Criticism of FDR and the Second New Deal

Criticism of FDR and the Second New Deal

Fireside Chats – Radio addresses where FDR explained what he was doing.

Criticism From the Right: American Liberty League – said New Deal made the government too powerful. From the Left: Huey Long – Popular Louisiana Senator who said FDR wasn’t doing enough. Father Charles Coughlin – Popular Catholic Priest, criticized FDR on his radio show.

Launching the Second New Deal: 1935 – FDR realized his first wave of programs hadn’t done enough. Time for more. Works Progress Administration (WPA) – employed people in “useful projects. ” Completed public works progress, but paid artists, writers, actors to work as well.

SARGENT CLAUDE JOHNSON American, 1887 -1967 Lenox Avenue Lithograph on paper, 12 ½ x 8 ½" image Allocation from the United States Government (Federal Art Project) 1943. 2. 72

EDWARD MILLMAN American, 1907 -1964 Cartoon for Contribution of Women to the Progress of Mankind mural, Lucy Flower High School, Chicago, Illinois, 1936 Charcoal on paper, 94 ½ x 71 5/8" Allocation from the United States Government (Federal Art Project) 1943. 2. 33

SALVATORE PINTO American, born Italy, 1906 -1966 Trolley Car Wood engraving on paper, 8 ½ x 6 ¾" image Allocation from the United States Government (Federal Art Project) 1943. 2. 121

BEN SHAHN American, born Lithuania, 18981969 Farmers Gouache on composition board, 31 x 42" Allocation from the United States Government (Federal Art Project) 1943. 2. 139

O. LOUIS GUGLIELMI American, born Egypt, 19061956 Odd Fellows Hall, 1934 Oil on canvas, 24 x 30" Allocation from the United States Government (Federal Art Project) 1943. 2. 63

CHET HARMON LA MORE American, 19081980 Non-combatants Lithograph on paper, 10 ½ x 14 1/8" image Allocation from the United States Government (Federal Art Project) 1943. 2. 78

National Labor Relations Act / Wagner Act - Protected workers right to form Unions on a national level. Committee for Industrial Organization - Group of unions that attempted to spread Union membership and the strength of labor. Tough guy / Manly man

Social Security Act (SSA) HUGELY IMPORTANT How it works: 1) People pay extra taxes. 2) When people retire, they get money from the government to live on. 3) Unemployed people can get benefits too.

The New Deal Coalition

Discussion Question: What groups of people do you think the FDR’s New Deal policies appealed to? Write down a list in your notes … As your textbook notes, the New Deal made the Democratic Party popular among: • Farmers • Immigrants • Laborers • African Americans • Women • Progressives • Intellectuals

Because of this coalition, Roosevelt wins big in the election of 1936, but it’s important to note that in the years to come Roosevelt was criticized for a couple of things: 1) The Court Packing Scheme: Supreme Court had declared the AAA and NIRA unconstitutional, and were grumbling about other New Deal programs. FDR proposed new law. If a justice was over 70 and had served for 10 years, he could appoint another judge himself. Would have allowed Roosevelt to appoint 6 more judges. How do you think people might react to this? 2) The Roosevelt Recession: 1937 – Roosevelt tried to cut back spending and the economy stumbled again.

The Legacy of the New Deal The New Deal Era from 1932 -1941 changed the role of government in the United States. • The Broker State – The federal government was now involved in regulating the economy. • The Safety Net – People increasingly looked to the federal government to help them if things went wrong. • The New Deal Coalition – The federal government would be dominated by Democrats for years to come.