While political promises are not a new phenomenon, the scale of change required by the New Deal to address Great Depression problems was unprecedented. This inquiry requires students to compare the vision shared by FDR in his inaugural address and fireside chat with the programs and initiatives enacted by the New Deal.
Login to add Inquiry to Stack
About the inquiry
Compelling Question
Did the New Deal deliver what it promised?
Standards
D2.His.16.9-12. Integrate evidence from multiple relevant historical sources and interpretations into a reasoned argument about the past.
Instructional Snapshot
Class begins with students reading speeches by FDR to identify his promises and plans to address the Great Depression. They will consider both short and long-term goals on a graphic organizer.
Students then research the New Deal’s impact using the Living New Deal website, which features an interactive map and program database. Students can localize their research to focus on where they live, as well as consider the impact of national economic reforms and programs. They will record their findings on a graphic organizer. Teachers may limit the scope of research and excerpt the source.
Next, students discuss the outcome of the New Deal programs, both in their region and nationwide. They can rank and evaluate the plan on the handout provided. Students finish by selecting one of three pre-written claims or crafting one on their own. They will support their claim by making connections between FDR’s speeches and their New Deal research.
Formative Tasks
COLLABORATE: Identify short and long-term solutions to the Great Depression.
DELIBERATE: Evaluate the effectiveness of New Deal policies compared to the promises made by FDR.
PRODUCE: Select a claim and support it with evidence and reasoning.
Sources
Source A: Inaugural address of Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States: delivered at the Capitol, Washington, D.C., March 4, 1933
Source B: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Fireside Chat, “Outlining the New Deal Program” (excerpts), May 7, 1933
Source C: The Living New Deal - National Map and New Deal Programs
Summative Performance Task
No data found.
Taking Informed Action
No data found.