New Deal Socratic Seminar (Formative)

Read the essay Links to an external site.and review the lecture slides for 7.10:

Review the Seminar Questions – Read through all ten questions and think critically about each one.

Choose Four Questions – Select at least four questions and prepare bulleted notes with key points, evidence, and possible counterarguments.

Use Evidence – Reference specific examples from our readings, lectures, and any additional research to support your points.

Engage in Discussion – Be prepared to speak, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully to your peers.

1. How should history remember Franklin D. Roosevelt: as a savior of capitalism and democracy, a power-hungry pragmatist, or something in between? What factors contribute most to shaping his historical image?
2. The New Deal vastly expanded the role of the federal government in everyday life. To what extent was this expansion necessary, and how has it influenced modern expectations of government responsibility?
3. Roosevelt is often described as a pragmatist who shifted policies based on circumstances. Should leaders prioritize pragmatism over ideology, or does this risk undermining long-term vision and consistency in governance?
4. Many of Roosevelt’s programs faced legal challenges, with some being ruled unconstitutional. How should leaders balance ambitious policy goals with constitutional limits? Do crises justify pushing these boundaries?
5. Roosevelt adopted Keynesian economics, increasing government spending to stimulate the economy. To what extent should governments intervene in the economy during times of crisis, and are there risks to such interventions?
   
6. While the New Deal provided relief for many, it often neglected African Americans and women. Was this a necessary political compromise, or should Roosevelt have taken greater risks to push for social justice?
7. Roosevelt’s ability to connect with the public through “fireside chats” and his confident leadership helped restore faith in government. How important is communication in leadership, and are there modern parallels to his approach?
8. Roosevelt built a broad political coalition that included farmers, labor unions, and urban workers but also tolerated segregationist policies to maintain Southern support. Should political leaders prioritize maintaining broad support, even if it requires compromising on key ethical issues?
9. The shift from the New Deal to wartime mobilization dramatically changed Roosevelt’s presidency. How does war reshape domestic priorities, and can government interventions during war be compared to those during economic crises?
10. Many presidents have faced economic downturns and crises, from the Great Depression to the 2008 financial crisis. How do Roosevelt’s responses compare to those of earlier and later leaders, and what lessons can modern policymakers learn from the New Deal?