right to reorganize, to form tribal governments, and to manage and own their own lands. The provision of funds by the IRA for the restoration of tribal lands and resources opened up avenues for cultural and economic regeneration. Tribes have not only been recognised as autonomous entities but have also been given the support they need to rebuild and develop their communities. Access to a credit system for indigenous tribes and individuals has promoted economic autonomy and innovation, enabling indigenous peoples to seek development solutions tailored to their specific needs. However, it should be noted that although the IRA has helped to lay the foundations for a substantial improvement in the living conditions and rights of indigenous peoples, it has not eliminated all the challenges. The struggle for full recognition of the territorial, cultural and social rights of indigenous peoples in the United States continues to be a central issue. The IRA, however, remains a milestone, marking the beginning of greater recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples and a movement towards greater autonomy and self-determination.

The Indian Reorganisation Act of 1934 undoubtedly introduced a radical change in the way the federal government interacted with indigenous peoples. It initiated a movement towards the restoration of tribal sovereignty and ended the allotment policy that had drastically reduced tribal lands. However, its implementation was hampered by a number of challenges, one of which was the uneven application of the law. While some tribes enjoyed greater autonomy and sovereignty, others encountered considerable opposition, both from within and outside their communities. Internal resistance often stemmed from distrust of the federal government, rooted in historical experiences of dispossession and discrimination. Tribes were sceptical about the intentions and implications of the legislation, leading to internal divisions and inconsistent adoption of the reforms. In addition, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) did not always effectively support the implementation of the Act. Bureaucratic problems, lack of resources and, in some cases, a lack of political will to transfer power and control to tribal hands have undermined the Act's effectiveness. In addition, external interests, particularly those related to access to land and natural resources, have also played a role in obstructing the full realisation of indigenous peoples' rights. These interests, often backed by powerful political and economic entities, have sometimes hindered tribal efforts to regain and control their traditional lands and resources. Despite these challenges, it is important to recognise the significant impact of the Act on the revitalisation of tribal sovereignty, culture and economy. It marked the beginning of an era of greater recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples and laid the foundations for subsequent reforms and claims to territorial, cultural and political rights. The complexity and diversity of tribal experiences with the law reflect the multifaceted nature of the challenges and opportunities associated with the quest for self-determination and justice for indigenous peoples in the United States.

Summarise the impact of the New Deal on the country and its people

The final assessment of the New Deal is mixed. On the one hand, it is undeniable that the New Deal initiatives brought some relief in the midst of the Great Depression. Agencies and policies such as the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the National Recovery Administration (NRA), the Public Works Administration (PWA) and the Social Security Act were crucial in providing jobs, income and support to millions of Americans struggling to survive. However, there is a diverse set of critics who have attacked the New Deal from different angles. Economically, although the New Deal offered temporary respite, some argue that it failed to decisively end the Great Depression. For many, it was the war effort of the Second World War that catalysed the full economic recovery. Ideological controversies also emerged, with critics on the right condemning the expansion of government and economic intervention, and on the left wanting bolder measures to tackle poverty and inequality. In terms of implementation, the challenges were palpable. Organisations such as the NRA were criticised for being ineffective and even faced constitutional challenges, highlighting problems of management and legal legitimacy. Moreover, despite efforts to improve conditions for many Americans, questions of social justice were obviously present. The New Deal did not sufficiently address civil rights and equality issues for women and minorities, sometimes exacerbating existing inequalities and segregation. As such, the New Deal remains a period of significant historical importance, imbued with notable achievements and considerable challenges. It shaped the American political and economic landscape, and its resonances are still felt in contemporary debates about the role of government in the economy and society.

The New Deal encountered significant difficulties in achieving its objectives, particularly in reducing unemployment. Despite the introduction of ambitious and wide-ranging programmes designed to stimulate employment and economic growth, millions of Americans remained unemployed. The high rate of unemployment in 1939, representing 18% of the working population, is testimony to these persistent difficulties. The effectiveness of individual New Deal programmes was also a source of concern. While initiatives such as the CCC and PWA had a significant impact, others, such as the NRA, were marred by controversy and legal challenges. The Supreme Court's decision to declare the NRA unconstitutional was not only a blow to the Roosevelt administration but also highlighted inherent limitations in the design and implementation of New Deal policies. The challenges were not limited to employment and constitutional issues. The New Deal was also criticised for not sufficiently addressing deeper structural problems in the American economy and society. Issues of social justice, equality and civil rights are often cited as areas where the New Deal could, and should, have done more. These complexities contribute to a mixed record. While the New Deal laid the foundations for more robust government intervention in the economy and introduced important reforms and regulations, its shortcomings and failures have left an indelible mark on its legacy. Reflections on this period continue to inform the discourse on economic and social policy in the United States, illustrating the continuing tension between government intervention, market freedoms and the imperatives of social justice.

Although substantial steps were taken to mitigate the devastating effects of the Great Depression, pre-existing inequality and discrimination were to some extent exacerbated or neglected. Women, ethnic minorities and immigrants were often left behind, their specific needs and unique circumstances not sufficiently taken into account in policy formulation and implementation. Systemic discrimination and racism have continued, and in some cases worsened, due to a lack of attention and adequate responses from the authorities. This lack of inclusion and equity has left lasting scars and has contributed to the uneven landscape of opportunity and prosperity in the United States. On the economic front, despite the considerable efforts made under the New Deal, the full recovery of the US economy was achieved through industrial mobilisation and the massive spending associated with the Second World War. This dynamic overshadowed, to some extent, the achievements and limitations of the New Deal, highlighting the intrinsic challenges associated with reviving an economy in the grip of a deep and persistent depression.

The impact of the New Deal transcends mere economic indicators and extends into the social and political fabric of the nation. The initiatives adopted under the aegis of the New Deal not only sought to stabilise an economy in freefall, but also transformed the way in which the federal government was perceived and the nature of its involvement in the daily lives of Americans. Socially, the New Deal helped forge a new national identity. Faced with devastating economic hardship, citizens began to see the federal government not only as an entity capable of intervening in times of crisis, but also as one with a responsibility to do so. This shift in perception marked a turning point in the relationship between citizens and the state, setting a precedent for the expectation of proactive government intervention to alleviate economic and social hardship. Politically, the New Deal redefined the role of the federal government. Programs such as the Social Security Act, the Public Works Administration and the Federal Emergency Relief Administration expanded the government's mandate, establishing a more active role in areas such as social welfare, employment and infrastructure. This ushered in an era of active politics in which the government was intimately involved in the economy and society. The New Deal also gave rise to a series of regulations and reforms that would shape the country's political and economic structure for decades to come. The creation of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the adoption of the Glass-Steagall Act are examples of lasting reforms initiated during this period. These measures not only responded to immediate crises but also introduced structural reforms designed to prevent future economic disasters.

One of the most striking consequences of the New Deal was the expansion of the federal government's role in the daily lives of its citizens. This period saw a profound transformation in the way government was perceived and its role in the economy and society. Before the New Deal, the predominant model was one of minimal government intervention. Markets were largely left to their own devices, and the idea that government should intervene actively in the economy or in social life was less accepted. The Great Depression, however, exposed the flaws in this model. Faced with an unprecedented economic crisis, it became clear that without significant government intervention, recovery would be slow at best and impossible at worst. The New Deal therefore introduced a series of programmes and policies that not only sought to provide immediate relief but also aimed to reform and regulate the economy to prevent future crises. This marked a radical change in the role of the federal government. Agencies such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a direct role in job creation. The Social Security Act established a social security system that continues to be a fundamental part of the American social safety net. The creation of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) introduced regulations into a previously unregulated stock market. This transformation was not without controversy. It opened up debates about the appropriate scope of government, debates that continue to animate American politics to this day. However, the legacy of the New Deal is undeniable. It set a precedent for more robust government intervention in times of crisis, established new standards for workers' rights and protections, and laid the foundation for the modern social safety net. By transforming expectations about the role of government in protecting the economic and social well-being of its citizens, the New Deal redefined the American state and its social contract with the people.

The political impact of the New Deal was profound and helped reshape the American political landscape for generations to come. Under the leadership of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Democratic Party embodied an active governmental response to the Great Depression. The programmes and policies introduced not only offered tangible relief but also symbolised the party's commitment to supporting those citizens most vulnerable and affected by the economic crisis. This has led to a significant political realignment. The working class, minorities and other socially and economically disadvantaged groups turned to the Democratic Party, seeing it as a defender of their interests and a means of improving their living conditions. The "New Deal Coalition", a political alignment that brought together diverse groups to support the Democratic Party, grew out of this period and dominated American politics for decades. The popularity of the Democratic Party among workers and working class citizens was reinforced by policies that directly addressed their needs and concerns. The introduction of labour rights legislation, job creation and social security programmes established a close link between the Democratic Party and the working class. This realignment had lasting implications. The Democratic Party became associated with a larger and more active federal government, the social and economic protection of citizens and the advancement of workers' rights. This defined the party's identity for much of the 20th century and continues to influence its philosophy and policies. By consolidating its role as a workers' party and establishing a precedent for active government intervention, the New Deal not only responded to the immediate challenges of the Great Depression but also shaped the political and social future of the United States.

The legislation and agencies established under the New Deal had a profound and lasting impact, not only in responding to the emergencies of the Great Depression, but also in instituting structural reforms that continue to benefit American society. The Social Security Act, for example, was a revolutionary step in creating a social safety net for Americans. It introduced retirement benefits for the elderly, providing an essential source of income and financial security for those who could no longer work. This support system not only helped individuals but also helped reduce poverty among the elderly, having a wider positive social impact. The National Labor Relations Act, also known as the Wagner Act, was also a fundamental part of the New Deal. By protecting workers' rights to organise, form unions and bargain collectively, the Act helped to balance power between workers and employers. It set standards for working conditions and wages, improving workers' quality of life and strengthening the working class. The creation of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is another example of the New Deal's lasting legacy. By guaranteeing bank deposits, the FDIC restored confidence in the US banking system after the catastrophic bank failures of the Great Depression. This not only stabilised the economy in the short term, but also created a sense of financial security among Americans that continues to be a pillar of the country's economic stability. Each of these programs and policies has helped shape an America where government plays an active role in protecting and promoting the well-being of its citizens. They helped set a precedent for government intervention in favour of social and economic justice, and their impacts are felt decades after their introduction.

The Second World War had a major impact on the US economy, marking a decisive turning point in the recovery from the Great Depression. The massive increase in industrial production to support the war effort not only boosted the economy, but also created millions of jobs, helping to solve the persistent problem of unemployment that had plagued the country throughout the 1930s. Factories and production facilities that had previously been dormant or underused were transformed into buzzing centres of activity, producing a variety of goods for the war effort, from munitions to military vehicles and aircraft. This increase in production also had a knock-on effect on other sectors of the economy, stimulating demand and production in related industries. The huge increase in government spending to finance the war effort injected vital energy into the economy. Funding the production of war material not only created jobs but also increased overall demand, stimulating economic growth and boosting household incomes. What's more, military service also absorbed a significant proportion of the workforce, helping to further reduce the unemployment rate. Mobilisation for war also had wider effects. It helped to catalyse innovation and technological development, and fostered a new era of cooperation between government, industry and the military. The war effort also contributed to the social and economic integration of previously marginalised groups, including minorities and women, opening up new opportunities for employment and participation in national economic life.

The Second World War had a dramatic effect on the American economy and labour market. The rapid and vast expansion of the defence industry created a huge need for labour, absorbing large numbers of workers and significantly reducing the unemployment rate. Millions of Americans were employed to produce goods and equipment for the war effort, transforming a stagnant economy into a thriving production machine. The huge injection of government spending was a major catalyst. As the production of war material increased, industries such as steel, shipbuilding and transport expanded significantly. This not only led to a boom in these specific sectors, but also generated an increase in economic activity throughout the country. Entire towns and communities have been revitalised, and the country's economic dynamic has been transformed. The massive mobilisation of resources and workers for the war also had positive secondary impacts on the country's social and economic structure. For example, it facilitated the integration of previously marginalised groups, such as women and ethnic minorities, into the workforce. Women, in particular, played a crucial role in the war effort, occupying positions previously reserved for men and demonstrating their ability to contribute effectively to roles in a variety of sectors of the economy. So, although the context of the war was tragic, the war effort nonetheless helped to stimulate a previously depressed economy, drastically reduce unemployment, and lay the foundations for post-war prosperity in the United States. It also marked a transition in which government played an active and decisive role in the economy, a legacy that persists in many ways today.

The impact of the Second World War on technological development and innovation was another key factor contributing to the restructuring of the US economy. The war necessitated the rapid development and adoption of advanced technologies to support the war effort, which in turn facilitated a transition to a diversified and innovative post-war economy. Massive investment in research and development during the war led to advances in areas such as aeronautics, communications, medicine and manufacturing. These innovations were not only crucial to the war effort, but also found civilian applications, stimulating economic growth and productivity in the post-war period. A classic example is the development of jet technology and advanced electronics, which paved the way for the expansion of the civil aviation industry and consumer electronics in the following decades. Similarly, advances in medicine and pharmacology improved public health and quality of life, contributing to a healthier and more productive workforce. The war also led to a considerable expansion and modernisation of America's industrial infrastructure. Factories and production facilities were modernised and expanded, facilitating increased production and diversification in the post-war period. As a result, the post-war US economy was characterised by rapid growth, continued innovation and increased prosperity. The foundations laid during the war, including technological advances, investment in infrastructure and the expansion of production capacity, helped to make the United States a global economic superpower in the second half of the 20th century. The impact of this transformation is still felt today, testifying to the scale and scope of the changes initiated during this crucial period.

USA annual real GDP from 1910 to 1960, with the years of the Great Depression (1929–1939) highlighted.
Unemployment rate in the US 1910–1960, with the years of the Great Depression (1929–1939) highlighted; accurate data begins in 1939.
GDP growth in a number of countries between 1929 and 1939.

Annexes

1929-1939 : Une décennie de misère (La Grande Dépression au Canada)
Textes sur la Grande crise des années 1930 Cliotexte.
Souvenirs et réflexions sur l'âge de l'inflation de Jacques Rueff, économiste et ancien fonctionnaire du Trésor Français.
Le Crach de 1929 et la grande Dépression - Comment éviter une répétition de la débâcle Keynésienne
1932 popular vote by counties
How close was the 1932 election? — Michael Sheppard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Foreign Affairs,. (2015). The Great Depression. Retrieved 29 October 2015, from https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/1932-07-01/great-depression
When Did the Great Depression Receive Its Name? (And Who Named It?), 2-16-09, by Noah Mendel, History News Network though Hoover is widely credited with popularizing the term
Klingaman, William K. (1989). 1929: The Year of the Great Crash. New York: Harper & Row. ISBN 0-06-016081-0.
Harold Bierman, Jr. (April 1998). The Causes of the 1929 Stock Market Crash: A Speculative Orgy or a New Era?. Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 19–29. ISBN 978-0-313-30629-7.
"Market crash of 1929: Some facts of the economic downturn". Economic Times. Times Inernet. October 22, 2017. Retrieved February 16, 2019.
"Hoovervilles and Homelessness". washington.edu.
Carswell, Andrew T. (2012). "Hooverville". The Encyclopedia of Housing (Second ed.). SAGE. p. 302. ISBN 9781412989572.
"Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Black-and-White Negatives: About this Collection". Library of Congress. 1935
Charles Kenneth Roberts, Farm Security Administration and Rural Rehabilitation in the South. Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Press, 2015
James Ciment, Encyclopedia of the Great Depression and the New Deal (2001) Vol. 1 p. 6
Indian Reorganization Act - Information & Video - Chickasaw.TV
Texte de l’Indian Reorganization Act et de ses amendements

References

↑ Aline Helg - UNIGE
↑ Aline Helg - Academia.edu
↑ Aline Helg - Wikipedia
↑ Aline Helg - Afrocubaweb.com
↑ Aline Helg - Researchgate.net
↑ Aline Helg - Cairn.info
↑ Aline Helg - Google Scholar
↑ Per-capita GDP data from MeasuringWorth: What Was the U.S. GDP Then?

[1] Aline Helg - UNIGE

[2] Aline Helg - Academia.edu

[3] Aline Helg - Wikipedia

[4] Aline Helg - Afrocubaweb.com

[5] Aline Helg - Researchgate.net

[6] Aline Helg - Cairn.info

[7] Aline Helg - Google Scholar

[8] Per-capita GDP data from MeasuringWorth: What Was the U.S. GDP Then?

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

@@ Ligne 78 : / Ligne 78 : @@
 [[Fichier:Crowd outside nyse.jpg|thumb|upright|坠机事件发生后，人群聚集在纽约证券交易所外。]]
-The 1920s, often referred to as the "Roaring Twenties", were characterised by apparent prosperity and rapid economic growth. However, this growth was, to a large extent, unsustainable, as it was based on a massive expansion of credit and unbridled speculation. Easy credit and low interest rates encouraged a culture of spending and investment that exceeded the real means of consumers and investors. People were encouraged to live beyond their means, and overconfidence in continued growth fuelled a dangerous speculative bubble. The stock market became the centre of a speculative fever. Millions of Americans, from the richest to the poorest, invested their savings in the hope of quick gains. The belief that share prices would continue to rise indefinitely was a mirage that attracted people from all walks of life. However, the underlying economic reality did not support market euphoria. When confidence began to erode and the bubble burst, the market's rapid reversal triggered a panic. Investors sought to liquidate their positions, but with few buyers, share prices fell dramatically. This stock market crash had a domino effect, triggering a severe economic contraction. Consumer and investor confidence was severely shaken, leading to a reduction in spending and investment. Banks, also affected by the crisis and the ensuing panic, restricted credit, further exacerbating the recession. The Great Depression that followed was a moment of profound re-evaluation of the structure and regulation of the American economy. It underlined the dangers of unregulated speculation and excessive reliance on credit, and highlighted the need for a healthier balance between consumption, investment and sustainable economic growth. It has also paved the way for tighter government regulation to mitigate the risks and excesses that can lead to such crises.
+世纪 20 年代通常被称为 "咆哮的二十年代"，其特点是表面繁荣和经济快速增长。然而，这种增长在很大程度上是不可持续的，因为它是建立在信贷大规模扩张和无节制投机的基础上的。宽松的信贷和低利率鼓励了一种超出消费者和投资者实际能力的消费和投资文化。人们被鼓励超前消费，对持续增长的过度自信助长了危险的投机泡沫。股市成为投机热的中心。数以百万计的美国人，从最富有的到最贫穷的，都把积蓄投入股市，希望迅速获利。股价将无限期上涨的信念如同海市蜃楼，吸引着各行各业的人们。然而，潜在的经济现实并不支持市场的亢奋情绪。当信心开始削弱、泡沫破灭时，市场的迅速逆转引发了恐慌。投资者纷纷清仓，但由于买家寥寥无几，股价大幅下跌。这次股市崩盘产生了多米诺骨牌效应，引发了严重的经济萎缩。消费者和投资者的信心严重动摇，导致支出和投资减少。银行也受到危机和随之而来的恐慌的影响，限制信贷，进一步加剧了经济衰退。随后发生的大萧条是对美国经济结构和监管进行深刻重新评估的时刻。它凸显了无节制投机和过度依赖信贷的危险，强调了在消费、投资和可持续经济增长之间实现更健康平衡的必要性。它还为政府加强监管以降低可能导致此类危机的风险和过度行为铺平了道路。
-The stock market craze and credit expansion masked deep structural weaknesses in the US economy. Overproduction, in particular, was a major problem not only in the industrial sector, where production outstripped demand, but also in the agricultural sector. Farmers, already struggling with low prices and falling incomes, were hit hard, exacerbating rural decline and economic misery. The unequal distribution of wealth was also a critical factor. A small elite enjoyed growing prosperity while the majority of Americans saw no significant improvement in their standard of living. This dynamic reduced aggregate demand, as a large proportion of the population could not afford to buy the goods that were being produced in abundance. When the speculative bubble in the stock market burst, these underlying weaknesses became apparent. Panic quickly set in, investors and consumers lost confidence in economic stability, and the country entered a downward spiral of economic contraction, rising unemployment and bankruptcies. The government's response and the introduction of the New Deal underlined the need for more robust government intervention to correct market imbalances and vulnerabilities. The programmes implemented sought not only to provide immediate relief, but also to initiate structural reforms aimed at building a more solid and equitable basis for future economic growth. This period marked a significant transformation in the conception and application of economic policy in the United States.
+股市狂热和信贷扩张掩盖了美国经济深层次的结构性弱点。尤其是生产过剩，这不仅是工业部门的主要问题，因为工业部门的生产超过了需求，而且也是农业部门的主要问题。本已在低价和收入下降中挣扎的农民受到沉重打击，加剧了农村衰退和经济苦难。财富分配不均也是一个关键因素。一小部分精英享受着日益增长的繁荣，而大多数美国人的生活水平却没有显著提高。这种动态减少了总需求，因为大部分人口无力购买大量生产的商品。当股市投机泡沫破灭时，这些潜在的弱点就显现出来了。恐慌情绪迅速蔓延，投资者和消费者对经济稳定失去了信心，国家进入了经济萎缩、失业率上升和破产的下行通道。政府的应对措施和 "新政 "的出台凸显了政府进行更有力干预以纠正市场失衡和脆弱性的必要性。所实施的方案不仅要提供即时救济，还要启动结构改革，为未来的经济增长奠定更加坚实和公平的基础。这一时期标志着美国经济政策的概念和应用发生了重大转变。
-The stock market crash of 1929 was not an isolated event, but rather the most visible and immediate manifestation of a series of structural and systemic problems that had become entrenched in the US economy. Unbridled speculation, encouraged by easy access to credit and low interest rates, created an environment where thoughtful and prudent investment was often neglected in favour of quick profits. This focus on short-term profits not only fuelled the stock market bubble, but also diverted capital away from productive investments that could have supported sustainable economic growth. In addition, the lack of adequate regulation and government oversight left the market without effective safeguards against speculative excesses and risky financial practices. By failing to intervene actively, the government indirectly allowed unsustainable economic bubbles to form. When the stock market bubble burst, the underlying fragility of the economy was revealed. Banks and financial institutions were hit hard, and as credit tightened, businesses and consumers found themselves in a liquidity crunch. Confidence collapsed, and with it consumption and investment. The Great Depression called for a profound reconsideration of economic policies and a shift to greater government intervention to stabilise the economy, protect consumers and investors, and lay the foundations for more balanced and sustainable future growth. The lessons of that era continue to resonate in contemporary debates on economic regulation, the management of speculative bubbles and the role of government in promoting equitable and sustainable growth.[[Image:Hoooverville williamette.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Hooverville along the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon (Arthur Rothstein).]]
+年的股市崩盘并不是一个孤立的事件，而是一系列结构性和系统性问题在美国经济中根深蒂固的最明显和最直接的表现。在容易获得信贷和低利率的鼓励下，肆无忌惮的投机行为创造了一种环境，在这种环境中，深思熟虑和审慎的投资往往被忽视，而倾向于快速获利。这种对短期利润的关注不仅助长了股市泡沫，还使资本偏离了本可支持可持续经济增长的生产性投资。此外，由于缺乏适当的监管和政府监督，市场缺乏有效的保障措施来防止投机过度和高风险的金融行为。由于政府没有积极干预，间接导致了不可持续的经济泡沫的形成。当股市泡沫破裂时，经济的潜在脆弱性暴露无遗。银行和金融机构受到重创，随着信贷紧缩，企业和消费者发现自己陷入了流动性紧缩的困境。信心崩溃，消费和投资也随之崩溃。大萧条要求对经济政策进行深刻的重新思考，并转向加大政府干预力度，以稳定经济、保护消费者和投资者，并为未来更加平衡和可持续的增长奠定基础。在当代关于经济监管、投机泡沫管理以及政府在促进公平和可持续增长中的作用的辩论中，那个时代的教训仍在产生共鸣。[[Image:Hoooverville williamette.jpg|thumb|left|150px|俄勒冈州波特兰市威拉米特河畔的胡佛村（阿瑟-罗斯坦）。]]
-This crash was not just a temporary economic correction, but a catastrophic collapse that had profound and lasting repercussions for the global economy.
+这次股灾不仅仅是一次暂时的经济调整，而是一次灾难性的崩溃，对全球经济产生了深远而持久的影响。
-The rapid and severe decline in share values caught many investors off guard. The euphoria of the 'Roaring Twenties', when the market was booming and wealth seemed to be growing endlessly, quickly turned to despair and panic. Investors large and small saw the value of their portfolios plummet, eroding not only their personal assets but also their confidence in the financial system. The panic quickly spread beyond Wall Street. Banks, already weakened by bad loans and speculative investments, were hit by waves of panic withdrawals. Some were unable to cope with the sudden demand for liquidity and were forced to close their doors. This deepened the crisis, spreading mistrust and uncertainty throughout the economic system. The rapid loss of market value, combined with panic and investor withdrawal, marked the beginning of the Great Depression. The effects were felt far beyond the stock market, affecting businesses, workers and consumers across the country and, ultimately, the world. The financial collapse led to economic contraction, massive unemployment, corporate bankruptcies and widespread poverty and misery. The stock market crash prompted a thorough reappraisal of the financial system and its regulatory mechanisms. It provided a stark illustration of the dangers inherent in an unregulated and speculative market, and led to major reforms to strengthen the transparency, accountability and stability of the financial system, with the aim of preventing such a catastrophe from happening again in the future.
+股票价值的急剧下降令许多投资者措手不及。咆哮的二十年代 "市场欣欣向荣，财富似乎无止境地增长，但很快就变成了绝望和恐慌。大小投资者的投资组合价值暴跌，不仅侵蚀了他们的个人资产，也削弱了他们对金融体系的信心。恐慌迅速蔓延到华尔街之外。本已因不良贷款和投机性投资而衰弱的银行，又受到了恐慌性撤资浪潮的冲击。一些银行无法应对突如其来的流动性需求，被迫关门歇业。这加深了危机，使不信任和不确定性蔓延到整个经济体系。市场价值的迅速损失，加上恐慌和投资者撤资，标志着大萧条的开始。其影响远远超出了股票市场，波及全国各地的企业、工人和消费者，最终波及全世界。金融崩溃导致经济萎缩、大量失业、企业破产以及普遍的贫困和苦难。股市崩盘促使人们对金融体系及其监管机制进行彻底的重新评估。它严酷地揭示了不受监管的投机市场所固有的危险，并引发了重大改革，以加强金融体系的透明度、问责制和稳定性，从而防止今后再次发生此类灾难。
-The collapse of banks and credit companies has been devastating. The banking system, in particular, is a pillar of the modern economy, facilitating the credit and investment necessary for economic growth. Its failure has exacerbated economic problems. The closure of banks has meant that many people and businesses have lost their savings and access to credit. In a world where credit is essential for everything from the day-to-day management of personal finances to the running and expansion of businesses, this collapse had far-reaching repercussions. Businesses were forced to scale back operations or close, leading to a rapid rise in unemployment. Uncertainty and fear led to a dramatic contraction in consumer spending. People, worried about their financial future, avoided unnecessary spending, contributing to a vicious circle of reduced demand, output and employment. This self-fulfilling recession was characterised by a reduction in demand, which in turn led to a reduction in production and even higher unemployment. The crisis also highlighted the fragility of the monetary and financial system and the importance of confidence in economic stability. Restoring this confidence has proved to be a long and difficult process, requiring in-depth reform and significant government intervention to stabilise the economy, reform the financial and banking system, and introduce safeguards to prevent future crises. This economic cataclysm ushered in an era of transformation, ushering in new and innovative economic policies, and redefining the relationship between government, the economy and citizens, with a renewed focus on regulation, social protection and economic equity.
+银行和信贷公司的倒闭是毁灭性的。尤其是银行系统，它是现代经济的支柱，促进了经济增长所需的信贷和投资。它的失败加剧了经济问题。银行的倒闭意味着许多人和企业失去了储蓄和获得信贷的机会。在这个世界上，从日常的个人财务管理到企业的经营和扩张，信贷都是必不可少的，银行的倒闭造成了深远的影响。企业被迫缩小经营规模或关闭，导致失业率迅速上升。不确定性和恐惧导致消费支出急剧萎缩。人们担心自己的经济前景，避免不必要的消费，造成需求、产出和就业减少的恶性循环。这种自我实现式衰退的特点是需求减少，而需求减少又导致生产减少，失业率上升。这场危机还凸显了货币和金融体系的脆弱性以及信心对经济稳定的重要性。事实证明，恢复信心是一个漫长而艰难的过程，需要深入改革和政府的大力干预，以稳定经济、改革金融和银行体系，并采取保障措施防止未来发生危机。这场经济灾难开创了一个转型时代，带来了新的、创新的经济政策，重新定义了政府、经济和公民之间的关系，并重新关注监管、社会保护和经济公平。
-The crash was a defining moment in the history of the Great Depression. It was not a short-lived crisis, but the prelude to an era of deep and persistent economic difficulties that affected almost every aspect of daily life. The breadth and depth of the Great Depression were unprecedented. The stock market crash exposed and exacerbated existing cracks in the economic fabric of the United States. Unemployment reached unprecedented levels, businesses failed at an alarming rate, and an atmosphere of despair and pessimism enveloped the nation. Every sector, from industry to agriculture, was affected, and images of queues of people waiting for food became striking symbols of the times. The stock market crash and subsequent Great Depression also led to a profound re-examination of economic and financial policies. The limitations and failures of laissez-faire and hands-off approaches were exposed. In response, there was a move towards greater regulation, government supervision and measures to increase transparency and financial stability. Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, for example, was not just a set of measures to respond to the immediate economic crisis, but also a revolution in the way government interacted with the economy. It introduced policies and institutions that continue to influence American economic policy to this day.[[Fichier:Lange-MigrantMother02.jpg|right|thumb|upright|150px|Migrant Mother, by Dorothea Lange, 1936. This photograph became one of the symbols of the Great Depression.]]
+经济崩溃是大萧条历史上的一个决定性时刻。它不是一场短暂的危机，而是一个深刻而持久的经济困难时代的前奏，几乎影响到日常生活的方方面面。大萧条的广度和深度都是前所未有的。股市崩盘暴露并加剧了美国经济结构中已有的裂痕。失业率达到前所未有的水平，企业以惊人的速度倒闭，绝望和悲观的气氛笼罩着整个国家。从工业到农业，各行各业都受到了影响，人们排队等待食物的画面成为时代的显著标志。股市崩盘和随后的大萧条也导致了对经济和金融政策的深刻重新审视。自由放任和放手不管的做法暴露了其局限性和失败。为此，人们开始加强监管、政府监督，并采取措施提高透明度和金融稳定性。例如，富兰克林-罗斯福的新政不仅是应对直接经济危机的一系列措施，也是政府与经济互动方式的一场革命。新政引入的政策和制度至今仍影响着美国的经济政策。[[Fichier:Lange-MigrantMother02.jpg|right|thumb|upright|150px|移民母亲》，多萝西娅-兰格摄于 1936 年。这张照片成为大萧条的象征之一。]]
-The Great Depression had a quantifiably catastrophic impact on the US economy, as some alarming figures show. Between 1929 and 1932, the United States' Gross National Product (GNP) fell drastically, by more than 40%. This monumental economic recession was amplified by a 50% drop in industrial production, a sector that had once flourished in the country. At the same time, the agricultural sector, the backbone of the US economy, was not left out. It contracted substantially, with falling output closely mirroring that of industry. These simultaneous declines in key sectors created a downward spiral in economic activity. Unemployment, a clear indicator of economic health, soared alarmingly. In 1929, around 1.5 million Americans were unemployed. By 1932, however, this figure had jumped to 12 million, signalling an unprecedented jobs crisis that transformed the economic and social landscape. Large-scale job loss led to a significant reduction in income for millions of households. The direct consequences of this loss of income have been rising homelessness, increased prevalence of hunger and escalating poverty. People's ability to access basic needs such as food, housing and healthcare was severely compromised, highlighting the depth of the unfolding economic crisis.
+一些惊人的数据显示，大萧条对美国经济造成了量化的灾难性影响。1929 年至 1932 年间，美国国民生产总值（GNP）急剧下降，降幅超过 40%。工业生产下降了 50%，加剧了这一巨大的经济衰退，而这一行业在美国曾一度蓬勃发展。与此同时，作为美国经济支柱的农业部门也未能幸免。农业大幅萎缩，产量的下降与工业的下降如出一辙。这些关键部门的同时衰退造成了经济活动的螺旋式下滑。失业率作为经济健康状况的一个明显指标，飙升得令人震惊。1929 年，约有 150 万美国人失业。然而，到 1932 年，这一数字跃升至 1200 万，标志着一场前所未有的就业危机改变了经济和社会面貌。大规模失业导致数百万家庭收入大幅减少。收入减少的直接后果是无家可归者人数增加、饥饿现象更加普遍以及贫困加剧。人们获取食物、住房和医疗保健等基本需求的能力受到严重影响，凸显了经济危机的严重性。
-The economic distress did not spare rural areas, where the drastic fall in agricultural prices plunged farmers into a downward financial spiral. To quantify this, let's imagine a 50% drop in agricultural prices. This would mean that farmers' incomes, and by extension their purchasing power, would be severely affected. The domino effect of this fall in prices would be tangible. A significant decline in the rural population occurred as farmers, faced with reduced incomes, were forced to abandon their land. Imagine a 30% reduction in the rural population, reflecting the severity of migration to urban centres. This exodus from the countryside to the cities has led to a contraction in agricultural production. If we were to quantify this decline, we could envisage a 40% reduction in agricultural production, exacerbating the fall in prices due to a persistent oversupply. The rural economy was in a downward spiral. Falling prices and a shrinking population led to falling production. This toxic combination not only exacerbated poverty and distress in rural areas but also contributed to the saturation of cities with surplus labour, exacerbating already high unemployment rates.
+农村地区也未能幸免于经济困境，农产品价格的急剧下降使农民陷入了经济衰退的漩涡。为了量化这一点，让我们设想一下农产品价格下跌 50%的情况。这意味着农民的收入以及他们的购买力将受到严重影响。价格下跌的多米诺骨牌效应将是显而易见的。由于农民收入减少，被迫放弃土地，农村人口大幅减少。试想一下，农村人口减少 30%，反映了向城市中心迁移的严重程度。农村人口向城市的流动导致了农业生产的萎缩。如果对这种下降进行量化，我们可以设想农业生产减少 40%，由于持续供过于求，加剧了价格下跌。农村经济正处于螺旋式下滑之中。价格下降和人口减少导致产量下降。这种有毒的组合不仅加剧了农村地区的贫困和困境，还导致城市剩余劳动力饱和，加剧了本已很高的失业率。
-The Great Depression, characterised by a catastrophic deterioration in economic conditions, resulted in immeasurable human suffering. If we were to put figures on this crisis, we might consider that the unemployment rate soared to an alarming 25%, meaning that one in four Americans of working age found themselves without a job. Food insecurity was rampant. Perhaps as much as a third of the American population was affected, facing malnutrition and hunger in the absence of a stable income. Poverty rates reached unprecedented heights, with millions of people, perhaps as many as 40% of the population, living below the poverty line. Against this backdrop, the New Deal was introduced to bring immediate relief. Millions of jobs were created through various programmes - to illustrate, the Civilian Conservation Corps employed some 2.5 million single young men in conservation and natural resource development work. However, despite these considerable efforts, the economic recession dragged on. It took almost a decade, until the mid-1940s, for the US economy to begin to show signs of robust recovery, where the unemployment rate returned to a more manageable figure, and rates of poverty and food insecurity began to fall. This period underlines the scale of the economic and humanitarian devastation and the need for coordinated and meaningful government intervention to facilitate recovery and ensure the well-being of citizens in times of crisis.
+大萧条的特点是经济状况灾难性地恶化，给人类带来了无法估量的痛苦。如果我们用数字来描述这场危机，我们可能会认为失业率飙升至令人震惊的 25%，这意味着每四个处于工作年龄的美国人中就有一个没有工作。粮食不安全问题十分严重。可能多达三分之一的美国人口受到影响，在没有稳定收入的情况下面临营养不良和饥饿。贫困率达到了前所未有的高度，数百万人（可能多达总人口的 40%）生活在贫困线以下。在此背景下，新政应运而生，以解燃眉之急。通过各种计划创造了数百万个工作岗位--举例来说，"平民保护团 "雇用了约 250 万单身青年从事保护和自然资源开发工作。然而，尽管做出了这些巨大努力，经济衰退仍在持续。差不多过了十年，直到 20 世纪 40 年代中期，美国经济才开始出现强劲复苏的迹象，失业率恢复到一个比较容易控制的数字，贫困率和粮食不安全率开始下降。这一时期凸显了经济和人道主义破坏的规模，以及政府需要进行协调和有意义的干预，以促进复苏并确保公民在危机时期的福祉。
-The economic decline, represented by an estimated 30% fall in consumer spending, illustrated the collapse in consumer confidence and purchasing power. The unemployment rate, which reached a staggering peak of 25%, highlighted the extent of people's inability to find work and, consequently, to earn an income. This reduction in income created a vicious circle where reduced consumption led to reduced demand for goods and services. In terms of figures, imagine a 40% fall in industrial production, illustrating a drastic reduction in demand. Financial distress seeped into every household, where average incomes fell by perhaps 50%, making it difficult for millions of Americans to access basic needs. In fact, up to a third of Americans were unable to meet basic needs such as food and housing. The human cost of this crisis was enormous. Food banks and shelters were overwhelmed, and perhaps 20% of the population struggled to provide a daily meal for their families. The number of homeless people increased exponentially, with thousands of "tent cities" emerging across the country. These alarming statistics paint a bleak picture of America during the Great Depression, highlighting the deep economic and human distress that required massive and decisive government intervention to reverse the course of economic and social deterioration.
+消费者支出估计下降了 30%，表明经济下滑，消费者信心和购买力崩溃。失业率达到了令人吃惊的 25%的峰值，凸显了人们找不到工作、因而无法赚取收入的程度。收入减少造成了恶性循环，消费减少导致对商品和服务的需求减少。用数字来说明，工业生产下降 40%，说明需求急剧下降。经济困境渗入每个家庭，平均收入可能下降 50%，使数百万美国人难以获得基本需求。事实上，多达三分之一的美国人无法满足食品和住房等基本需求。这场危机造成了巨大的人员损失。食品银行和避难所不堪重负，可能有 20% 的人口在为家人的一日三餐而挣扎。无家可归者的人数成倍增加，全国各地出现了数以千计的 "帐篷城"。这些令人震惊的数据描绘了大萧条时期美国的惨淡景象，凸显了经济和人类的深重困境，需要政府进行大规模的果断干预，以扭转经济和社会恶化的趋势。
-The Great Depression shattered the financial and social foundations of the American middle class. Imagine that 50% of middle-class households saw their financial security collapse, losing not only jobs but also their savings. The loss of homes was alarming; at one point nearly 1,000 homes were foreclosed every day, leaving families homeless and desperate. Property, a pillar of financial security, evaporated for millions, with an estimated 25% increase in homelessness. Confidence in the government under President Herbert Hoover was at an all-time low. The slow and inadequate response to the crisis left around 60% of the American population feeling neglected, without support or relief from growing poverty and uncertainty. Middle-class families, once prosperous, have seen their standard of living fall drastically. Real wages may have fallen by 40%, and discretionary spending became a luxury. One in four Americans was unemployed, and economic misery permeated every aspect of daily life. These figures provide a tangible perspective on the scale of the devastation that the Great Depression inflicted on the American middle class, and underline the powerlessness felt by many in response to governance that was perceived as ineffective and insensitive to the deep distress of the people.
+大萧条摧毁了美国中产阶级的经济和社会基础。试想一下，50% 的中产阶级家庭的经济保障崩溃了，他们不仅失去了工作，还失去了积蓄。房屋的损失令人震惊；一度每天有近 1 000 处房屋被取消赎回权，导致家庭无家可归，陷入绝境。财产作为经济安全的支柱，对数百万人来说已不复存在，无家可归者估计增加了 25%。人们对赫伯特-胡佛总统领导下的政府的信心降到了历史最低点。对危机的反应迟缓而不充分，使得约 60% 的美国人感到被忽视，在日益严重的贫困和不确定性中得不到支持或救济。曾经富裕的中产阶级家庭的生活水平急剧下降。实际工资可能下降了 40%，可自由支配的开支成为奢侈品。每四个美国人中就有一个失业，经济苦难渗透到日常生活的方方面面。这些数字从一个具体的角度说明了大萧条对美国中产阶级造成的破坏程度，并强调了许多人对政府的无力感，因为政府被认为是无效的，对人民的深重苦难麻木不仁。
-The emergence of the 'Hoovervilles' marked a low point in the Great Depression, underlining the scale of the human and economic misery that had befallen the country. It's no exaggeration to say that thousands of these makeshift settlements sprang up in cities across America, housing entire families who had lost everything. The numbers behind these communities tell a story of desperation. Each "Hooverville" could have hundreds or even thousands of residents. In New York City, a particularly large "Hooverville" emerged in Central Park, where hundreds of people lived in makeshift shelters. Life in these communities was precarious. With little or no access to adequate sanitation, disease spread easily. Malnutrition rates were high, with perhaps as many as 75% of residents suffering from a lack of adequate food, and life expectancy in these camps was significantly reduced. The emergence of the "Hoovervilles" was a visible sign of the government's failure to respond effectively to the crisis. The plight of the residents, over 90% of whom were unemployed and had lost all means of support, became a powerful symbol of the country's economic and social deterioration. These figures offer a glimpse into the immensity of the human crisis during the Great Depression, highlighting the devastating impact of unemployment, poverty and government failure in responding to the deteriorating living conditions of ordinary Americans.
+胡佛村 "的出现标志着大萧条的低谷，凸显了美国所遭受的人类和经济苦难的规模。毫不夸张地说，全美各城市涌现出成千上万个这样的临时定居点，为失去一切的家庭提供住所。这些社区背后的数字讲述了一个绝望的故事。每个 "胡佛村 "都可能有数百甚至数千名居民。在纽约市，中央公园出现了一个特别大的 "胡佛村"，数百人住在临时搭建的避难所里。这些社区的生活岌岌可危。由于几乎没有适当的卫生设施，疾病很容易传播。营养不良率很高，可能多达 75% 的居民缺乏足够的食物，这些营地的预期寿命大大缩短。胡佛村 "的出现是政府未能有效应对危机的明显标志。90%以上的居民失业，失去了一切生活来源，他们的困境成为国家经济和社会恶化的有力象征。这些数字让人们看到了大萧条时期人类危机的严重性，凸显了失业、贫困和政府未能应对普通美国人日益恶化的生活条件所造成的破坏性影响。
-The residents of the Hoovervilles represented a mix of those hardest hit by the Great Depression. For example, 60% may have been immigrants or African-Americans, reflecting the discrimination and inequality exacerbated by the economic crisis. In these makeshift communities, the unemployment rate among people of colour and immigrants was around 50% higher than the national average. Limited access to support and work opportunities amplified their economic vulnerability. Each Hooverville had its own self-help system. Almost 80% of residents depended on charity, donations of food and clothing, or occasional work to survive. Self-sufficiency was a necessity, with exceptionally high rates of dependency on community services and charity. The psychological impact was also profound. For many, life in the Hoovervilles represented a drastic decline in living standards, with perhaps 70% of residents having previously lived in middle-class conditions. Shame and humiliation were omnipresent, as each family and individual struggled to maintain dignity in overwhelming circumstances. These figures paint a moving picture of life in the Hoovervilles and highlight the inequality and distress that characterised the experience of millions of marginalised Americans during the Great Depression. It was a dark chapter, when deteriorating living conditions and social marginalisation became clear symptoms of a deep economic and humanitarian crisis.
+胡佛村的居民代表了受大萧条打击最严重的人群。例如，60%的人可能是移民或非裔美国人，这反映出经济危机加剧了歧视和不平等。在这些临时社区，有色人种和移民的失业率比全国平均水平高出约 50%。获得支持和工作机会的途径有限，加剧了他们的经济脆弱性。每个胡佛村都有自己的自助系统。近 80% 的居民依靠慈善、食物和衣物捐赠或偶尔工作来维持生计。他们必须自给自足，对社区服务和慈善机构的依赖程度极高。心理影响也是深远的。对许多人来说，胡佛村的生活代表着生活水平的急剧下降，可能有 70% 的居民以前生活在中产阶级的条件下。羞耻和屈辱无处不在，每个家庭和个人都在不堪重负的环境中努力维持尊严。这些数字描绘了一幅胡佛别墅区生活的动人画卷，凸显了大萧条时期数百万处于社会边缘的美国人所经历的不平等和苦难。这是黑暗的一章，生活条件恶化和社会边缘化成为深刻的经济和人道主义危机的明显症状。
-The Great Depression exacerbated existing racial inequalities in the United States, with a disproportionate effect on African-American communities. For example, while the national unemployment rate reached alarming heights, it was around 50% higher among African-Americans. This poignant statistic highlights a reality where African-Americans were often the first to be laid off and the last to be hired. With the rise in unemployment, a phenomenon of reverse migration has occurred. Around 1.3 million African-Americans, a significant proportion of the urban African-American population at the time, found themselves forced to return to the South, often facing a life as sharecroppers or farmers. This was a return to precarious living and working conditions, exacerbating poverty and discrimination. Wages for African-Americans, already low before the Depression, fell even further. The average African-American worker could earn up to 30% less than a white worker, exacerbating the economic and social challenges. Living conditions for African-Americans also deteriorated. In the Hoovervilles, where large numbers of African-Americans found themselves living, conditions were precarious. The lack of basic services such as drinking water and sanitary facilities affected up to 90% of coloured residents in these settlements. These figures reveal not only the devastating economic impact of the Great Depression on African-Americans, but also how the crisis intensified racial and social inequalities, plunging many African-Americans into deep poverty and precariousness and highlighting the systemic discrimination of the time.
+大萧条加剧了美国现有的种族不平等，对非洲裔美国人社区的影响尤为严重。例如，当全国失业率达到惊人的高度时，非裔美国人的失业率却高出约 50%。这一令人痛心的统计数字凸显了这样一个现实：非裔美国人往往最先被解雇，最后才被雇用。随着失业率的上升，出现了逆向移民现象。约 130 万非裔美国人（占当时城市非裔美国人的很大比例）发现自己被迫返回南方，往往面临着佃农或农民的生活。这又回到了不稳定的生活和工作条件，加剧了贫困和歧视。非裔美国人的工资在大萧条之前就已经很低，现在更是进一步下降。非裔美国人的平均工资可能比白人工人低 30%，加剧了经济和社会挑战。非裔美国人的生活条件也每况愈下。在大量非裔美国人居住的胡佛村，生活条件岌岌可危。由于缺乏饮用水和卫生设施等基本服务，这些居住区多达 90% 的有色人种居民受到了影响。这些数字不仅揭示了大萧条对非裔美国人造成的毁灭性经济影响，还揭示了这场危机如何加剧了种族和社会不平等，使许多非裔美国人陷入极度贫困和岌岌可危的境地，并凸显了当时的系统性歧视。
-The impact of the Great Depression on Mexican immigrants was exacerbated by discriminatory government policies. Between 1929 and 1936, the 'Mexican repatriation' saw a considerable number of individuals of Mexican origin forced to leave the United States. Precise estimates suggest that up to 60% of those affected were in fact American citizens, born and raised in the United States. The difficult economic climate has led to increased xenophobia. With unemployment reaching 25% nationally during the Great Depression, the pressure to 'free up' jobs fuelled anti-immigrant sentiment. For Mexican-Americans, this often translated into mass deportations, where between 10% and 15% of the Mexican population living in the United States was forced to leave. The conditions of "repatriation" were often brutal. Trains and buses were used to transport people of Mexican origin to Mexico, and around 50% of them were children born in the United States. They found themselves in a country they barely knew, often without the resources to settle down and start a new life. Instead of solving the problem of unemployment, the repatriation policy exacerbated human suffering. Mexican-Americans, including US citizens of Mexican origin, were stigmatised and marginalised, and communities were torn apart. This chapter in American history highlights the dangers of xenophobia and discrimination, particularly during times of economic crisis.
+政府的歧视性政策加剧了大萧条对墨西哥移民的影响。1929 年至 1936 年间，在 "墨西哥遣返 "行动中，大量墨西哥裔人被迫离开美国。据精确估计，高达 60% 的受影响者实际上是在美国出生和长大的美国公民。困难的经济环境导致仇外心理加剧。大萧条时期，全国失业率高达 25%，"释放 "工作岗位的压力助长了反移民情绪。对于墨西哥裔美国人来说，这种情绪往往转化为大规模驱逐，10% 到 15%的墨西哥裔美国人被迫离开美国。遣返 "的条件往往十分残酷。火车和公共汽车被用来将墨西哥裔人运回墨西哥，其中约 50%是在美国出生的儿童。他们发现自己来到了一个几乎不熟悉的国家，往往没有资源安顿下来，开始新的生活。遣返政策非但没有解决失业问题，反而加剧了人类的苦难。墨西哥裔美国人，包括墨西哥裔美国公民，被污名化和边缘化，社区四分五裂。美国历史上的这一篇章凸显了仇外心理和歧视的危险，尤其是在经济危机时期。
-The Great Depression was not limited to the borders of the United States; it also deeply affected Mexico, exacerbating the challenges faced by repatriated individuals. At the same time as hundreds of thousands of people of Mexican origin, including US citizens, were being sent back to Mexico, the country was facing its own economic crises. Unemployment was high, and the mass return of people put further pressure on an already fragile economy. Estimates suggest that Mexico, with an economy that had contracted by almost 17% during the Depression years, was not equipped to handle the sudden influx of workers. The absorption capacity of the labour market was limited; demand for labour far outstripped supply, leading to rising unemployment and poverty. Many returnees were US citizens who found themselves in an unfamiliar country, without resources or support networks. Around 60% of those deported had never lived in Mexico. They faced integration challenges, including language and cultural barriers, in an inhospitable economic environment. This massive displacement has had lasting consequences. Families were separated, community ties were broken, and a collective trauma set in. This episode bears witness to the profound and lasting repercussions of migration policies, especially when implemented in the context of a global economic crisis. The resilience of those affected, however, also testifies to the human capacity to adapt and rebuild in extraordinary circumstances.
+大萧条并不局限于美国边境，它也深深影响了墨西哥，加剧了被遣返者所面临的挑战。在包括美国公民在内的数十万墨西哥裔人被遣返回墨西哥的同时，墨西哥也面临着自身的经济危机。失业率居高不下，大量人员回国给本已脆弱的经济带来了更大的压力。据估计，墨西哥的经济在大萧条时期萎缩了近 17%，没有能力应对突然涌入的工人。劳动力市场的吸纳能力有限；劳动力需求远远超过供给，导致失业率和贫困率上升。许多返回者是美国公民，他们发现自己身处一个陌生的国家，没有资源或支持网络。约 60% 的被驱逐者从未在墨西哥生活过。他们面临着融入社会的挑战，包括语言和文化障碍，以及不友好的经济环境。这种大规模的流离失所造成了持久的后果。家庭离散，社区纽带断裂，集体创伤逐渐形成。这一事件见证了移民政策，尤其是在全球经济危机背景下实施的移民政策所造成的深刻而持久的影响。然而，受影响者的复原力也证明了人类在特殊情况下的适应和重建能力。
-The Great Depression exacerbated existing racial and economic inequalities in the United States. Although the crisis affected all segments of the population, marginalised groups such as African-Americans and Mexican immigrants were disproportionately affected, compounding their daily hardships and struggles. African-Americans, already facing systemic segregation and discrimination, saw their situation worsen during the Great Depression. The unemployment rate among African-Americans was about double that of whites. Many relief initiatives and employment programmes were either inaccessible to people of colour or segregated and offered inferior wages and working conditions. African-American workers were often the first to be fired and the last to be hired. In the agrarian South, many black farmers, already exploited as sharecroppers, were evicted from their land as a result of falling prices for agricultural products, exacerbating poverty and food insecurity. Mexican immigrants, too, suffered exacerbated prejudice. Mass deportations and forced repatriations have broken up families and communities, leaving many people in precarious situations in both the United States and Mexico. These actions were exacerbated by xenophobic sentiments, which were often amplified during periods of economic crisis. The struggle for access to resources and aid was a common theme during this period. Existing racial prejudices limited marginalised groups' access to government relief programmes and economic opportunities, exacerbating inequality and deprivation. The Great Depression highlighted deep fissures in equity and justice in American society, fissures that continued to be addressed and contested in the decades that followed.
+大萧条加剧了美国现有的种族和经济不平等。尽管这场危机影响到各阶层人口，但非裔美国人和墨西哥移民等边缘化群体受到的影响尤为严重，加剧了他们日常的艰辛和挣扎。非裔美国人本来就面临着系统性的种族隔离和歧视，在大萧条期间，他们的处境更加恶化。非裔美国人的失业率约为白人的两倍。许多救济措施和就业计划要么是有色人种无法获得的，要么是种族隔离的，提供的工资和工作条件也很差。非裔美国工人往往最先被解雇，最后才被雇用。在农业发达的南方，许多黑人农民已经作为佃农受到剥削，由于农产品价格下跌，他们被赶出了自己的土地，加剧了贫困和粮食不安全。墨西哥移民也遭受了更严重的偏见。大规模驱逐和强制遣返使家庭和社区支离破碎，许多人在美国和墨西哥都岌岌可危。仇外情绪加剧了这些行动，而在经济危机时期，仇外情绪往往被放大。在此期间，争取获得资源和援助是一个共同的主题。现有的种族偏见限制了边缘化群体获得政府救济计划和经济机会，加剧了不平等和贫困。大萧条凸显了美国社会在公平和正义方面存在的深刻裂痕，这些裂痕在随后的几十年中仍在继续得到解决和争论。
-= The election of 1932 and the rise of Franklin D. Roosevelt =
+= 1932 年大选和富兰克林-罗斯福的崛起 =
 Herbert Hoover, President of the United States from 1929 to 1933, was often criticised for his handling of the Great Depression. His ideological beliefs in 'rugged individualism' and laissez-faire economics led him to adopt a hands-off approach, in stark contrast to the public's growing expectations of government action. Hoover believed that the primary responsibility for economic recovery lay with individuals, businesses and local communities. He firmly believed in the inherent ability of the American economy to recover naturally without direct government interference. Hoover encouraged private initiative and charity as the primary means of relieving public distress. He expected businesses to avoid layoffs and maintain wages, and the wealthy to contribute generously to charitable efforts to help the less fortunate. However, these expectations proved unrealistic in the gloomy economic reality of the time, marked by a rapid contraction in employment, bankruptcies and widespread social distress. The American people, faced with astronomical unemployment rates, loss of housing and poverty, expected a more vigorous and immediate response. The perception of Hoover's inaction contributed to a sense of despair and abandonment among the population, making the Hoovervilles, shanty towns where the homeless lived, visible and ubiquitous symbols of the perceived failure of his presidency. It was only towards the end of his term that Hoover began to recognise, at least in part, the need for more direct federal action to combat the economic crisis. By then, however, public confidence in his ability to steer the country through the Depression had been profoundly eroded. Franklin D. Roosevelt's landslide victory in the 1932 presidential election reflected the public's yearning for a change of direction and vigorous government action to turn the nation around.

« 大萧条与新政：1929 - 1940年 » : différence entre les versions