When Roosevelt became president, on March 4, 1944, the economic situation of the United States was desperate. There were about 13-15 million Americans unemployed. He closed the banks that were still open, declaring a "bank holiday" and called Congress into a special session. This session was called to deal with the banking crisis, economy in government, and changes to liquor law.
Emergency Banking Act-was introduced, passed, and signed the same day, it gave the federal govt. power to deal with the banking crisis, it offered aid to private bankers.
The Beer Act-raised the percentage of alcohol considered nonintoxicating from .05 percent to 3.2 percent. This made it possible to sell three-two, or low alcohol, beer, which had been illegal under the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Economy Act-reduced government salaries & pensions to meet Roosevelt's campaign pledge, it was opposed by many Democratic representatives and passed only because of intense pressure from Roosevelt and support by most Republicans in Congress.
New Deal
website © Johanna Rios
