Alphabet Agencies of the New Deal
The New Deal is the name given to the programs launched by President Franklin D.
Roosevelt during 1933-1937, with the goal of RELIEF, RECOVERY, and REFORM to the
national economy. During FDR’s first “100 Days” in office, he created many “alphabet
agencies,” some set up by Congress, others by executive order, to help Americans during this
difficult period. FDR told the American people at his inaugural: “This nation asks for action, &
action now.”
Supporters Said …
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Brought economic recovery
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Prevented the economic and political collapse of the U.S.
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Created government jobs for unemployed
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Created programs to prevent future depressions
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Gave relief to the farmers
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Created jobs for young American
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Instilled more hope in the future
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Supported the work of artists
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Set a precedent for the federal government playing a key role in the economic and social
policies of the nation
Critics thought that…
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The New Deal did not do enough for people
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Too expensive
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It was disorganized and the programs were not well thought out.
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It did not address African Americans’ troubles
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Tremendous cost would further bankrupt the country
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The Supreme Court and others felt it gave the president too much power. Some judges
felt it was unconstitutional.
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It expanded the role of the federal government
Directions: The New Deal introduced government agencies to address the
problems that Americans faced. You will investigate one agency and then create a
flyer that explains the agency’s role to the American people.
Your Flyer Will...
1. Show its agency’s work and how the public benefits from the agency to
solve the problems of the depression.
2. Advertise and win public support for the agency.
3. Be neatly and creatively completed
On separate paper you will include a 2-paragraph explanation about your
agency. Paragraphs must be typed and follow the format below:
Paragraph 1: State the year the agency was founded, its main purpose and if it
was created by FDR in an “executive order” or enacted by congress. State if this
agency is still around today? If so, discuss its role in society today. How has it
changed? How has it stayed the same? If not, when did it cease and why?
Paragraph 2: Explain “who” the workers were, where (the state/region) they
worked, and the specific type of work they performed, training they received,
and how much they were paid. Include information of how many people
worked in this agency if available. What evidence can we see today of the
work they did? Include photographs of workers and projects they worked on.