AICE US History Paper 2 Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Second New Deal, which emerged in response to the ongoing economic struggles of the Great Depression, placed a significant emphasis on reform-oriented policies that aimed at providing long-term solutions to the economic crisis. This shift was characterized by a series of initiatives designed not only to offer immediate relief to the suffering population but also to restructure and reform societal and economic systems to prevent future crises.

Key elements of the Second New Deal included the establishment of programs such as the Social Security Act, which introduced a safety net for the elderly and unemployed, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which focused on creating jobs and infrastructure improvements. These reforms sought to change the underlying economic structure of the United States by addressing issues like labor rights, social welfare, and economic regulations.

In contrast, the First New Deal primarily focused on immediate recovery measures and relief programs that temporarily alleviated the worst effects of the Depression without necessarily instituting systemic changes. Therefore, the Second New Deal’s focus on reform-oriented policies contributed to a more permanent stabilization of the economy and the creation of a more inclusive social welfare system, marking a significant evolution in the government's approach to the economic crisis.