This exam focus covers Exam Connection within The New Deal for GCSE History. Revise The New Deal in America 1920-1973 for GCSE History with 10 exam-style questions and 5 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 11 of 13 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Topic position
Section 11 of 13
Practice
10 questions
Recall
5 flashcards
🎯 Exam Connection
Frequency: This topic appeared in 4 out of 5 recent AQA sittings (HIGH). The New Deal is one of the most heavily tested topics in the America unit.
Typical questions you will face:
- "Describe two features of the New Deal" (4 marks, AO1) — You need two distinct features, each with a specific piece of supporting evidence. "FDR created agencies to give people jobs" is Level 1. "The CCC employed 2.5 million young men on conservation work, providing food, accommodation, and a small wage, giving unemployed workers both income and dignity" is Level 2.
- "Explain why FDR introduced the New Deal" (8 marks, AO1+AO2) — You need at least two developed reasons with evidence. Level 3 requires showing how reasons connect: "The Wall Street Crash caused unemployment to rise to 25% (13 million people), which meant millions could not afford food or housing. Hoover's refusal to provide federal relief meant the situation worsened, creating public anger that led to FDR's election in 1932 on a promise of action — the New Deal was his response to this combination of economic crisis and political pressure."
- "How far do you agree that the New Deal was a success?" (12+4 SPaG marks, AO1+AO2) — This essay requires you to argue the New Deal WAS successful (relief agencies, CCC, WPA, Social Security), then argue it was LIMITED or FAILED (didn't end Depression, excluded Black Americans, Supreme Court struck down key laws), then make a clear, reasoned judgement.
What examiners want for Level 4 on the 12-mark essay: A complex argument that links different aspects of judgement. For example: "The New Deal was a success in terms of RELIEF and REFORM — millions received help and Social Security permanently changed government's role — but a failure in terms of RECOVERY, since only WW2 ended the Depression. Its success must also be qualified by who it excluded: Black Americans and women benefited far less. Therefore it was a partial success, measured differently depending on which of the Three Rs you prioritise."