FDR Pushing the Envelope

Critics of the New Deal In general the business world opposed the New Deal Demanding more reform – Roosevelt also drew fire from those who believed that the president had not gone far enough Government takeover of banks Monthly pension “Share our wealth plan”

The Second New Deal My them mid 1930s the economy had slightly improved Creating jobs – 20% of workers were still unemployed in 1935 – The WPA (Works Progress Administration) was created to give people jobs and help the country 2 million people between 1935 and 1941 Built or repaired airports, public buildings, bridges, and roads Gave work to unemployed artists and musicians

Help for those in need – 1935 Congress passed the Social Security Act Created a tax on worker and employers that would provide monthly pensions for retired people Funded unemployment insurance The federal government had taken on the responsibility for the welfare of all its citizens The labor movement – Labor unions grew stronger and workers battled the Depression – FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act)banned child labor and set a minimum wage

The Supreme Court Those who oppsed the New Deal Chalenged many of its laws in the courts Roosevelt’s “court packing plan” – After the elections of 1935 FDR asked congress to increase the number of Supreme Court Justices from 9 to 15 The President was accused of packing the courts and trying to ruin the system of checks and balances The End of the New Deal – As the 1930s came to an end dangerous events in Asia and Europe caused Americans to shift their focus from domestic to foreign affairs