History That Doesn't Suck — Episode 174: The First “First Hundred Days:” FDR Kicks Off the New Deal

Host: Prof. Greg Jackson
Release Date: February 24, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 174 of History That Doesn't Suck, Professor Greg Jackson delves into the critical first hundred days of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's (FDR) administration, highlighting the swift and transformative actions that launched the New Deal amidst the depths of the Great Depression. This episode meticulously explores FDR's strategic maneuvers, legislative achievements, and the pivotal role of key figures, including Eleanor Roosevelt, in steering the nation toward recovery.

FDR's First Press Conference: Setting the Tone

Context and Significance

The episode begins on March 8, 1933, with FDR preparing for his inaugural press conference in the Oval Room of the West Wing. This momentous event marked FDR's first direct communication with the press, setting the stage for his proactive approach to governance.

Key Highlights:

• Atmosphere and Expectations: Prof. Jackson paints a vivid picture of the tense atmosphere as 125 reporters converge in the Oval Room, uncertain of what to expect from the new president’s communication style.

• FDR's Approach: FDR opts for a conversational and candid interaction, breaking away from the more reserved styles of his predecessors.

  Notable Quote:

  FDR (00:00:XX): “We are not going to have any more written questions and of course while I cannot answer 75 or 100 questions because I simply haven't got the physical time, I see no reason why I should not talk to you ladies and gentlemen, off the record.”

• The Banking Holiday Announcement: Addressing the immediate crisis, FDR declares a four-day banking holiday to prevent further bank runs, a decisive move aimed at restoring public confidence.

  Notable Quote:

  FDR (00:00:XX): “Theale is here for the new President's first press conference...”

Impact:

• Restoring Confidence: The press conference successfully reassures both the public and financial institutions, laying the groundwork for subsequent legislative actions.

• Media Engagement: This event also marks the inception of FDR's famous "Fireside Chats," aimed at directly communicating with Americans through radio broadcasts.

Legislative Milestones: The Foundation of the New Deal

Emergency Banking Act (March 9, 1933)

• Objective: To stabilize the banking system by expanding presidential authority and ensuring the reopening of sound banks.

• Passage: Demonstrates unprecedented bipartisan cooperation, with Republicans and Democrats uniting to swiftly enact the legislation.

  Notable Quote:

  House Minority Leader Bertrand Snell (00:00:XX): “The House is burning down.”

  FDR (00:00:XX): “This is the way to put out the fire.”

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) (March 21, 1933)

• Creation: Established to provide employment for young men through conservation projects, the CCC became one of the most popular New Deal programs.

• Implementation: Faced initial resistance from labor groups but ultimately secured broad support, employing over 3 million young men by 1942.

  Notable Quote:

  FDR (00:26:02): “I'll tell you what. The Department of Labor will recruit these men.”

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) (May 12, 1933)

• Purpose: To reduce agricultural surpluses by paying farmers to limit production, thereby stabilizing crop prices.

• Controversies: While beneficial for farmers, the AAA negatively impacted sharecroppers and tenant farmers, particularly African Americans, and later faced Supreme Court challenges.

  Notable Quote:

  FDR (00:00:XX): “We do not want and will not have another epidemic of bank failures.”

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Act (May 18, 1933)

• Vision: Aimed at economic development and infrastructure improvement in the Tennessee Valley region, addressing issues like flooding, erosion, and lack of electricity.

• Execution: Led to the construction of numerous dams and modernization of the Cotton Belt, garnering support from both progressive Republicans and Southern Democrats.

  Notable Quote:

  FDR (00:00:XX): “...we'll taste awful good to the people of the Tennessee Valley.”

Securities Act (May 27, 1933)

• Goal: To regulate the stock market by requiring full disclosure of financial information, thereby preventing fraudulent activities.

• Outcome: Laid the groundwork for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), enhancing investor protection and restoring trust in financial markets.

  Notable Quote:

  Prof. Ray Moley: “Capitalism was saved in eight days.”

Glass-Steagall Act (June 16, 1933)

• Key Provisions:

  • Separation of commercial and investment banking.
  • Establishment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), insuring deposits up to $2,500 to prevent bank runs.

  Notable Quote:

  FDR (00:00:XX): “...account holders for deposits initially for up to $2,500 against their bank failing.”

National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) (June 16, 1933)

• Components:

  • Title I: Industrial Recovery — Encouraged businesses to create codes of conduct, including production quotas and price controls.
  • Title II: Public Works and Construction — Allocated $3.3 billion for large-scale infrastructure projects through the Public Works Administration (PWA).

• Controversies: Accusations of promoting socialism and temporary state-sanctioned cartelization sparked intense debates.

  Notable Quote:

  FDR (00:00:XX): “It may expand one week and it may contract another week. That part is all off the record.”

Internal Dynamics: Cabinet Conflicts and Leadership Challenges

Key Cabinet Members:

• Frances Perkins: The first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet, appointed as Secretary of Labor. An advocate for workers' and women's rights, Perkins played a crucial role in shaping New Deal policies.

• George Dern: Secretary of War, responsible for overseeing military budgets amidst budget cuts.

• Henry Wallace: Secretary of Agriculture, later Vice President, instrumental in agricultural reforms.

• Harold Ickes: Secretary of the Interior, champion of conservation and infrastructure projects.

Conflict with General Douglas MacArthur:

• Budget Cuts: FDR proposed significant reductions in military spending, leading to heated confrontations with military leaders.

  Notable Interaction:

  General Douglas MacArthur (00:00:XX): “I want the name not to be MacArthur but Roosevelt.”

  FDR (00:00:XX): “You must not talk that way to the President.”

• Resolution: Through strategic leadership and personal intervention, FDR managed to retain General MacArthur’s support while enforcing budgetary constraints.

  Notable Quote:

  Prof. Douglas MacArthur: “I vomited on the steps of the White House.”

Eleanor Roosevelt: Expanding the Role of the First Lady

Press Engagements:

• Women's Press Conferences: Initiated by Lorena Hickok, Eleanor held her own press conferences exclusively for female journalists, transitioning the First Lady role from traditional hostessing to active political engagement.

  Notable Quote:

  Eleanor Roosevelt (Narrative): “I just want to see how you are getting on.”

Visit to Bonus Marching Veterans (May 16, 1933):

• Purpose: To address the concerns of World War I veterans seeking early payment of promised bonuses.

• Interaction: Eleanor personally visited the camps, interacting with veterans, singing songs, and expressing empathy, contrasting sharply with Herbert Hoover’s administration’s harsh response.

  Notable Quote:

  Eleanor Roosevelt (40:14): “I never want to see another war. I hope you will carry on in peace times as you did in the war days.”

Impact:

• Public Perception: Eleanor’s compassionate approach significantly improved public sentiments towards FDR’s administration, fostering trust and support among disillusioned veterans.

• Legacy: Her proactive role set a precedent for future First Ladies, blending public service with political advocacy.

Economic Reforms and Infrastructure Development

Homeowners Loan Act (June 13, 1933):

• Objective: To assist struggling homeowners by refinancing mortgages to prevent foreclosures.

• Implementation: Expanded on Hoover’s Reconstruction Finance Corporation, providing financial relief to millions of Americans.

Public Works Administration (PWA):

• Role: Managed large-scale public infrastructure projects, creating jobs and revitalizing the economy.

• Challenges: Faced skepticism and resistance regarding the allocation of substantial federal funds.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA):

• Achievements: Transformed the Tennessee Valley through flood control, electricity generation, and modernization, significantly boosting regional economies.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Formation:

• Purpose: To regulate the stock market, ensuring transparency and accountability, thereby preventing future financial scandals.

Enduring Legacy: Establishing the First 100 Days as a Standard

Symbolism of the First 100 Days:

• Historical Benchmark: FDR’s prolific legislative agenda during the first hundred days set a standard for presidential effectiveness and crisis management.

• Comparison Metric: Subsequent presidents have often been measured against FDR’s achievements, with the "first 100 days" becoming a critical period for establishing policy foundations.

Long-Term Impacts:

• Institutional Reforms: Creation of enduring institutions like the FDIC and SEC reshaped American financial and economic landscapes.

• Policy Precedents: New Deal programs introduced innovative approaches to economic intervention, influencing future governmental policies.

Prof. Greg Jackson’s Insights:

• Constitutional Challenges: Many New Deal programs faced legal scrutiny, leading to significant battles between the judiciary and the executive branch.

• Sustained Efforts: While initial successes were monumental, the journey to fully overcoming the Great Depression required continued effort beyond the first hundred days.

Closing Thoughts:

FDR’s first hundred days exemplify decisive leadership and innovative policy-making in times of unprecedented crisis. Prof. Jackson emphasizes that while these early actions were crucial in stabilizing the nation, the broader struggle to recover from the Great Depression extended well beyond this period, setting the stage for future challenges and triumphs in American history.

Conclusion

Episode 174 offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of FDR's inaugural hundred days, highlighting the strategic initiatives and legislative breakthroughs that laid the foundation for the New Deal. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Professor Greg Jackson brings to life the complexities and triumphs of a presidency that redefined the role of government in American society.

Credits:

• Written and Researched by: Greg Jackson and Will Keane
• Voice Actor: Liz McCraw
• Production: Airship
• Sound Design: Molly Bott
• Theme Music: Greg Jackson
• Additional Composition: Lindsey Graham

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