FDR and the New Deal
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FDR and the New Deal. A Desperate America Elects FDR. In 1932 a hopeful American public overwhelmingly elected Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) “Happy days are here again” Would make the federal government assume primary responsibility for the American people’s welfare. FDR.
FDR and the New Deal
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Presentation Transcript
A Desperate America Elects FDR • In 1932 a hopeful American public overwhelmingly elected Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) • “Happy days are here again” • Would make the federal government assume primary responsibility for the American people’s welfare.
From Childhood to the Presidency • Mother taught him that the wealthy and the privileged had an obligation to serve the public. • Became a New York senator and the assistant secretary of the U.S. Navy • In 1921 was struck by severe polio which lead to paralysis below the waist. • Was the governor of New York 1928-1932
As Governor • Promoted public works to create jobs for the unemployed • Pushed for old-age pensions • Pushed for unemployment insurance • Backed direct relief to the poor and needy • Great public image • Inspired voters
Roads Dams Airports Power Plants
Reasons for Success • Republicans and Democrats worked together • Passed new legislation quickly • The “Brain Trust” • “Fireside Chats” • Convinced Americans that he had not forgotten their concerns
Critics of the New Deal • African-Americans felt that FDR was too concerned with retaining the votes of white southern Democrats • Provided little support for minorities • Pleased everyone to gain political fame • It interfered too much or too little in everyone’s lives
New Deal Opposition • Big Business (GM, General Foods) was alarmed at FDR’s socialist leanings (trying to Sovietize) railroads, the stock exchange, radios, electrical power, and factory labor. • Skyrocketing federal debt • Farmers throwing away food that could have been used to feed the poor. • Small farmers were not paid
Huey Long • Senator from Louisiana • Said “banks are using FDR as a tool of their own interests” • Promoted his “Share our Wealth” program • He argued that the government should seize all incomes over $1 million, all inheritances over $5 million, and give a $2,000 annual income to every American Family
Huey Long • Free college for every child • “Every man would be king” • Became a serious contender for the presidential election of 1936. • Was assassinated in 1935
Charles E. Coughlin • Was a Catholic priest • Told millions of radio listeners that FDR was on the side of big business • Helped form the Union Party “The hand of Moscow backs communist leaders in America...and aims to support FDR...I ask you to purge the man who claims to be a Democrat from the Democratic Party, and I mean Franklin Double-crossing Roosevelt”
Packing the Court • The U.S. Supreme Court declared certain parts of the NIRA as well as other acts and laws unconstitutional • In 1937 FDR asked Congress to allow him to appoint up to six new Supreme Court justices, current ones were to “old” • Offended Congress, the Court, the Democratic Party, and the public