Franklin D. Rooseveltand the New Deal

Redefined Democracy:Political Rights EconomicSecurity Social Justice

Reasons for Hoover’s Ineffectiveness

thought business should be self-regulating

desperate to balance the budget

lacked political finesse

Hoover was viewed as a “do-nothing president”

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Appeal perceived as a man of action

“can-do” attitude projected an air of friendliness

and confidence knew how to handle the press willing to experiment two-term governor of New York distant cousin of former

president Theodore Roosevelt Results: a landslide for

Democrats (both presidency and Congress)

Situation When FDR Entered Office In March 1933, the

country was virtually leaderless, banking system had collapsed

20th Amendment (Feb. 1933) moved presidential elections from March to January did not apply (to avoid “lame duck” issues)

Inaugural address, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself….”

The “Brain Trust”During the “lame duck” period, FDR worked with a group of advisors:

professorslawyersjournalists

They became known as the “Brain Trust” - worked with FDR to create THE NEW DEAL

“a new deal for the American people”

3 Goals of the New Deal Relief: for the needy,

provided jobs for the unemployed, protected farmers from foreclosure

Recovery: economic, get the economy back into high gear

Reform: financial, to regulate banks, abolish child labor, conserve farm lands

First Hundred Days March 9 – June 16,

1933 Congress passed

more than 15 major pieces of New Deal legislation

Significantly expanded the federal government’s role in the nation’s economy

Fireside chats – radio talks about issues of public concern; explained New Deal; Americans felt like FDR was speaking directly to them

Prohibition Repealed - 1933In order to raise government revenues by taxing alcohol; 21st Amendment passed

Concerns with the New Deal

policy of deficit spending (spending more money than the government receives in revenue)

FDR felt it was a necessary evil - only to be used at a time of great economic crisis

supported by British economist John Maynard Keynes

Criticisms of Conservative Opponents

American Liberty League felt New Deal violated respect for and rights of

individuals and property added to the national debt

($35 billion) wasted money on relief

and encouraged idleness violated the Constitution &

States’ rights increased power of

the Presidency

Senator Huey Long (Louisiana) an early supporter of the New Deal

turned against FDR

planned to run for president

advocated a Share-Our-Wealth plan guaranteed annual income of at least

$5,000 for every American to be financed by confiscating wealth

of people who made over $5 million per year

Slogan: “Every Man a King!”

Very popular – 1935 claimed 7.5 million members of Share-Our-Wealth clubs

Killed by Dr. Carl Weiss at a rally (Long died at hospital; Weiss killed at scene)

Father Charles E. Coughlin radio priest from Detroit

combined economic, political and religious ideas

favored a guaranteed annual income

wanted nationalization of banks

claimed there was an international bankers conspiracy and Jews were responsible

Anti-Semitic views led to downfall

Dr. Francis E. Townsend an elderly physician

from CA felt FDR’s plan didn’t

do enough for poor and elderly

created a pension plan for the federal government to pay $200 per month to unemployed people over 60

plan financed by a 2% national sales tax and each pensioner would be required to spend the money in 30 days; stimulating the economy

The Election of 1936Republicans DemocratsRelied on traditional base of political support:

big businessbig farmersconservatives

Broadened constituency by appealing to:

small farmers of Midwesturban political bossesEthnic blue collar workers, Jews, African Americans

Popular Vote: 60.80% Alfred Landon: 36.5%Electoral Vote: 98.5%

Protection of New Deal Accomplishments

Steps FDR took to protect New Deal accomplishments (both failed): Court-Packing Plan (proposed

increasing Supreme Court from 9 to 15 members, caused in revolt in Dem. Party)

Election of 1938 evidence that FDR interfered in a state

campaign upset voters Republicans gained strength in both

houses of Congress

Decline of New Deal Reform after 1937

Court-packing plan made Congress irritable

Recession of 1937-38 weakened confidence in New Deal measures (spending cuts in order to balance budget), led to Republican strength in Congress

Conservative Democrats ; voted with Republicans to block New Deal legislation

Increasing focus on foreign affairs

Impact: The New Deal Government responsibility:

for the health, welfare, and security, as well as the protection and education of its citizens

Extension of Democracy: defined the concept of

democracy; it now included not only political rights but economic security and social justice as well

Revitalized politics: Reasserted presidential

leadership Parties seen as vehicle for the

popular will, instrument for effective action

How does the Great Depression end? Does the bombing of Pearl Harbor by

the Japanese pull America from economic crisis? Yes? No? It is still

debated today!

Pearl HarborOctober, 1941