Franklin D. Roosevelt Signs Agricultural Adjustment Act
May 12th, 1933
May 12th, 1933

How Long Ago?
91 years, 10 months, 3 days ago
Location
Washington D.C., United States
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
Links & References
Tags
Franklin D. Roosevelt Signs Agricultural Adjustment Act
The Agricultural Adjustment Act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a response to the agricultural crisis during the Great Depression. This landmark legislation aimed to boost agricultural prices by limiting production, including government purchases of livestock for slaughter and paying farmers to take land out of production. It represented a shift in federal policy towards intervening in agricultural markets to stabilize prices and support farmers struggling in the economic downturn.
Intended to stabilize crop prices and farmers' income.
Farmers received payments for reducing crop production.
Government bought livestock to limit market supply.
Critics argued it favored large landowners over workers.
What Happened?
The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) was a cornerstone of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program, which sought to alleviate the suffering caused by the Great Depression. Signed into law in May 1933, the AAA was designed to restore agricultural prosperity and stabilize farm incomes that had plummeted during the economic downturn. The Act targeted the overproduction of food products that had led to plummeting prices, affecting farmers across the United States. Central to the AAA was the government's initiative to promote crop reduction. It did so by providing subsidies to farmers who agreed to cut back on their crop production. Additionally, the government purchased livestock for slaughter to reduce supply in the market, thereby driving up the prices.Farmers faced immense hardship during this time, with many unable to pay off debts or sustain their livelihoods due to low commodity prices. The AAA aimed not only to boost average farmers' incomes but also to create a more stable agricultural market in the long run. It was met with mixed responses—while many farmers benefited from the subsidies, landowners often reaped more substantial profits than sharecroppers, leading to further tensions within agricultural communities. The legislation was a significant intervention in the agricultural economy and laid the groundwork for subsequent agricultural policies.Critics of the AAA argued that it disproportionately favored larger farmers who owned land over tenant farmers and sharecroppers, leading to increased poverty among the latter groups. Despite these criticisms, the AAA played a pivotal role in reshaping the relationship between the federal government and American agriculture, establishing a precedent for future agricultural and economic policies.
Why Does it Matter?
The Agricultural Adjustment Act is interesting because it marked a significant shift in federal policy regarding agriculture, reflecting a newfound commitment to using government intervention to support struggling industries. The AAA was one of the first instances of the federal government directly influencing agricultural prices and production levels, setting a precedent for future agricultural legislation. Its impacts extended beyond the immediate economic relief to farmers, affecting the structure of farming practices in the U.S. and the role of government in the agricultural sector.
Discover More Historic Events from May 12th
Powerful Geomagnetic Storms Disrupt Technology
A series of geomagnetic storms, the most intense since the 2003 Halloween solar storms, began to impact Earth, resulting in stunning auroras and significant disruptions to satellite operations and power grids. The storms were triggered by a combination of coronal mass ejections from the sun, impacting communication systems globally. NASA and various space agencies monitored the situation, providing alerts and safety measures as the storms progressed over several days in mid-May.
Continue ReadingParis Knife Attack Results in Fatal Police Shooting
A man armed with a knife attacked pedestrians in Paris, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. During the chaos, police arrived promptly, engaging the attacker and ultimately fatally shooting him to prevent further harm. The incident occurred in a busy area, raising concerns over security in the city and the frequency of knife attacks in France.
Continue ReadingWannaCry Ransomware Attack Disrupts Global Systems
WannaCry ransomware unleashed a cyberattack affecting over 400,000 computers across the globe, including critical systems at the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and Telefónica. This unprecedented event exploited a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows, leading to widespread disruption. Hospitals were particularly impacted, with doctors forced to cancel appointments and reroute patients. The attack utilized the EternalBlue exploit, believed to have been developed by the NSA, leading to discussions on cybersecurity practices and the importance of software updates.
Continue ReadingPhiladelphia Train Derailment Results in Casualties
A passenger train operated by Amtrak derailed in Philadelphia, killing eight individuals and injuring over 200 others. The train, heading from Washington, D.C. to New York City, went off the tracks around 9:20 PM near the Port Richmond neighborhood. Preliminary investigations suggested excessive speed may have contributed to the incident, with the train reportedly traveling at more than double the allowed limit as it approached a curve. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene to assist victims and manage the aftermath.
Continue ReadingDevastating Earthquake Strikes Nepal
A powerful earthquake struck Nepal, causing extensive damage and loss of life. The magnitude 7.3 quake was centered near the capital, Kathmandu, and was felt widely throughout the surrounding regions. Rescue operations began promptly, but still, over 218 people were reported dead and more than 3,500 injured. Structures, including historic temples, were heavily damaged, prompting an urgent need for international aid and reconstruction efforts. The quake occurred just weeks after another significant earthquake in the same region.
Continue ReadingAfriqiyah Airways Flight 771 crashes during landing
Afriqiyah Airways Flight 771, en route from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Tripoli, Libya, crashed on its final approach at Tripoli International Airport. The aircraft, an Airbus A330-200, was carrying 104 people, including passengers and crew. Tragically, only one survivor, a 9-year-old boy, emerged from the wreckage. Investigations revealed that technical issues and adverse weather conditions contributed to the disaster, marking a somber moment for aviation safety.
Continue Reading