imself thought at first that federal spending needed to be slashed. His Brain Trust, composed mostly of economists and lawyers, emphasized national economic planning but lacked any clear idea of how it was to be achieved (Leuchtenburg 35). Industrial codes were established under the National Industrial Recovery Act and crop production controls under the Agricultural Adjustment Act. These cartel and restrictive arrangements failed. Both statutes were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1933-1936. Hoover opposed relief as interference with the operation of free markets. In the 100 Days, a $500 million relief bill passed. Under the leadership of Harry Hopkins, who said that "hunger is not debatable," a variety of relief agencies were set up, including the Federal Emergency Relief Administration, the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Works Progress Administration and the National Youth Administration (Watkins 127 & 131). Between 1933 and 1939, several million Americans were put to work at low w
...