Impact of the Great Depression and the New Deal on Minorities

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American history is full of meaningful events that shaped the citizens’ spirit and the desire to develop and improve their living conditions. The period between 1929 and 1939 was known as the Great Depression and was characterized by severe economic changes and challenges due to poor government policies, bank failures, and supply collapses. When Franklin D. Roosevelt became the American President, he initiated several programs known as the New Deal to support financial reforms and social regulations as “the road to peace” (Radio address, n.d.). However, despite the intention to promote democracy and equality in the United States, the impact of the Great Depression was devastating, and the New Deal did not solve most problems among minorities. Negatively affected by the Great Depression, women and Native Americans obtained better options, while blacks and Hispanics could not achieve similar opportunities because of the governmental role in social and economic affairs as a part of the New Deal.

At the end of the 1920s, the Great Depression penetrated American society, but its impact varied among social groups. On the one hand, rich people (about 40% of the population) neither noticed serious changes in their business affairs nor helped other individuals solve their problems (America in the 1930s, n.d.). Therefore, one of the main goals of Roosevelt’s policy was “to struggle with the old enemies of peace – business and financial monopoly, speculation… class antagonism, sectionalism” (Radio address, n.d). One of the strongest issues in his speech was the appeal to Americans “who had eyes to see and hearts to understand” (Radio address, n.d.). It was not enough to recognize the problem but be ready to cooperate and find solutions. On the other hand, increased unemployment, low birth rates, lost incomes, and regular conflicts at different levels were obvious in most American families (America in the 1930s, n.d.). The Great Depression devasted people in a variety of ways: people lost their houses, lived in poverty, and starved, having no chance to change something. Roosevelt wanted to support the whole population, but his social priorities mostly depended on his political ambitions.

The New Deal was one of the most remarkable events in the history of the American economy that made it possible to end the Great Depression and integrate new solutions. The most evident achievements during the late 1930s were associated with improved employment conditions, wage growth, and purchasing powers (Dunleavy, 2018). Roosevelt explained that his campaign had to be defined “not as bitter but only as hard-fought” and underlined “the welfare of the United States of America” as his goal that contained “more than promises” (Radio address, n.d.). Therefore, the New Deal’s long-term legacies were related to ending human suffering, identifying the federal government roles, promoting economic well-being, and enhancing social security.

The impact of the Great Depression and the New Deal proved that not all minority groups could achieve similar benefits and enjoy the changes imposed by the government. Addressing Roosevelt’s speech, it was clear that the President wanted to support and offer “a will-o’-the-wisp” for despaired young men and women (Radio address, n.d.). He believed that the government could create the conditions under which both genders could obtain and use their education to eradicate poverty and inequality. The Great Depression empowered women in their new roles and the necessity of working outside the home (America in the 1930s, n.d.). Even black women could find new jobs, become domestic servants or clerks, and participate in domestic decision-making (America in the 1930s, n.d.). As soon as they earned money for their families’ well-being, they got hopes for a better future and control. The New Deal also supported Native Americans who experienced economic relief and political recognition within their communities (America in the 1930s, n.d.). It became possible to restore most of their land ownership and voting rights, which was a significant accomplishment for the United States.

Unfortunately, blacks and Hispanics were less lucky compared to women and Native Americans regarding employment and freedoms. The Great Depression made these minority groups leave their workplaces and be deported so that whites could find jobs as a part of the government’s support (America in the 1930s, n.d.). Besides, Roosevelt did not find it necessary to identify them as a separate group who deserved the right to change but mentioned farmers, men, women, children, and “other Americans of all parties and all faiths” (Radio address, n.d.). It seemed that Roosevelt tried to avoid racial debates not to lose his supporters in the South. However, he encouraged labor movements and fair competition, revealing new possibilities for black and Hispanic minorities (Dunleavy, 2018). The evaluation of the chosen historical events shows that the Great Depression was inevitable because of ingrained monopolies and deceits. Whereas the New Deal was an expected solution that led the current President to believe in peace and prosperity of the country.

I agree with major historical assessments of the New Deal and the impact of the Great Depression for their positive attitudes toward all people who lived in the United States in the 1930s. These events proved that education and employment should be promoted, and gender inequality was no longer a reason for debate. Economic instability, lost houses, and financial problems made people suffer, and Roosevelt wanted to support the population and show that improved working conditions and fair salaries were possible. Although blacks and Hispanics did not obtain similar opportunities to change their lives, the New Deal was a serious breakthrough for women and Native Americans.