1. Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal and U.S. Criticism
SSUSH18 The student will describe Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal as a response to the depression and compare the ways governmental programs aided those in need.
a. Describe the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority as a works program and as an effort to control the environment.
b. Explain the Wagner Act and the rise of industrial unionism.
c. Explain the passage of the Social Security Act as a part of the second New Deal.
d. Identify Eleanor Roosevelt as a symbol of social progress and women’s activism.
e. Identify the political challenges to Roosevelt’s domestic and international leadership; include the role of Huey Long, the “court packing bill,” and the Neutrality Act.

2. Criticism to Roosevelt’s New Deal
Many Democrats and Republicans alike disagreed with the Programs under the New Deal
Liberals Argued Roosevelt did too much for business and not enough for the unemployed and working poor
Neglected the minorities, women, and the elderly
Conservatives Accused the federal government of having too much power
Accused Roosevelt of bordering Socialism/Communism
Major concern was deficit spending
FDR had to use deficit spending to pay for the programs
Conservative Dems along with Republican leaders created the American Liberty League to protest the New Deal

3. Huey Long Democratic Senator from LA
Argued against the New Deal stating the plan did not do enough for the poor.
Gave fiery speeches protesting the plan

4. Other Critics Father Charles Coughlan
Founded National Union for Social Justice
Issued weekly radio broadcast attacking Roosevelt
Attacks became Anti-Semitic and Fascist
Catholic Church shut him down
Dr. Francis Townsend
First suggested a fixed income for retirees
Popularity of his plan persuaded Roosevelt to eventually introduce the Social Security Act

5. Roosevelt’s Court-Packing Plan
An attempt by Roosevelt to “pack” the Supreme Court with supporters of his New Deal plan
Problem: FDR’s program, AAA, was declared unconstitutional by the SC and he feared more of his programs would be shot down
Congress killed the Court-Packing bill, however the Supreme Court passed the Wagner Act and the Social Security Act

6. Final Look at New Deal
The New Deal served as a short-term fix to a long term problem
“Prime the pump” deficit spending was a helpful tool to stimulate consumer spending
From , unemployment dropped from 25-15%
1937
Another recession hit
Caused by new Social Security tax as well as government reduction of relief programs
Overall, WWII is credited with bringing the US out of the Depressoin

7. Eleanor Roosevelt Wife of FDR
Was seen as a symbol of Social Progress and women’s activism in areas such as:
Civil Rights for African Americans
Poverty stricken familiesNational
Housing Act
Women’s equality in the work place
Equal Pay Act