Readings: Boyer, Paul S. et al. The Enduring Vision: A History of the American People

Chapter 24: The Great Depression and the New Deal, 1929-1939

Zinn, Howard, People’s History of the United States

"A People’s War?"

Discussion Questions:

1. What was it about the issues and the personalities in the election of 1932 that made it a “no-brainer”? What can candidates for president today learn from that election?

2. What were the basic purposes and programs of the First New Deal? Evaluate the effectiveness of these programs.

3. Analyze the basic purposes and programs of the Second New Deal and discuss how they differed from those of the First New Deal.

4. What were the political implications of Roosevelt’s overwhelming landslide in the election 1936? How did that election affect Roosevelt’s presidency? Is there evidence that FDR misjudged his mandate?

5. Describe the psychological impact of poverty and unemployment during the Depression. How did individuals and families respond to hardships? Do you think that generation’s experience shapes how they view your generation?

6. Describe the role of mass culture (radio, music and movies) as a form of escapism during the Depression. How did films reflect the values or social problems of the era? Can your answer to this question tell you anything about the role of mass culture today?