Federal Power and the Nationalization of Culture

1. Federal Power and the Nationalization of Culture By: Drew Sardinha

2. Role Models • In 1930’s, natural culture, politics, and policies played major role on lives of Americans. • From regions and classes to ethnic backgrounds. This happened for only one reason: • Expansion of the power of Federal Government.

3. We’re Moving! • While an economic crisis, political power moved. • From State and local level to White House and Congress • Individual Americans found their lives bound up with the Federal Government.

4. We’re Moving! • By 1930, about 35% of population received some kind of federal government benefit. • either from AAA or WPA job or relief payment through FERA.

5. New Deal In the West • New deal changed American West more than any other region. • Construction of dams and other public work projects. • reshaped economy and environment.

6. New Deal In The West • Bureau of Reclamation provided irrigation for small farms and ranches. • Ex. Boulder Dam(A.K.A Hoover Dam) • provided water to southern California • Water from dams opened new areas to agriculture and allowed western cities to expand.

7. Would you look at that… • The federal govt. also brought millions of acres of western land under their control in 1930’s. • limited agricultural production • kept crop and livestock prices from falling and to also combat the disaster of the Dust Bowl.

8. Would You Look At That… • Taylor Grazing Act- Imposed new restrictions on ranchers use of public lands for grazing stock. • By having programs to reduce stock, it probably helped save the western cattle industry. • Destroyed traditional economy of Navajos by forcing them to reduce their sheep herd.

9. New Deal for Native Americans • Bureau of Indian Affairs- Attempted to “assimilate” Native Americans. • separated children from their families, suppressed native languages, and outlawed tribal religious practices. • IT WAS A FAILURE.

10. New Deal for Native Americans • In 1933, Roosevelt was the most vocal critic to head the agency. • Indian Reorganization Act-restored indian lands to Indian ownership. • Also gave federal recognition to tribal government.

11. New Deal for Native Americans • Not all Indians supported the IRA. • The Navajos refused to ratify the IRA. • Eventually, 181 tribes organized under the IRA. • It laid groundwork for future economic development and limited political autonomy among native peoples.