Critics and Limitations of the New Deal
1. the New Deal fell short of many people’s expectations
women and African­Americans were discriminated against: •
jobs they held were not regulated by New Deal programs •
they were hired last and fired first
•
FDR did appoint more blacks to important positions
•
2. Political opponents: New Deal did too much: Republicans: didn’t like higher taxes for rich •
folks, thought it was too much like socialism
•
New Deal didn’t do enough: Progressives and Socialists: limited success in eliminating poverty brought criticism
• (most Americans fell in the middle, and FDR would be re­elected 3 times)
Jan 2­2:31 PM
3. Other critics
Father Coughlin: attacked FDR on radio, often contradicted himself. •
Praised Hitler and Mussolini so was later asked to stop his broadcasts
Huey Long: governor of Louisiana: called for redistrubution of wealth: •
“Share the Wealth”
4. Court Packing
Supreme Court had “canceled” many of his early New Deal programs, so he •
proposed a bill to reform the court
wanted to add up to six Justices to the Supreme Court •
(FDR would be able to appoint judges favorable to the New Deal)
too much criticism (thought president was gaining too much power) so FDR •
withdrew the bill
Jan 2­2:51 PM
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Jan 6­7:43 AM
CONCLUSION
New Deal did not end Depression, but did dramatically change American life and society. Government played a much larger role in people’s lives and workers came to expect more rights. Jan 6­7:43 AM
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