Opposition to the New Deal

Focus Question

New Deal Opposition New Deal faced opposition from both left and right Transformative program Philosophical differences

Conservative Opposition Argued the New Deal was unconstitutional Saw it as a threat to business interests Concentrated power in the Presidency

Constitutional Arguments The New Deal created a new relationship between the government and the people Greatly expanded governmental power Several early programs ran afoul of the Supreme Court

Threat to Business The New Deal reversed the 1920s Provided for regulation of industries Provided for organized labor Promised certain labor standards Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938

American Liberty League Formed in 1934 Prevent New Deal from “subverting” the U.S. Economic arguments Political arguments Largely funded by big business

Liberal Opposition New Deal did not go far enough Maintained too much of the capitalist system Did too much for business Did too little for the unemployed and the poor

Dr. Francis Townsend Addressed issues of poverty among elderly Proposed a national pension Must retire at 60 Would be paid $200 monthly Must spend all the money Paid for by a 2% national sales tax Led to Social Security

Huey Long the “Kingfish” Ran the Democratic machine of Louisiana Proposed a “Share Our Wealth” program Provide a $5000 salary for every family Paid for by confiscating the wealth of the rich Tried to tap desperation

Father Charles Coughlin Detroit “Radio Priest” Popular radio host Pushed for nationalizing banks Attacked the New Deal Depression caused by “International bankers” FDR controlled by “International bankers” Removed from radio by the Catholic Church

FDR and the Supreme Court Supreme Court overturned numerous New Deal Programs FDR saw the Court as an obstacle to the New Deal Sought a change in his second term Won re-election with a huge mandate

Court Packing Scheme Proposed a change to appointing justices President to appoint a new justice for each justice over 70 FDR could then appoint 6 new justices Incredible public outrage Bill went down in defeat Seen as an overreach