Themes of the New Deal, Essay Example

Introduction

The fight for right in the American history is marked with intriguing events. The fervor with which the protagonists and antagonists fought displays a huge degree of dedication to conviction. In spite of the outcome of the struggles experienced by both, the give and process used during the development of a solution was based on protection of the right of both sides, rights that were already embedded in the constitution.

Despite the immense losses incurred during the fight for better terms of employment, the culmination of events is the basis of today’s success. Without adequate legislation to regulate the facets of civilization, America would have turned into the land of ‘one hundred billionaires and ‘a hundred million beggars’.

The New Deal

Rational human beings strive to achieve the most out of every situation. As a result, their actions move in collision course leading to opposing viewpoints. Under such circumstances, sense is the last of consideration, since each of them is driven by the desire to achieve their perceived dreams. As observed from the early civilizations, the ability to reach a common ground during scenarios of conflicting interests was severely handicapped by the fact that the laws of the land were of little relevance (labor and the nations). Either, the laws were absent or the authorities had a way of favoring the powerful by carving judgments that protected the interests of the prosperous minority.

This scenario duplicated itself in relation to the laborers of America in the early 20th century. The increasing level of industrialization was a double-edged sword to the unskilled and semi-skilled workers. The workers found themselves in income-generating jobs in the extensive industries owned by individuals whose motive was profit. However, the prospect of having a job blinded most of the workers to the working conditions they were signing-up to.

The owners of the industries were motivated by huge profits, which were only possible through reduction of production costs. Thus, by offering meager wages for monstrous work engagements to the employees, huge profits were churned from the sweat of the workers. Despite their huge numbers, the workers were unable to bargain for better conditions since they were divided. The symbiotic nature of the industries became a factor of dissent regarding the course of action. The uncoordinated instances of mass action had adverse effects on workers in different industries.

Politicians took advantage of the situation by promising to fight for the rights of the workers through institution of labor laws. However, it was not until the institution of the New Deal that the workers ‘counted their chicks’. However, the fight for freedom was marked with numerous hurdles with the industrialists fighting the new regulations with their might. Despite the success achieved in numerous locations regarding the rights of laborers, some industrialists were still opposed to the labor unions and the consequences thereafter.

As observed, the new deal advocated for freedom of speech among the laborers (New Labor Relations Act). The working conditions they were exposed to were dismal. However, they were not allowed to form unions to fight for their right. They were also not allowed to voice their grievances without consequences. By restricting the workers from expressing themselves, the industrialists contributed to the frequent strikes among the workers. The strikers were more than often fatal to the workers as portrayed in the National Labor Relations Act.

The power-hungry industrialists owned the state police and street hooligans who were more than willing to lend a hand in bashing the workers’ heads. What the industrialists did not realize was that the strikes harmed their businesses as well. The interrupted production and de-motivated workforce was the main driving force of their investments. The New Deal accentuated the fact that by recognizing the rights of the workers, the contribution of the industrialists to the American public would augment. Similarly, the productivity of the industries would improve owing to the increased satisfaction among the employees.

Employees were also to be free from fear under the protection of the New Neal. Employees lived in fear of job insecurity and unreliable career options (Labor and the Nation). The ability to associate freely without financial and physical consequences dissolved a great deal of fear experienced by the workers. The workplace was for the time place an interesting place to be. On the other hand, the industrialists were assured of improved and reliable productivity owing to the reduced strikes. Favorable working conditions were finally viewed as a means of improving productivity as innovation and inventions sprouted out of loyalty to the employers. Workers were also assured of peaceful strikes devoid of bat and gun-welding antagonists (Labor And The Nation). Their grievances could be aired to their superiors without fear of victimization from the superiors (National Labor Relations Act).

Contemporary times have seen a huge change in the way people communicate and relate. News spread fast and thus people are able to make decisions that are more informed. As a result, the haphazard demonstration organized by the workers would have been more intense owing to the fact that coordinated strikes are capable of paralyzing n economy.

The majority small-scale businesspersons were also assured of fairer competition. As outlined, most of them had given in to the stiff competition since the large-scale industrialists were capable of using their monopolistic characteristics to edge them out (Commonwealth Club Address). Small-scale businesses became a viable venture even for those who had lost their livelihoods in other occupations.

However, both the workers and the business owners were faced by a challenge of finding a common ground without conceding too many benefits from the new deal. Similarly, economic principles still came in the way of small scale businesses as they ventured into business. As a result, the solution was a means to the end and not an end itself (Commonwealth Club Address).

On the same note, the deal sought to accrue the freedom from want. As individuals, the workers and industrialists were at collision course (Labor and the Nation). However, in the end the activities they engaged in were geared towards building a stronger economy and richer country. As a result, success of both partied was calibrated through the growth in GDP and a favorable balance of trade. The unionized workers were able to command higher wages thus reducing the profitability of the industries and balance of trade. However, without the labor laws, a favorable balance of trade would be an inaccurate portray of the real status of the American public.

The industries are the only available sources of livelihood for Americans. The rapid industrialization took up agricultural land thus making it impossible for the citizenry to delve into farming and other economic activities. Employment in the industries is the only source of income for the citizens. The designing of the new deal was thus long over due since it was meant to push the industrialists to provide an alternative source of income to farming.

Conclusion

The timing of the New Deal could not have been better. The economy was recovering from a depression and the citizens were in great financial strain. Similarly, the industries had lost immensely. Thus, the new deal provided a basis for a new start based on favorable terms for both parties. Time was ripe for the American population to set aside their differences and work together towards regaining they luster on the global arena.

References list

Lewis J. L. Labor and the nations. American rhetoric. September 3, 1937.  http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/johnlewisrightsoflabor.htm (Accessed on February 7 2010)

National Labor Relations Act (Act; 29, USC 151-169). Cornwell University School http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/29/usc_sup_01_29_10_7_20_II.html (accessed February 7, 2010)

Roosevelt, D. R. Commonwealth Club Address, American Rhetoric, 23 September 1932, San Francisco, http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/fdrcommonwealth.htm (accessed February 7, 2010)

Transcript of National Industrial Recovery Act (1933). Our Documents. Accessed on http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=66&page=transcript (accessed February 7 2010)