Critics of the New Deal

.pdf

School

University of California, Berkeley *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

101

Subject

History

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

pdf

Pages

2

Uploaded by UltraVulture4086

Report
Critics of the New Deal Question/Score 4 = A 3 = B 2 = C 1 = D 0 = F Student completely and correctly identifies required information with quality explanations. Student correctly identifies required information with some explanations. Student identifies required information with no explanations. Student identifies half of required information. Student does not complete assignment or identify any required information. As New Deal programs were initiated during Roosevelt's first two terms, critics began to appear to challenge Roosevelt's view of ending the Great Depression. There were critics both on the political Left (saying that FDR was not going far enough with the New Deal) and on the Right (who though that the government was moving towards socialism.) Click on the links in blackboard that correspond to each of the critics below to read about the critics of the New Deal. Use this information to answer the following questions for each person or group (ALL, Huey Long, Father Coughlin, and Francis Townsend). 1. Why was the individual or group critical of Roosevelt? a. The American Liberty League opposed all "burdensome taxes imposed upon industry for unemployment insurance and old-age pensions." Though its nature violated constitutional liberties and expanded executive power beyond what the Constitution intended. b. Huey Long: Opposed the New Deal as too conservative and contrary to his "every man a king" mentality. c. Father Coughlin: Coughlin turned against FDR when he refused to nationalize the banking system and provide for the coinage of silver. Plus, he was anti-Semitic, so probably not in his right mind anyway. d. Francis Townsend: He felt the New Deal had fallen short and didn't live up to the potential it had. 2. Identify and define each one’s solutions to end the Great Depression. a. American Liberty League: The league's lawyers challenged several acts that they saw as unconstitutional and deployed several small reform projects amongst its members. Mostly engaged in campaigns trying to educate the public. b. Huey Long started a movement called Share Our Wealth. Proposed 100% tax on personal fortunes exceeding 1 million dollars. Minimum estate promises and pensions to the elderly.
c. Father Coughlin: Formed the National Union for Social Justice, blaming the Great Depression is an international conspiracy of Jewish bankers. Preached on the radio are new ideals to shift blame and conspire weak unification methods. d. Francis Townsend proposed the Old Age Revolving Pension. Called for every American over 60 to retire to open up jobs. Retirees would get a monthly $200, but recipients had to agree to spend the entire sum within the month. 3. Read FDR’s Fireside Chat #5 and summarize his defense. How did FDR respond to critics of the New Deal? FDR acknowledged that there had been some problems with his New Deal but insisted that those hurt by his programs were the greedy and the self-interested. Although people's toes were being stepped on, it's contributing to a greater good. He takes on his critics, calling them complicated. By criticizing him, they're blasting it out of proportion by making something simple and complex. Thus, the New Deal has a lot of room to grow but is in the right direction in reforming the Depression. By his second New Deal Roosevelt was frustrated with the Supreme Court. Read the background information on the infamous "court packing scheme" and answer the following questions. 1. What was Roosevelt's defense in changing the composition of the Supreme Court? FDR's defense in packing the court was to complement his own intentions as president. He attacked the members who had voted against his reform methods and said they were disregarding the law as well. 2. What was the public response? It was met with a lot of criticism. Since the three (separated) branches were seen in high regard, it lacked a lot of public support. Within the court, members saw FDR's attempt as a way to surround himself with agreeable members, so he eventually gave it up.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help