New Deal vs. Square Deal

Attribute	New Deal	Square Deal
President	Franklin D. Roosevelt	Theodore Roosevelt
Time Period	1933-1938	1901-1909
Goal	Relief, Recovery, Reform	Regulate big business, protect consumers, conserve natural resources
Legislation	Emergency Banking Act, Social Security Act, National Industrial Recovery Act	Pure Food and Drug Act, Meat Inspection Act, Antiquities Act
Impact	Expanded federal government's role in economy, created social safety net	Regulated business practices, promoted conservation

Introduction

Both the New Deal and the Square Deal were significant economic and social policies implemented by American presidents in the early 20th century. While both deals aimed to address issues related to economic inequality and social welfare, they had distinct approaches and outcomes. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the New Deal, implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the Square Deal, implemented by President Theodore Roosevelt.

Historical Context

The Square Deal was introduced by President Theodore Roosevelt in the early 1900s, during a time when the United States was experiencing rapid industrialization and economic growth. The country was also grappling with issues such as monopolies, labor strikes, and environmental conservation. On the other hand, the New Deal was implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s, in response to the Great Depression, which was the worst economic downturn in U.S. history. The New Deal aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform to the American people.

Goals and Objectives

The Square Deal focused on three main goals: conservation of natural resources, control of corporations, and consumer protection. Theodore Roosevelt believed in a fair deal for both labor and capital, and he sought to regulate big businesses to prevent abuses of power. On the other hand, the New Deal had broader objectives, including providing relief to the unemployed, stimulating economic recovery, and implementing long-term reforms to prevent future economic crises. Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs aimed to create jobs, stabilize the banking system, and improve social welfare.

Legislation and Programs

During his presidency, Theodore Roosevelt passed several key pieces of legislation as part of the Square Deal. These included the Pure Food and Drug Act, which aimed to protect consumers from unsafe products, and the creation of national parks and forests to preserve natural resources. Additionally, Roosevelt took on powerful corporations such as the Northern Securities Company and the Standard Oil Company through antitrust lawsuits. In contrast, Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal included a wide range of programs and agencies, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Works Progress Administration, and the Social Security Act. These programs provided jobs, relief, and social security to millions of Americans.

Impact and Legacy

The Square Deal had a lasting impact on American society by promoting conservation efforts, regulating big businesses, and advocating for consumer rights. Theodore Roosevelt's progressive policies laid the foundation for future environmental and labor reforms. Similarly, the New Deal had a profound impact on the U.S. economy and social welfare system. Franklin D. Roosevelt's programs helped lift the country out of the Great Depression and provided a safety net for vulnerable populations. The legacy of the New Deal can still be seen today in programs such as Social Security and unemployment insurance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the New Deal and the Square Deal were important initiatives that aimed to address economic and social challenges in American society. While the Square Deal focused on conservation, regulation of corporations, and consumer protection, the New Deal had a broader scope, including relief, recovery, and reform. Both deals had a lasting impact on the country and laid the groundwork for future social welfare programs and economic policies.