Critics of the New Deal

VIII. Critics of the New Deal

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

IX. The Election of 1936

A. Republican Party

1. Presidential Candidate– Alfred M. Landon

(Governor of Kansas)

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

B. Democratic Party

1. Presidential Candidate– Franklin D. Roosevelt

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

X. Evaluating the New Deal

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