New Deal Critics Angela Brown Chapter 13 Section 3 1

The Limits of the New Deal Fair labor standards act covered less than ¼ of all employed workers Minimum wage 25 cents an hour – was less than what most workers already made 2

Women Many aspects of New Deal legislation put women at a disadvantage NRA codes allowed lower wages for women’s work Men and boys received preference in relief and work programs Domestic service was not protected 3

African Americans Federal relief programs reinforced segregation African Americans not offered professional skilled jobs and they received low pay for the same work African Americans in the North had not supported FDR in 1932 – but did in 1936 – those that were employed appreciated it AA abandon the republican party of Lincoln and vote democrat 4

Employment of only white’s in white- owned businesses in black neighborhoods continued African Americans picketed and boycotted businesses slogan “Don’t shop where you can’t work.” Lynchings increased 5

Anti-lynching bills (to make lynching a fed. Crime) failed in Congress – FDR would not push- Congress would not have passed anything if he turned off Southern Democrats FDR appointed more African Americans to policy-making posts than any President before FDR seemed generally concerned for fate of African Americans 6

Political Critics New Deal Does Too Much Some republicans believed New Deal went too far Revenue Act of 1935 = Wealth Tax Act – raised tax rate on individual incomes over $50,000 and corporations Social Security Act criticized – enemies claimed it penalized successful hardworking people – others saw number as first step toward a militaristic regimented society 7

American Liberty League – 1934 – lead opposition to New Deal – led by Alfred E. Smith (Democratic Presidential Candidate, John J Raskob and the Dupont family New Deal limited individual freedom – compulsory unemployment Insurance smacked of “Bolshevism” 8

New Deal Does Not Do Enough Progressives and socialists said New Deal not enough 1934 Upton Sinclair ran for governor of California – called for new economic system with state owned factories and farms – Sinclair won primary Terrified opponents produced fake newsreels showing people speaking in Russian accents praising Sinclair – he lost 9

Other Critics Demagogues – leaders who manipulate others with half-truths, deceptive promises, and scare tactics Father Coughlin – Detroit Radio Priest – 10 million people “National Union for Social Justice” Advocated Nationalization or conversion to government ownership of banks – another time defended sanctity of private property Supported FDR – later denounced 10

Other Critics Late 1930s made anti-jewish statements and praised Hitler and Mussolini 1942 Roman Catholic officials ordered him to stop broadcasting Huey Long – Louisiana Lawyer – U.S. Senate with eyes toward the presidency – first supported FDR then broke with him 11

Huey Long “Share-the Wealth” program (limit individual incomes to $1 million/inheritance to $5 million – government takes the rest) give all Americans “homestead allowance” minimum $5000 and a minimum annual income of $2000 Influence pushed FDR to propose new taxes on wealthy in Second New Deal Assassinated in 1935 by son-in-law of political enemy 12

*Welfare State The many programs that FDR created to help those in need led to the rise of a welfare state in the US. A government that assumes responsibility for providing for the welfare of children and the poor, elderly, sick, disabled, and unemployed. 13