FDR & The New Deal

Election 1932 Herbert Hoover- –Rugged Individualism Opponent- Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) –Government should do more to help Americans

1932 Electoral Map

Who is FDR? Distant cousin of President Theodore Roosevelt Eleanor, his wife, became very active in his public life Established political career: NY State Senator, Secretary of the Navy, and Vice-Presidential candidate, Gov. of NY Paralyzed- polio,1921.

What was his Reputation? A hailed reformer Relied on his “Brain Trust” – A team of thinkers who can correctly analyze a situation and provide the best his Presidential Inauguration in 1933: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror.”

Inaugural Speech "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself""The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" What is the message of this speech? How would you feel if you were in the crowd?

How did he deal with the Banking Crisis? Immediately ordered all banks closed for 4 days- -- “Bank Holiday” Special session of Congress passed the Emergency Banking Relief Act. –Gave the president more power over banking –Set up a system to re-open and re-organize banks –Radio broadcast: “It is safer to keep your money in a re- opened bank than under your mattress”.

How did he connect to Americans? Radio broadcast was 1 st of many “Fireside Chats” –Sat next to fireplace in White House –Gained public confidence

What did he do to try to help end the Depression? Sent Congress a stack of 15 proposals for new programs---all were passed! 3 month special session of Congress to launch new programs was called the “Hundred Days”

What was the New Deal? New laws passed during this 100 days came to be called “The New Deal” Affected all areas of life: –Banking –The Stock Market –Industry –Agriculture –Public Works –Relief for the poor –Conservation of Resources

Did all Americans like the New Deal? Business –accused FDR of spending too much government money = destroying capitalist system. –“Liberty League” (to urge FDR to leave business alone) Outspoken Critics –Father Charles Coughlin- Catholic –Francis Townsend- 60+ $200/mo. –Huey Long- “share our wealth”

Was Democracy in Full Swing? FDR Re-elected in 1936 –Won 61% of the popular vote Support Base: –Progressives –Liberals –Unemployed –Urban Workers –African Americans

Did FDR abuse his power? Worried that the Supreme Court would undo the New Deal Asked Congress to increase # of justices to 15 (6 that he would appoint) Accused of trying to “pack” the court

Was he one of the best Presidents ever?

What was the New Deal? 2:08What was the New Deal?

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