#7 Critics of FDR

Critics of FDR and the New Deal

Various groups including women, African Americans, the wealthy, conservatives, and liberals who had complaints about FDR's policies.

Women in the New Deal

Women faced challenges such as preferred hiring status for men, lower pay allowances, and exclusion from Social Security for domestic work.

African Americans and the New Deal

Faced racial segregation, exclusion from public works labor, lack of support for anti-lynching bills, yet still supported FDR.

Business owners’ perspective on Social Security

They believed it unfairly penalized them and created competition through public corporations.

Con Servatives’ view on the New Deal

They believed it was too expansive and socialist, accusing FDR of acting like a dictator.

Democrats and Liberal Republicans’ criticism

Felt the New Deal did not do enough to eliminate poverty and recovery was too slow.

Huey Long

A political opponent of FDR who advocated for the 'Share Our Wealth' program and was assassinated before running for President.

Dr. Francis Townsend

Proposed a pension plan for elderly citizens to alleviate poverty, influencing the Social Security Act.

Court Packing Fiasco

FDR's attempt to add judges to the Supreme Court to secure support for his programs, criticized as an attack on judicial independence.

Effectiveness of FDR's critics

Critics were mostly ineffective due to FDR's political skills, divided opposition, and his efforts showing commitment to helping the public.