The New Deal

In this episode of The New Deal, host James Hartley explores the complex relationship between Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal programs and America's minority communities during the 1930s. Discover how the New Deal created unprecedented opportunities for African Americans, Native Americans, and other minorities while simultaneously maintaining discriminatory practices that limited their full particip...

In this episode of The New Deal, host James Hartley explores the formation and impact of the Conservative Coalition that emerged in 1937 to oppose Franklin D. Roosevelt's expanding federal programs. Learn how Southern Democrats like Senators Josiah Bailey, Harry Byrd, and Walter George joined forces with Republicans to block New Deal legislation and reshape American political discourse. Discover t...

Explore the creation of Social Security in 1935, one of America's most transformative New Deal programs. Host James Hartley examines how Franklin Roosevelt and Frances Perkins developed this groundbreaking social insurance system during the Great Depression, fundamentally changing government's role in protecting citizens from economic uncertainty. Learn about the fierce political opposition, const...

Explore the transformative impact of New Deal labor policies on American workers in this comprehensive episode of The New Deal. Host James Hartley examines how the Great Depression created unprecedented challenges for American workers, setting the stage for revolutionary changes in labor relations. Learn about the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933 and its groundbreaking Section 7A, which fi...

In this compelling episode of The New Deal, host James Hartley explores Franklin Roosevelt's controversial 1937 court-packing plan, one of American history's most dramatic constitutional crises. Discover how FDR's frustration with Supreme Court decisions striking down New Deal legislation led to his audacious proposal to add six new justices to the Court. Learn about the fierce political backlash...

In this episode of The New Deal, host James Hartley explores the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), one of Franklin Roosevelt's most ambitious and controversial New Deal programs. Established in May 1933, the TVA transformed seven southeastern states through comprehensive regional planning, flood control, and public power generation. Discover how this groundbreaking federal corporation brought elec...

Explore the transformative banking reforms of 1933 that pulled America from financial collapse. This episode examines the Glass-Steagall Act's separation of commercial and investment banking, the creation of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and how these New Deal policies restored public trust in America's financial system. Learn about key figures like Leo Crowley who led the FDIC...

Join host James Hartley as he explores two transformative New Deal programs that put millions of Americans back to work during the Great Depression. This episode examines the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA), groundbreaking initiatives that not only provided employment but created lasting infrastructure and cultural heritage. Learn how the CCC employed over...

In this episode of The New Deal, host James Hartley explores the famous 'alphabet soup' of emergency agencies created during Franklin Roosevelt's administration to combat the Great Depression. From the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that employed millions in environmental projects, to the massive Works Progress Administration (WPA) that built America's infrastructure while supporting artists an...

Join host James Hartley as he explores Franklin D. Roosevelt's transformative first 100 days in office during the Great Depression. This episode examines how FDR revolutionized presidential leadership through decisive action, innovative communication, and unprecedented legislative momentum. Discover the story behind the emergency bank holiday, the first fireside chat, and the creation of landmark...

In this compelling episode of The New Deal, host James Hartley examines the devastating 1929 stock market crash and its profound impact on American society and governance. From the prosperity and speculation of the Roaring Twenties to the panic of Black Thursday and Black Tuesday, this episode explores how the crash exposed fundamental weaknesses in the American economic system. Discover how unemp...