What was the result of FDR's "First New Deal" in contrast to the "Second New Deal"?

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Study for the Texas AandM University HIST106 History of the United States Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The "First New Deal," implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the early years of his administration, primarily aimed at providing immediate relief to those suffering from the effects of the Great Depression. This phase of the New Deal focused on measures that would stabilize the economy and provide direct assistance to American citizens who were unemployed or in dire economic straits. Programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) exemplified this immediate relief approach by providing jobs and direct funding to support the needy.

In contrast, the "Second New Deal," which emerged in 1935, shifted towards more structural reforms and long-term economic recovery. This phase included the establishment of lasting social programs like Social Security, aimed at providing financial security in old age, which was a significant departure from the immediate relief focus of the First New Deal. Additionally, the Second New Deal emphasized labor rights and the regulation of industry, further solidifying the government’s role in economic management.

Although some elements like infrastructure development occurred in both New Deal phases, the primary distinction lies in the First New Deal’s focus on immediate relief compared to the Second New Deal’s broader, more systemic reforms aimed at providing long-term security.