2024 - O/N - 9489/13 | Q1

Read the sources and then answer both parts of the question.

Source A

Source B

Those who defend the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) always argue that we should ignore the fact that it is illegal and only focus on its benefits. We agree that it has assisted in the temporary provision of cheaper and more available electric power. We agree that the agricultural programme linked to the TVA is dealing with flooding and soil erosion. We agree that it has created some jobs and preserved others. However, it is compelling farmers to plough up their land and plant what they do not want to plant. It has only consulted those who they know will benefit from the TVA. The real motive behind it is the federal government trying to control agriculture in the interests of its supporters.

The price paid by business for the TVA, and similar New Deal organisations, is too high. Competition in great industries has been destroyed. Men will not invest in any new business if government can dictate what a man can earn and his working conditions. These temporary measures will not secure the long-term future for any business or its employees.

From a speech by a lawyer to the Supreme Court, March 1936.

Source C

The TVA is one of those fine changes that has not come about by compulsion. It has been debated and discussed by all. There has been participation at all levels of government. No farmer was forced to join the conservation movement. There is no compulsion there. No workman was compelled to work under harsh conditions, or for less than his rightful wage. No citizen has lost any of those liberties that we value so highly in our democracy. It is a demonstration of what people can do in a democracy when they unite in a war against waste and insecurity. My intention when I put this legislation to Congress was not just to create and save jobs but also to help generate cheap power for all and deal with the terrible issues of soil erosion and flooding.

Together with the legislation of 1933–34 it has assisted in the diversification and distribution of industry. These acts have all improved the future lives and welfare of millions. Jobs were created and our banking system secured. We are on the road to the elimination of poverty. The great ambitions of the New Deal have been achieved.

From a letter written by President Roosevelt, June 1940.

Source D

While some New Deal organisations such as the National Recovery Administration (NRA) and the Civil Works Administration (CWA) did achieve much, others were badly administered and sometimes counterproductive. The ideas behind them were good. They restored confidence, reduced the danger of extremism, assisted in the reduction of unemployment and ended real despair. There were much needed reforms for banking and the Stock Market. There were, however, valid criticisms made of the ‘Alphabet’ administrations. They could be very bureaucratic, employing officials who often did little. Congressmen used them to reward local supporters and gain votes. Little was done to assist poor blacks in the South for fear of offending Roosevelt’s powerful Democratic supporters there.

From a book written by an investigative journalist, published in 1947.
He was a Democratic supporter and had been employed in the NRA and the CWA.

Answer both parts of the question with reference to the sources.