PowerPoint Presentation - Franklin D. Roosevelt and

Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal Redefined Democracy: Political Rights  Economic Security  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: professors lawyers journalists

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Prohibition Repealed - 1933 In order to raise government revenues by taxing alcohol; 21st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 1936 Republicans

Democrats

Relied on traditional base of political support:

Broadened constituency by appealing to:

big business big farmers conservatives

small farmers of Midwest urban political bosses Ethnic 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 Harbor October, 1941