Podcast Summary
Under President Biden, the government's role in the economy is shifting like it did during the New Deal: Biden's infrastructure bills and initiatives aim to bring about significant changes in the economy, reminiscent of the New Deal, with uncertain but potentially long-lasting impacts.
The relationship between the government and the economy is shifting under President Biden's administration, reminiscent of the significant changes brought about by Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression. The New Deal transformed the role of the government in the economy, and Biden's infrastructure bills and other initiatives aim to bring about similar changes in the 21st century. As historians Jason Scott Smith, Price Fishback, and Natalie McDonald discuss on Marketplace, the outcomes of these efforts are uncertain, but the potential impact on the economy could be significant and long-lasting. To help the next generation understand these concepts, check out the award-winning kids podcast 1,000,000 Bazillion, which makes money topics engaging and accessible for young listeners. Partnered with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for kids and teens, the podcast encourages financial literacy and learning essential skills for the future.
Exploring the Hidden Legacy of the New Deal: Researchers have been mapping New Deal sites across the country since 2012, revealing unexpected places like murals and community buildings that were created under the New Deal.
The New Deal, a comprehensive set of policies initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression, had a far-reaching impact beyond iconic projects like the Hoover Dam and the Lincoln Tunnel. Researcher Natalie McDonald, who works on the Living New Deal project, explained that they have been mapping New Deal sites across the country since 2012, revealing the hidden legacy of the New Deal in unexpected places, such as Inglewood, California. McDonald's role involves identifying and documenting these sites, many of which may not have visible markings. The process involves extensive research in archives and libraries, as well as on-site visits. One such site in Inglewood is a mural called "The History of Transportation," created by artist Helen Lundberg under the New Deal. Despite being a government contractor during this time, Lundberg's work for the New Deal was less avant-garde than her personal style. By visiting livingnewdeal.org, users can explore New Deal sites in their own communities, discovering the rich history that may be hidden in plain sight.
New Deal's Investment in Arts and Culture: The New Deal, a government program during the Great Depression, not only focused on infrastructure development but also invested in arts and culture, creating iconic projects like the largest petrochrome mural, emphasizing the importance of enriching democratic life in various ways.
The New Deal, a government program initiated during the Great Depression, not only focused on infrastructure development but also invested in arts and culture, as evident in the massive petrochrome mural depicting the evolution of human transportation. This mural, which is believed to be the largest of its kind, was created using ground-up colorful rocks and is a testament to the program's commitment to enriching democratic life in various ways. The New Deal, which paid for this project through the Works Progress Administration, was an investment in the country's future and included infrastructure, education, and creative pursuits. Natalie, who studied world history and discovered the significance of the New Deal in her own backyard, emphasizes that the program's impact is still visible in our daily lives. Jason Scott Smith, a historian specializing in modern US politics and the economy, further explores the New Deal's context and significance, highlighting the desperate situation the country faced during the Great Depression and Roosevelt's response to provide relief and jobs for millions of unemployed Americans.
FDR's First 100 Days: A Turning Point for Government's Role in the Economy: FDR's New Deal policies marked a turning point in government's role in the economy, with massive investments in public works projects putting over a million men to work and shaping the relationship between citizens and their government for decades.
During FDR's first 100 days in office, the government underwent a fundamental shift in its interaction with the economy. This was evident in the massive investments made in public works projects through the Public Works Administration, which put over a million men to work and injected enormous funds into the economy. Although it took time for these programs to have a significant impact on unemployment, the New Deal marked a turning point in the role of government in American society. The government became a significant player in the economy, raising questions about its proper role in daily life. The New Deal's impact continued beyond 1933, shaping the relationship between citizens and their government for decades to come. Today, under President Biden, similar efforts are underway to change the government's role in the economy, with initiatives like the CHIPS Act, infrastructure law, and inflation reduction act.
The New Deal: A Major Expansion of Government Role in American Society and Economy: The New Deal era marked the biggest peacetime expansion of government in American history, leading to daily interactions with the federal government through programs like social security, bank deposit insurance, and labor market interventions, and shaping American society for generations to come.
The New Deal era marked a significant shift in the role of the federal government in American society and the economy. Before the New Deal, interactions with the federal government were limited, mostly confined to the post office. However, after the New Deal, Americans began encountering the federal government on a daily basis through programs like social security, bank deposit insurance, and labor market interventions. This transformation, which represents the biggest peacetime expansion of government in American history, can still be seen in infrastructure projects and government involvement in areas like childcare today. While the specific dollar amounts and policies may change, the fundamental impact of this government expansion is likely to continue shaping American society for generations to come.
New Deal's Impact on Urban Development: The New Deal, a gov't response to the Great Depression, led to iconic structures & establishment of institutions in cities like LA through public works projects
The New Deal, a government initiative during the Great Depression, had a profound impact on the development of cities like Los Angeles, transforming them into the metropolises they are today. If we went to ask people on the street about the New Deal, many would only know it as a Roosevelt-era response to the Depression. However, the New Deal's effects extended far beyond economic relief, as it led to significant public works projects that shaped the urban landscape. In Los Angeles, for instance, the New Deal's investment in infrastructure during a period of rapid expansion resulted in the construction of iconic structures like the Arroyo Seco Parkway and the establishment of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Without the New Deal's influence, Los Angeles might not be the city it is today. This historical insight offers hope for what's possible when the government invests in its people and infrastructure.
Rebuilding LAUSD schools during the Great Depression and Million Brazilian's financial education podcast: During hard times, innovative solutions can lead to improved education systems and financial literacy for kids
During the Great Depression in 1933, a massive earthquake in Long Beach destroyed many LAUSD schools, forcing students to learn in makeshift classrooms. Fortunately, this disaster coincided with the New Deal, and the Public Works Administration provided funds to rebuild and improve over 130 schools. Fast forward to today, Million Brazilian, a Webby-winning podcast from Marketplace, helps kids understand complex financial concepts through engaging stories. Each episode tackles questions from curious listeners about topics like unions, college accounts, and gold reserves. By making financial education fun and accessible, Million Brazilian empowers kids to navigate the confusing world of money. The series, "Breaking Ground," produced by a dedicated team, aims to release new episodes regularly over the next few months.
