Franklin Delano Roosevelt and The New Deal

What needed to be fixed? FDR’s Background FDR’s Plan Unemployment, stock market, currency issue, banks, farms, housing, direct relief FDR’s Background Cousin of Teddy Roosevelt, born into money, very active youth, polio will cripple him in early 20s, elected governor of NY in 1928, confident, very strong willed, charismatic FDR’s Plan 1932 Campaign Promise was a New Deal for all Americans Focus of New Deal was going to be The Three “R’s”

Relief for needy Recovery for industry and economy Reform to prevent complete economic failure from happening again Will create a very diverse cabinet. Nicknamed the Brain Trust, it will include anyone who could help Frances “the bulldog” Perkins will become 1st women appointed to cabinet position(Labor) Once in office, FDR will use his fireside chats to soothe Americans fears and will launch his New Deal In his “first 100 Days”, he gets 15 major laws or programs through Congress. US on road to recovery

Not all are happy in US Supreme Court rules AAA and NIRA as unconstitutional Schechter v US (“the sick chicken” case) shoots down NIRA, due to upsetting check and balances Fearing more anti-New Deal rulings, FDR attempts to “pack the bench” by adding 6 new judges Congress and US question his motives Three most famous critics of New Deal: Father Coughlin- Detriot priest with radio show Dr. Townsend- California doctor who wanted more for old Senator Huey “Kingfish” Long- Louisiana senator who advocated the Share Our Wealth ideas