Arguments Against the New Deal

1. Arguments Against the New Deal

2. Warm-up • Do you think the New Deal was a good idea? Why or Why not?

3. Vocabulary • Conservative: A person in American politics who believes in traditional values and limited involvement of the government in the economy.

4. Arguments Against the New Deal • Many conservatives regarded his programs as infringements on the rights of the individual. • Liberal critics argued that the New Deal did not go far enough to address the problems of normal Americans. • There were three important critics that came up during this time Huey Long, Father Charles Coughlin, and Dr. Francis Townsend

5. Huey Long • Long was originally a supporter of the New Deal but felt that it did not go far enough. • He became popular for ridiculing the rich. • He also believed that all Americans could live “like Kings”. • He believed in fixing the unequal distribution of wealth by taxing wealthy people heavily and then distributing that wealth to the poorest levels.

7. Father Coughlin • Coughlin blamed the depression on greedy bankers and challenged Roosevelt to solve the crisis by nationalizing banks and inflating the currency. • He believed that Jews and Communists, in league with bankers and capitalists, were out to get the little man.

9. Dr. Francis Townsend • In January 1934, Townsend announced his plan, demanding a $200 monthly pension for every citizen over the age of 60. • In return, recipients had to retire and spend their entire pension every month within the United States.

10. Primary source sheet • Complete the primary source worksheet

11. Exit slip • Write a short newspaper article against the New Deal from the point of view of one of opponents of the New Deal, stating why the New Deal should not be passed.