Critics of fdr

Republican Party Platform (1936)

Introduction

  • Highlights the context of the 1936 election and the backlash against Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal.

  • Emphasis on conservative criticisms of the New Deal and the perceived threats to American values.

Key Statements

  • America is in Peril: Concerns about the preservation of political liberty and individual opportunity.

  • Critique of the New Deal:

    • Allegations of the government threatening traditional American values and morals.

    • Claims that the New Deal administration has violated the integrity of Congress and the Supreme Court.

    • Accusations of violating citizens' rights and liberties, alongside creating monopolies.

    • Destruction of state rights and intimidation of citizens.

    • Allegations of government waste and misappropriation of public funds for political purposes.

    • Claims of creating a centralized bureaucracy that stifles free enterprise.

  • Call to Action: Inviting Americans of all political affiliations to join against what they see as governmental overreach.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's Response

Overview of Roosevelt's Leadership Philosophy

  • Roosevelt frames the fight against the old regime and corruption in government in stark, emotional language.

  • Critiques the indifference of past administrations and relays a message of active government intervention.

Key Points from Roosevelt's Madison Square Garden Speech

  • Restoration of Hope: Roosevelt discusses the struggle against traditional forces of inaction and monopoly.

  • Vision for the Future:

    • Promise of continued economic reforms with an emphasis on social justice and support for the vulnerable.

    • Commitment to combatting exploitation in business and ensuring fair treatment of workers.

    • Focus on cooperative farming practices and sustainable agricultural policies.

Platform for Social Security and Economic Stability

  • Explanation of the Social Security Act and its broad support within both parties.

  • Criticism of misinformation surrounding government insurance and social programs.

  • Emphasis on the role of government in stabilizing and supporting American families and businesses.

Crisis of Power in the New Deal Era

Roosevelt's Court-Packing Plan

  • Context of Roosevelt's attempts to reform the Supreme Court to support New Deal legislation.

  • Public and political backlash against the court-packing proposal, viewed as threatening to the separation of powers.

Roosevelt’s Justification for Court Reforms

  • Discussion of the need for a responsive government capable of addressing modern economic issues.

  • Assertion that the Supreme Court has acted contrary to the needs of a changing society and is obstructing legislation passed by Congress.

Critical Perspectives on Roosevelt

Herbert Hoover's Critique

  • Hoover warns against the concentration of power in the presidency and fears of authoritarian governance.

  • He raises concerns about the implications of a one-party system and the erosion of constitutional safeguards.

Dorothy Thompson's Editorial on Court-Packing

  • Thompson vehemently rejects Roosevelt's court reform efforts, suggesting they threaten liberty and democracy.

  • She argues for the protection of minorities against majority rule, emphasizing the necessity of a balanced judiciary.

  • Critique focusing on the dangers of personal government and the need for accountability and checks on executive power.

Review Questions

  1. Do you agree with Thompson that Roosevelt's attempt to restructure the Supreme Court resembled fascism?

  2. Do you agree that the "essence of democracy is the protection of minorities"?