FDR'S New Deal initiatives were a major turning point in the economy during the Great Depression. The New Deal was comprised of several different initiatives to help tackle the many different problems that existed during the Great Depression, from unemployment to the failure of banks. To introduce these programs, have students outline the major New Deal initiatives using a spider map. This will give students a solid foundation to further explore how each program aimed to solve the most prevalent problems of the Great Depression.
To further explore these programs, check out our other New Deal activities.
Extended Activity
Have students create a spider map to detail the initiatives taken by President Barack Obama in 2008 to solve the recession crisis. Students should state how the president attempted to solve many of the same issues that existed during the Great Depression, including unemployment and the revitalization of businesses. This will help connect the politics of the 1930s with that of the 2000s.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard analyzing the different New Deal initiatives.
Engage students by organizing a structured debate on the successes and challenges of the New Deal. Debating helps students think critically and understand multiple perspectives.
Divide students into two teams: one supporting the New Deal's effectiveness and one questioning it. Assign roles like opening speaker, rebuttal responder, and closing argument presenter for each group.
Give each group articles, textbook pages, or primary sources about the New Deal. Share guiding questions such as, "Did the New Deal end the Great Depression?" and "Which programs had the most impact?" to focus their research.
Explain the format, such as time for opening statements, rebuttals, and closing remarks. Keeping timing consistent ensures fair participation and keeps students on track.
Moderate the discussion by keeping students respectful and on-topic. After the debate, lead a reflection on what they learned about the New Deal, and have students share which arguments they found most convincing and why.
FDR's New Deal initiatives were a series of government programs and reforms launched to address the economic crisis of the Great Depression. These included public works programs, bank stabilization, economic regulation, and assistance to farmers, all aimed at reducing unemployment and reviving the economy.
Use a spider map activity where students outline and illustrate key New Deal initiatives—such as public works, bank reforms, and farm assistance—along with their aims. This visual tool helps students grasp complex information efficiently.
A spider map is a graphic organizer that lets students visually organize information around a central concept. For the New Deal, it helps students break down and connect the various initiatives, making complex historical topics easier to understand.
Both FDR's New Deal and Obama's 2008 initiatives addressed economic crises by focusing on job creation, financial stabilization, and business support. Educators can engage students by comparing how each president tackled unemployment and economic recovery in their time.
Assign a storyboard or spider map project where students identify, describe, and illustrate major New Deal initiatives. This hands-on activity reinforces understanding and encourages creativity.