1. Criticisms, Challenges, and effects
The New Deal
Criticisms, Challenges, and effects

2. Opposition to the New Deal
Early Criticisms
Conservatives: undermines individualism; destroys free enterprise; huge debt (deficit spend)
Liberals: did not do enough to help poor!
Most signif. from cluster of Populist figures (vs. power of elite)

3. Dr. Francis Townsend: pension plan  pay $ to elderly over age 60
Would filter out to rest of society, help economy
Father Charles Coughlin: FDR not doing enough; calls for nationalization of industry + anti-Semitism
Senator Huey Long (LA): charisma; speeches
“Share Our Wealth” prog = high taxes on wealthy, redistribute $ to poor
Political enemies  assassinated 1935

4. FDR & SCOTUS 1935: SCOTUS found some parts of N.D. unconstitutional
1936: FDR wins reelection easily
1937: FDR plans to appt 6 new members of Court to dilute power
“Court packing”: upset balance of branches
Didn’t matter  favor turned  FDR loses some popularity

5. Effects of the New Deal Women Gained some civil rights
Eleanor Roos  First Lady from ceremony to action/involvement
1st female cabinet member: Francis Perkins (Labor)
Still face workplace discrimination, pay gap

6. African Americans
More gov’t jobs
Unofficial “Black Cabinet”
FDR afraid of losing support from South  never fully committed

7. Native Americans
Strong gov’t support
Greater self-control/ independence
New Deal Coalition: Southern whites, various urban peoples, African Americans, union workers

8. Expansion of Government
Larger role in economy
Rejection of laissez-faire
Deficit spending
Welfare State: aid for children, poor, elderly, sick, disabled, unemployed
Environment: conservation projects
Nature of Presidency
Greater influence
Style (radio, communication)
22nd Amend – limit terms