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 depressions 2.Maybe No – It never brought full economic recovery – The US suffered another small depression in