FDR and the New Deal: Key Policies, Events, and Criticisms Hst lecture 8

The New Deal

FDR's series of programs and reforms during the 1930s aimed at recovering the U.S. from the Great Depression and reforming capitalism.

FDR's Comeback

FDR rebuilt his upper body after polio, used a cane to give the illusion of standing, and relied on his sons for support while walking.

FDR's Public Image

He projected strength and confidence, often speaking from the back of cars and greeting people with a strong handshake.

Al Smith Nomination 1924

FDR was nominated to support Al Smith, showing his re-emergence in politics after his illness.

Governor of New York (1928-1933)

FDR served as NY governor before becoming president, focusing on social welfare and reform programs.

New Deal Promise

FDR promised to "recast government" to provide for the general welfare of all Americans.

Assassination Attempt (Feb 1933)

FDR survived an assassination attempt in Miami; the mayor was killed, but FDR's calm response strengthened his public image.

Crisis of Capitalism 1933

Banks were collapsing as people rushed to withdraw funds, leading to insolvency and a halt in the banking system.

Walter Lippmann

Prominent political pundit who urged FDR to suspend the Constitution during the bank crisis; FDR refused.

Virtue and Leadership

FDR valued democratic principles and refused to take dictatorial power, contrasting with rising fascist movements.

Fascism in Europe

Hitler and Mussolini rose to power, building concentration camps and suppressing labor rights; influenced FDR's democratic stance.

Bank Holiday (1933)

FDR temporarily closed all banks to stop the crisis and restore public confidence.

Emergency Banking Act

Allowed banks to reopen once financially stable; restructured and restored trust in the banking system.

Fireside Chats

FDR's radio talks that spoke directly to Americans, explaining New Deal measures in plain language.

Glass-Steagall Act (1933)

Separated investment and commercial banking, created the FDIC to insure deposits, and stabilized the financial system.

FDIC

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; guaranteed bank deposits up to a certain amount to prevent bank runs.

Securities Exchange Act (1934)

Regulated stock markets to prevent fraud and stabilize investing.

National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA)

Aimed to stop "ruinous competition," set fair wages, and gave workers the right to form unions for the first time.

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)

Paid farmers to reduce crop production; stabilized prices but excluded many sharecroppers and tenant farmers.

Sharecroppers' Exclusion

Mostly African American laborers who were left out of AAA benefits because payments went to landowners.

Public Works Administration (PWA)

Funded major construction projects like dams, subways, and ships to create jobs and boost infrastructure.

USS Enterprise

Built as part of PWA projects, showing how the program supported industrial and defense development.

Critics on the Right

Believed FDR spent recklessly and expanded government too much.

Critics on the Left

Argued FDR wasn't radical enough and wanted deeper wealth redistribution.

Huey Long

Populist demagogue who proposed a 100% tax on the rich and 'Share Our Wealth' programs; a major left-wing critic of FDR.

First New Deal

Focused on recovery — stabilizing the economy, banks, and industry.

Second New Deal

Focused on reform — creating lasting protections like Social Security and labor rights.

Social Security Act (1935)

Established social insurance for retirees; funded by payroll taxes, not welfare. Excluded agricultural and domestic workers.

Exclusion from Social Security

Southern politicians excluded farm and domestic workers, often Black and female, to keep cheap labor.

Half a Loaf Approach

FDR accepted partial reforms, believing it was better to get something passed than nothing at all.

Works Progress Administration (WPA)

Government agency that hired millions for public projects — paid below market wages to avoid competing with private jobs.

WPA's Cultural Projects

Employed historians, artists, and writers; interviewed former slaves to preserve their stories and promote democracy.

Wagner Act (1935)

Guaranteed workers' rights to unionize and bargain collectively; established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

NLRB

National Labor Relations Board — enforced fair labor practices and mediated between workers and employers.

Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO)

Industrial union that organized all workers regardless of skill; fought for higher wages and labor protections.

Sit-Down Strike (1937)

Workers at auto plants occupied factories to demand union recognition; led to violent clashes with company enforcers.

Battle of the Overpass

Ford's secret police beat union organizers in 1937; public outrage strengthened labor support.

Roosevelt Recession (1937-38)

Economic downturn caused by FDR's attempt to balance the budget and cut spending too early.

Court Packing Plan (1937)

FDR's proposal to add one justice for each over age 70 (max 6) to shift Supreme Court support for New Deal laws.

A Horse and Buggy Court

FDR's term for the conservative Supreme Court that kept blocking New Deal programs.

Court Packing Outcome

Plan failed in the Senate, but a justice's retirement led the Court to start supporting New Deal legislation.

Public Opinion Power

The court shifted positions due to fear of public backlash — showing the influence of public support on government.

New Deal Summary

First New Deal = recovery; Second New Deal = reform. Brought major changes but didn't end the Depression entirely.

Dr. New Deal → Dr. Win the War

Nickname showing FDR's shift from domestic reform to wartime leadership during WWII.