Some historians argue that the policies of the New Deal had little impact on the nation as a whole. However, Powell argues that "the largest share of New Deal spending and borrowing programs went to the political swing states of the West and East, where incomes were at least 60 percent higher than in the South." suggests that perhaps Roosevelt's New Deal policies were only aimed at gaining support from the population, as the South was poorer, but FDR saw no reason to give much money to the South because he already had voter support. This also presents the. idea that the New Deal was unsuccessful in the development of the nation since the North was more prosperous with higher wages than the South. However this fact can be overlooked because the GDP in 1933 was 56.4 billion and rose to 91.9 in 1937, followed by 101.4 billion in 1940. GDP increased by 35.5 billion over four years, thus suggesting that the New Agreement policies were effective and Roosevelt would be able to achieve his goal of economic recovery. Therefore, it can be said, overall the New Deal was able to successfully develop the nation because most of the nation, despite the South being poorer, the GDP figures suggest that by 1937 Roosevelt had achieved his goal of achieve economic recovery.