The Grassroots Revolt and The Limits of Change

🌾 21.2 — The Grassroots Revolt

Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) & Labor

Organized industrial workers and supported the New Deal while pushing for stronger labor rights; helped grow unions and pressured the government to protect workers through laws like the Wagner Act.

Huey Long & the Share Our Wealth Movement

Criticized the New Deal for not doing enough and proposed heavy taxes on the rich to redistribute wealth; showed widespread frustration and pushed FDR toward more radical reforms.

Father Charles Coughlin

A radio priest who first supported the New Deal but later attacked it as too friendly to banks; reflected populist anger and fear of economic elites.

Dr. Francis Townsend

Proposed government pensions for elderly Americans to stimulate the economy; influenced the creation of Social Security by highlighting the needs of older citizens.

🚧 21.5 — The Limits of Change

Women

Gained some job opportunities and visibility in government but were often excluded from higher-paying jobs; showed limited change since traditional gender roles largely continued.

Native Americans

Benefited from the Indian New Deal, which promoted tribal self-government; represented a clear change from earlier assimilation policies.

Mexican Americans

Found jobs through New Deal programs but still faced discrimination and deportation; reflected continuity of racial inequality despite economic relief.

African Americans

Received some economic assistance but were excluded from many benefits and faced segregation; showed limited change as racial discrimination continued.