Criticisms, Challenges, and effects The New Deal Criticisms, Challenges, and effects
Opposition to the New Deal Early Criticisms Conservatives: undermines individualism; destroys free enterprise; huge debt (deficit spend) Liberals: did not do enough to help poor! Most signif. from cluster of Populist figures (vs. power of elite)
Dr. Francis Townsend: pension plan pay $ to elderly over age 60 Would filter out to rest of society, help economy Father Charles Coughlin: FDR not doing enough; calls for nationalization of industry + anti-Semitism Senator Huey Long (LA): charisma; speeches “Share Our Wealth” prog = high taxes on wealthy, redistribute $ to poor Political enemies assassinated 1935
FDR & SCOTUS 1935: SCOTUS found some parts of N.D. unconstitutional 1936: FDR wins reelection easily 1937: FDR plans to appt 6 new members of Court to dilute power “Court packing”: upset balance of branches Didn’t matter favor turned FDR loses some popularity
Effects of the New Deal Women Gained some civil rights Eleanor Roos First Lady from ceremony to action/involvement 1st female cabinet member: Francis Perkins (Labor) Still face workplace discrimination, pay gap
African Americans More gov’t jobs Unofficial “Black Cabinet” FDR afraid of losing support from South never fully committed
Native Americans Strong gov’t support Greater self-control/ independence New Deal Coalition: Southern whites, various urban peoples, African Americans, union workers
Expansion of Government Larger role in economy Rejection of laissez-faire Deficit spending Welfare State: aid for children, poor, elderly, sick, disabled, unemployed Environment: conservation projects Nature of Presidency Greater influence Style (radio, communication) 22nd Amend – limit terms