American History Chapter 16: The New Deal II. The New Deal’s Critics

Objectives Learn about some of the New Deal’s shortcomings and limitations. Discover the chief complaints of FDR’s critics inside and outside of politics. See how the court-packing fiasco harmed FDR’s reputation.

Bell Ringer I feel that our President is doing an outstanding job, and I agree with his policies Do you agree Consider the reasons people criticize their leaders. Page 545

A) The Limitations of the New Deal Fair Labor Standards Act set minimum wage at 25 cents an hour – less than what most made Women and minorities treated unfairly New Deal programs gave jobs to men – “heads of families” – nothing for domestic service – largest female occupation (546) SS did not cover farmers or domestic workers – 2/3 of AA – bill making lynching a federal crime was not endorsed by Roosevelt (546) AA did support Roosevelt – first fired last hired were happy for jobs – more minorities appointed to key positions than any other President. Marian Anderson

B) Political Critics New Deal does too much: (rich and business leaders) TVA and REA socialistic – tax on rich – SS militaristic – Bolshevism – unAmerican American Liberty League: Organization founded in 1934 opposed to the New Deal (Alfred Smith) New Deal does not do enough: Upton Sinclair (Socialist) ran for governor of California – won Democrat primary – wanted state to take over factories and farms Progressivism revived in Wisconsin – asking for greater redistribution of wealth

C) Other Critics demagogues: leaders who manipulate people with half-truths, deceptive promises, and scare tactics. Father Coughlin – dynamic speaker who used the radio to broadcast his message. nationalization: government takeover and ownership of banks, businesses and property At first supported Roosevelt then late attacked him – started praising Hitler and Mussolini and became anti-Semitic – ordered to stop by the Catholic church in 1942

Huey Long: Louisiana Senator and Governor Supported New Deal at first later said did not do enough Wanted “Share Our Wealth” – limit income to $1 mil and inheritance to $5 mil – government take rest Give families $5,000 household estate and annual income of $2,500 Assassinated before the presidential election in 1936

D) Modern –Day Critics Hindered economic progress, threatened free enterprise, encouraged inefficient use of resources, powerful government, and usurped state governments “made jobs” instead of allowing economy to do it on own – heavy taxes – paid farmers not to plant – deficit spending Deficit spending: paying out more money from the annual federal budget than the government receives in revenue. Did it violate free market? Or was the relief worth it?

E) The Court-Packing Fiasco Biggest Roosevelt criticism 6 judges for everyone over 70 years old – “lighten the burden” Influencing Judicial Branch – attacking checks and balances Dictators in Europe – scared Americans Started upholding 2nd New Deal anyway – better thought out – retired and replaced with pro-New Deal justices anyway

Review What were some of the shortcomings and limits of the New Deal? What were the chief complaints of FDR’s critics inside and outside of politics? How did the court-packing fiasco harm FDR’s reputation?