The Diary of Rexford G. Tugwell: The New Deal, 1932-1935

Rexford G. Tugwell’s diary of the New Deal era is one of the most important first-hand, primary accounts of the New Deal available. One of FDR’s most intimate advisors, Tugwell provides an open account of what went on in the New Deal, particularly in the early days when programs to address the Great Depression were being devised.

The diary talks openly about how programs were devised, who was involved, and how FDR reacted. It is very specific about such New Deal Programs as the NRA, AAA, and the different relief programs, including CWA, PWA, the Resettlement Administration, and CCC. The diary also discusses individuals, such as FDR, Henry Wallace, Hugh Johnson, Donald Richberg, Chester Davis, Louis Brandeis, Felix Frankfurter and fellow Brain Trusters Raymond Moley and Adolf Berle. The diary also provides insight into how Tugwell viewed himself and whether or not he agreed with the individuals assigned to run the New Deal programs. One of the most used sources at the FDR Library, this diary gives a rare glimpse of FDR and how he treated his intimate advisers.