PowerPoint Presentation - Franklin D. Roosevelt and
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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Prohibition Repealed - 1933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