New Deal Essay

In this assignment, you will craft an essay of 350-500 words comparing two significant pieces of historical rhetoric: Franklin D. Roosevelt’s inaugural “Fear Itself” speech and the 1936 Republican Party Platform. Both reflect the deep political, economic, and ideological divisions during the Great Depression. By analyzing these texts, youll evaluate contrasting perspectives on Roosevelts New Deal and its broader impact on American society. Youll explore how each document addresses the challenges of the Great Depression, argues for or against government intervention, and frames its message to persuade the public. This assignment will also deepen your understanding of the political landscape of the 1930s. Task Open a new Word document. You should follow a regular five-paragraph essay format for this assignment. This includes an introduction, a conclusion, and three body paragraphs (one for each of the topics below.) Your three body paragraphs should cover the following: Body Paragraph 1 Describe the “Fear Itself” speech. Think about these questions as you write this paragraph: What did Roosevelt mean by “fear itself?” What was the fear? How was it preventing Americans from getting out of the Great Depression? In the speech, Roosevelt compares the New Deal to a military campaign. Why did he do this? Do you think this was effective? Explain what Roosevelt says about traditional governmental power. What did he say about the use of broad Executive power? Body Paragraph 2 Explain the 1936 Republican Party Platform. Think about these questions as you write this paragraph: Describe any three complaints that the Republicans had about the New Deal. What did they dislike about Roosevelt’s approach? What did they fear with New Deal reforms? Body Paragraph 3 Compare the New Deal with the 1936 Republican Party Platform. Think about these questions as you write this paragraph: If you were a New Deal supporter, how would you respond to the allegations in the Republican Party Platform? If you were a Republican voter in 1936, how would you respond to Roosevelt’s speech? Introduction and Conclusion Be sure to include an introduction and conclusion for your essay. These paragraphs should touch on the main points of your essay and present your argument. The introduction is meant to set the tone for the essay and provide context to help the reader understand what to expect; your conclusion specifically should act as a final act for your essay – it’s there to provide closure. It ties together the essay’s arguments and often leaves the reader with a final thought or call to action. When finished, save your essay and submit it here to receive credit.