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FDR and the New Deal

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.

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FDR and the New Deal

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  1. FDR and the New Deal

  2. 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.

  3. FDR

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Success

  7. Roads Dams Airports Power Plants

  8. 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

  9. Critics

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. Huey Long

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. Charles E. Coughlin

  16. 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”

  17. 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

  18. Any Questions?

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