critics of the new deal. viii. critics of the new deal
TRANSCRIPT
A. Opposition to the New Deal- Some critics thought the New Deal went too far.
1. Socialism?– Some saw the New Deal as socialistic– Thought the federal government had gotten to
large
2. Financial Concerns– Some believed the New Deal programs would
bankrupt the country
3. Roosevelt a Dictator?– The conservative
Liberty League thought the powers of the presidency had gotten too large
– They thought Roosevelt was becoming a dictator
4. Supreme Court – Parts of the NIRA and the AAA were found to be unconstitutional.– FDR tried to change the Supreme Court by adding six more justices. Congress didn’t go for the plan.
B. New Deal not Enough– Other critics thought the New Deal did not go far
enough• Dr. Francis Townsend – Wanted FDR to do
more for the older people in the country.
1. Nationalization of American Resources– Father Charles E. Coughlin (Catholic Priest)– He called for the Nationalization of American
wealth and resources• All businesses and all wealth controlled by the
government– Used his weekly radio show to promote these ideas
2. Huey Long– Louisiana Senator– Called for a more equal
distribution of wealth in America
– Proposed a “Share the Wealth” program• Every family would receive
$2,500 income a year• Would be paid for by
higher taxes on the Wealthy
– Long was assassinated in 1935
2. Republican Support– Most of their support came from the business
community– Problems with labor unrest, the continuing
depression, and Supreme Court opposition to the New Deal also helped the Republicans
2. Democratic Message– Roosevelt said the
Republicans had given the Americans:• “Nine crazy years at
the [stock market] ticker and three long years in the breadlines.”
3. Democratic Support– A majority of Americans supported Roosevelt– Richard Wright wrote:
“Where I come from, they’re all singing
‘Roosevelt! You’re my man! When the times come I ain’t got a cent, You buy my groceries And pay my rent.
Mr. Roosevelt, you’re my man.’ ”
C. Outcome– Roosevelt won an even bigger victory than in
1932– Roosevelt: 523 Electoral Votes– Landon: 8 Electoral Votes
A. The New Deal Revolution– Changed many aspects of American life– Expanded the Role of the Federal Government– Increased the power and role of the President
B. Did the New Deal end the Great Depression?
1. Maybe Yes– New Deal programs prevented a total economic
and political collapse of the US– It created agencies and programs to help
prevent future depressions2. Maybe No– It never brought full economic recovery– The US suffered another small depression in
1937-1938