During the 1930s the United States underwent a profound crisis. Stemming from the world depression, the consequent high unemployment and widespread poverty devastated American society. The 'New Deal' not only sought to remedy the immediate problems, it also instigated a far-reaching reform programme which was to permeate society, politics, and the economy. This special subject will focus on the programmes, policies and achievements of the New Deal. After an initial discussion of the scale and impact of the depression, and of the chronological framework of New Deal legislation, the module will adopt a thematic approach, including: the implications of the New Deal for specific groups in American society (eg African Americans, organised labour, tenant farmers, the unemployed); the creation of a social security and welfare system in the United States; the many imaginative relief programmes introduced; New Deal agricultural and industrial policy; changes in the political system in the US; and American popular culture during the 1930s. It will conclude with an assessment of both contemporary and modern critiques of the New Deal programme.
Students will be trained in the use of primary sources, which will include not only printed primary sources (including contemporary novels and journal articles, memoirs, letters and autobiographies) but also audio-visual sources such as photographs, popular music, newsreels and film. The module also uses the rich primary source material available on the internet, both written and audio-visual. Students wishing to obtain a flavour of the module can find information at
https://www.essex.ac.uk/history/Campus_only/HR620/HR620_HOME.aspx
Students will be trained in the use of primary sources, which will include not only printed primary sources (including contemporary novels and journal articles, memoirs, letters and autobiographies) but also audio-visual sources such as photographs, popular music, newsreels and film. The module also uses the rich primary source material available on the internet, both written and audio-visual. Students wishing to obtain a flavour of the module can find information at
https://www.essex.ac.uk/history/Campus_only/HR620/HR620_HOME.aspx