Opposition to the New Deal

• What did those who opposed the New Deal believe about government interference?

  They believed it went too far and was interfering.
• What was the Republican belief in Rugged Individualism?


  It was the belief that people should help themselves.
• Who was Huey 'Kingfish' Long?

  Governor of Louisiana
• How did Republicans compare FDR to Stalin?

  They thought FDR was behaving like a dictator, similar to Stalin.
• What was the main proposal of Huey Long's 'Share Our Wealth' scheme?

  To confiscate personal fortunes over $5 million and distribute the money to American families
• What was the Republican view on the NRA and TVA?

  They viewed them as similar to the communist economic planning of the USSR.
• How much money did Huey Long promise to give each American family under his scheme?

  Between $4000 and $5000
• What was the concern regarding the Social Security Act among its opponents?

  They believed it would make people lazy and dependent on government help.
• What was one of the objections to the New Deal related to its cost?

  Opponents objected to the cost, believing money was being wasted.
• What did Huey Long claim about FDR's handling of wealth distribution?

  He claimed that FDR had failed to share the nation's wealth fairly
• What slogan did Huey Long use for his campaign?

  'Share Our Wealth'
• What was the WPA criticized for?

  It was criticized for paying people to do unnecessary jobs.
• What were some of the promises made by Huey Long to the American people?

  To provide every family with a car, a house, and two to three thousand dollars a year
• What was the business community's stance on government involvement?


  They didn’t like government getting involved in business.
• How many members did the 'Share Our Wealth' clubs attract?

  1. 5 million people
• How did businesses view FDR's support for Trade Unions?


  They didn’t like FDR’s support for Trade Unions and the campaign to raise wages.
• Who was Doctor Francis Townsend?

  A proponent of pensions for those over 60 years old
• What did businesses criticize about the NRA?

  They criticized it for allowing workers to join trade unions and forcing employers to pay a minimum wage.
• What was the main proposal of Doctor Townsend's pension plan?

  To provide a pension of $200 to everyone over 60 who retired
• What was the purpose of Doctor Townsend's pension plan?

  To encourage older people to retire and create jobs for the unemployed
• What was formed in 1934 to oppose the New Deal?

  A group of business leaders formed the Liberty League.
• What organization did Doctor Townsend establish?

  'Old Age Revolving Pension Plan' or Townsend Clubs
• What was the perspective of the wealthy regarding taxes under FDR's policies?

  They didn’t like having to pay high taxes.
• Why were the rich bitter about FDR's policies?

  They were bitter because FDR’s policies had taken away some of their power.
• Those who thought it went against the constitution

  The Supreme Court - 11 out of 16 of the Alphabet Laws were decreed unconstitutional in cases heard by the Supreme Court. The argument of the Supreme Court was that Roosevelt had tried to impose the power of the federal government on state governments – and this was unconstitutional.
• How many members did the Townsend Clubs attract by 1935?

  5 million members
• Who was Father Coughlin?

  A radio priest who broadcasted his ideas to millions of Americans
• What was the main criticism Father Coughlin had against FDR?

  He accused FDR of failing to tackle the problems of the poor
• What organization did Father Coughlin establish?

  The National Union for Social Justice
• What were some of the proposals made by Father Coughlin?

  To nationalize all banks and introduce a national minimum wage
• How many Americans listened to Father Coughlin's broadcasts?

  40 million Americans
• What demographic primarily supported Father Coughlin?

  Urban and lower middle-class Americans
• How did Father Coughlin's influence compare to FDR's broadcasts?

  Many more people tuned in to FDR's 'fireside chats'