Adam Cohen, author of "Nothing to Fear," discusses Franklin D. Roosevelt’s transformative New Deal, aimed at revitalizing America during the Great Depression. He shares personal stories that illustrate how this massive public spending initiative created jobs and reshaped lives. The conversation also delves into the backlash against the Works Progress Administration, revealing the contentious politics surrounding the New Deal. Cohen highlights the delicate balance between optimism and economic struggle in an era that set the stage for modern America.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Mansell Milligan's New Deal Job
Mansell Milligan lost his job during the Depression but found work building a New Deal dam.
Earning $2 a day felt like a fortune and gave him hope for the future.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Loy Stoops and the Cattle Program
Loy Stoops, a farmer, benefited from a New Deal agricultural assistance program.
The government paid farmers for their cattle, providing food to those in need.
insights INSIGHT
Initial Support for the New Deal
Initially, there was little opposition to the New Deal because of the severity of the Depression.
People recognized the urgent need for drastic action, leading to rapid passage of early New Deal bills.
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Nothing to Fear, FDR's Inner Circle, and the 100 Days that Created Modern America
Nothing to Fear, FDR's Inner Circle, and the 100 Days that Created Modern America
FDR's Inner Circle, and the 100 Days that Created Modern America
Adam Cohen
Adam Cohen's "Nothing to Fear" delves into the life and presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, focusing on his inner circle and the pivotal first 100 days of his administration. The book explores the context of the Great Depression, Roosevelt's leadership style, and the impact of the New Deal programs. It examines the political maneuvering, personal relationships, and policy decisions that shaped modern America. Cohen's work offers a nuanced perspective on a transformative period in American history, highlighting both the successes and shortcomings of the New Deal. The book is a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of the era and its lasting legacy.
In 1933, newly-elected US President Franklin D Roosevelt attempted to drag the United States out of the depression with the New Deal.
One of the biggest public spending projects in history, the programme funded hundreds of infrastructure projects and created thousands of jobs.
In 2020, Lucy Burns listened to archive interviews and spoke to author Adam Cohen about how the deal changed American people’s lives.
Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.
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(Photo: US President Franklin D Roosevelt. Credit: Getty)
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