Everyone has an opinion. Whether it is your favorite pizza toppings, your opinion of the best horror movie, or your political views, it is very likely you will disagree with others, even your friends and family. Views on historical events are no different. Just because one history textbook may present events in one way doesn’t mean all do or that all historians agree. It is all a matter of interpretation.
Interpretation is one specific view about the past. Usually it answers questions such as 'how' or 'why'. Two historians might look at the exact same primary source, consider the same exact 'facts,' yet come to very different interpretations. How a historian comes to a conclusion, develops an interpretation, and constructs their view of history is called historical methodology. This also includes the broader field of historiography. Part of understanding history and thinking like a historian is understanding that there are different views on events and that each may be valid in its own way.
History has had several decades to look back at the programs of FDR’s New Deal. Some historical interpretations present his goals as nearly heroic and a brave action to save America in a time of need. Others, on the other hand, are highly critical of controversial overreaches of government into society.
Now, it’s time to do a little research! Review the following articles:
- “The New Deal Made the Great Depression Worse. Let's Not Repeat It.” – Oliver Dunford, Foundation for Economic Education: https://fee.org/articles/the-new-deal-made-the-great-depression-worse-lets-not-repeat-it/
- “Roosevelt's New Deal offered hope in desperate times. We can do the same now.” - Eric Rauchway, The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/20/roosevelts-new-deal
Then, complete the short essay assignment below and submit it to your teacher for grading.
What were the differing interpretations offered in the articles? How is the New Deal presented in each article? Are their assessments fair and honest, and what interpretation do you support? Why?
| Completion (6 points) | 2 points | You provided an answer(s) to all of the questions for this essay. |
| 2 points | Your answer(s) suggest that you completed the needed research for this essay. | |
| 2 points | Your essay shows that you gave a lot of thought to the question(s) or parts of the assignment. |
