Critics of the New Deal

Critics of FDR and the New Deal formed American Liberty League Includes leading Democrats who felt he had deserted the Democratic Party’s principles of limited Federal Gov’t Shows a switch in ideologies of the parties

The Townsend Plan called for the government to give $200.00 a month to all citizens over 60. The idea being that they would spend it and the economy would benefit from the upswing in spending Many of the elderly were among the poorest at this time. Idea is a forerunner of the concept of Social Security which will come later. Established Townsend Clubs to promote his plan

Had many loyal followers of his radio show Supported New Deal at first, but felt it didn’t do enough Called for nationalization of industry with antiSemitic remarks and attacks on communists who he said were in charge of the country Catholic Church makes him end his radio program

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hphg Hi6FD8k

Senator from Louisiana who gave folksy speeches that engaged audiences Proposed ‘Share the Wealth’ – high taxes on the wealthy and large corporations and redistribution of income to poor No faith in Democracy – ruled Louisiana as though he owned the state

Biggest threat to Roosevelt in election until he was assassinated by a political enemy.