Which Of The Following Statements Best Describes Roosevelt's Group Of Advisers Known As The Brains Trust?Select One:A. The Brains Trust Was Strictly Opposed To The First New Deal.B. The Brains Trust Believed That Large Corporations Needed To Be

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The Brains Trust: A Key Component of FDR's New Deal

Introduction

The "Brains Trust" was a group of influential advisors who played a crucial role in shaping the policies of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration during the Great Depression. This group of experts, consisting of economists, lawyers, and academics, provided critical guidance on the implementation of the New Deal programs. In this article, we will examine the key characteristics and policies of the "Brains Trust" and determine which of the given statements best describes their stance.

The Formation of the Brains Trust

The "Brains Trust" was formed in 1932, during FDR's presidential campaign. The group consisted of a diverse range of experts, including:

  • Adolph Berle: A lawyer and economist who served as the Assistant Secretary of State.
  • Raymond Moley: A lawyer and economist who served as the Assistant Secretary of State.
  • Lionel Bailey: A lawyer and economist who served as the Assistant Secretary of State.
  • Adolph Berle: A lawyer and economist who served as the Assistant Secretary of State.
  • Harry Hopkins: A social worker and economist who served as the Director of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration.

These individuals were chosen for their expertise in various fields and their commitment to progressive policies. They were tasked with developing and implementing policies that would address the economic crisis of the Great Depression.

The New Deal and the Brains Trust

The New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented by FDR's administration to address the economic crisis of the Great Depression. The Brains Trust played a crucial role in shaping the New Deal, providing critical guidance on the implementation of programs such as:

  • The National Recovery Administration (NRA): A program aimed at promoting economic recovery through the establishment of minimum wages and working conditions.
  • The Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA): A program aimed at stabilizing agricultural prices and promoting farm income.
  • The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): A program aimed at providing jobs for young men in conservation and infrastructure projects.

The Brains Trust believed that large corporations needed to be regulated in order to promote economic recovery and social justice. They advocated for policies that would address issues such as:

  • Monopoly power: The Brains Trust believed that large corporations had too much power and that this needed to be addressed through regulation.
  • Income inequality: The Brains Trust believed that income inequality was a major problem and that policies needed to be implemented to address this issue.

The Brains Trust and the First New Deal

The First New Deal, which was implemented in 1933, was a series of programs and policies aimed at addressing the economic crisis of the Great Depression. The Brains Trust played a crucial role in shaping the First New Deal, providing critical guidance on the implementation of programs such as the NRA and the AAA.

However, the Brains Trust was not strictly opposed to the First New Deal. In fact, they were instrumental in shaping many of the policies that were implemented during this period. The Brains Trust believed that the First New Deal was a necessary step towards promoting economic recovery and social justice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Brains Trust was a group of influential advisors who played a crucial role in shaping the policies of FDR's administration during the Great Depression. They believed that large corporations needed to be regulated in order to promote economic recovery and social justice. While they were not strictly opposed to the First New Deal, they did advocate for policies that would address issues such as monopoly power and income inequality.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is:

  • C. The "Brains Trust" believed that large corporations needed to be regulated in order to promote economic recovery and social justice.

This statement accurately reflects the views of the Brains Trust and their role in shaping the policies of FDR's administration during the Great Depression.
The Brains Trust: A Q&A Guide

Introduction

The Brains Trust was a group of influential advisors who played a crucial role in shaping the policies of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration during the Great Depression. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Brains Trust and their role in shaping the New Deal.

Q&A

Q: Who were the members of the Brains Trust?

A: The Brains Trust consisted of a diverse range of experts, including Adolph Berle, Raymond Moley, Lionel Bailey, Harry Hopkins, and others. These individuals were chosen for their expertise in various fields and their commitment to progressive policies.

Q: What was the role of the Brains Trust in shaping the New Deal?

A: The Brains Trust played a crucial role in shaping the New Deal, providing critical guidance on the implementation of programs such as the National Recovery Administration (NRA), the Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA), and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

Q: What were the key policies advocated by the Brains Trust?

A: The Brains Trust believed that large corporations needed to be regulated in order to promote economic recovery and social justice. They advocated for policies that would address issues such as monopoly power, income inequality, and the concentration of wealth.

Q: Was the Brains Trust opposed to the First New Deal?

A: No, the Brains Trust was not strictly opposed to the First New Deal. In fact, they were instrumental in shaping many of the policies that were implemented during this period. They believed that the First New Deal was a necessary step towards promoting economic recovery and social justice.

Q: What was the significance of the Brains Trust in American history?

A: The Brains Trust was a key component of FDR's New Deal, and their policies had a lasting impact on American society. They helped to shape the course of American history, promoting economic recovery, social justice, and government intervention in the economy.

Q: Who were some of the notable critics of the Brains Trust?

A: Some notable critics of the Brains Trust included:

  • Business leaders: Many business leaders opposed the Brains Trust's policies, which they saw as an attack on their profits and power.
  • Conservative politicians: Some conservative politicians, such as Senator Huey Long, opposed the Brains Trust's policies, which they saw as too radical and too focused on government intervention.
  • Libertarian thinkers: Some libertarian thinkers, such as Friedrich Hayek, opposed the Brains Trust's policies, which they saw as an attack on individual freedom and limited government.

Q: What was the legacy of the Brains Trust?

A: The Brains Trust's legacy is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, their policies helped to promote economic recovery and social justice during a time of great crisis. On the other hand, their policies also had unintended consequences, such as the concentration of power in the hands of government bureaucrats and the erosion of individual freedom.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Brains Trust was a group of influential advisors who played a crucial role in shaping the policies of FDR's administration during the Great Depression. Their policies had a lasting impact on American society, promoting economic recovery, social justice, and government intervention in the economy. However, their legacy is also complex and multifaceted, and their policies continue to be debated by scholars and policymakers today.

Additional Resources

For further reading on the Brains Trust and their role in shaping the New Deal, we recommend the following resources:

  • "The Brains Trust" by Raymond Moley: This book provides a firsthand account of the Brains Trust's activities and policies.
  • "The New Deal" by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.: This book provides a comprehensive history of the New Deal and the Brains Trust's role in shaping its policies.
  • "The Brains Trust and the New Deal" by David M. Kennedy: This article provides a detailed analysis of the Brains Trust's policies and their impact on American society.