New Deal Dbq

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The U.S secretary of labor under Roosevelt’s administration, an American social reformist, and an advocate for workers’ rights are all terms used to describe one of the most influential women in urban American during the twentieth century. Perkins fought strongly to implement solutions for women rights, child labor laws, working conditions, and social services. Perkins is an important figure in American history because of her impact for change on the quality of life we as American have today. For example, safe working conditions that exist today such as the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and the Social Security Act of 19354. During her lifetime, her views on social issues have influenced the American system and the way Americans' working …show more content…
By 1933, she had earned the title as Secretary of Labor under President Roosevelt and the first woman ever to hold a position in the White House. Perkins made it clear to Roosevelt the changes he intended to do before taking the Cabinet position. Roosevelt became president at a time when the United States was in an economic crisis so changes had to immediately take place. During his first 100 days in office, with the help of Frances Perkins, acts such as NIRA, NLRA, and FERA was passed. Two programs she strongly wanted to see in effect was the Social Security Act of 1935. Perkins felt that old age insurance was important for the elderly if economic crisis was to ever occur again. The S.S.A was put into effect so that when people old in age retired or became disabled, they could get a monthly compensation for what they have already paid into the system.
Many of the programs that FDR and Perkins started still exist today. Although the New Deal did not end the country's economic dilemma, it helped America to get back on track. During this time, the United States employed many Americans and things were a lot better than before. Unemployment rates dropped by at least