1.1 Changing political environment

Question 1

(20 marker question) How far were Republican ideals the main reason for the republican presidency?

Answer 1

AGREE- Calvin Coolidge took America into the economic boom due to laissez faire

America were isolationist : Immigration quotas, tarrifs and did not join colonies.

The republican ideals were pro business.

DISAGREE-

People were tired of Wilson’s extreme decision making in government

Many Americans were frustrated that they had joined the war under democrats.

Question 2

§Why did Republicanism decline? (when did it decline)

3 reasons

Answer 2

Republicanism declined because:

1. People wanted direct help from the government.
2. Hoover was seen as a do nothing president
3. The Laissez faire attitude was not working because America were in a depression

Question 3

What was the bonus army?
How was it relevant?
date?

Answer 3

The bonus army were a group of war veterans who were owed a one off payment from the government known as a “bonus payment”.

As the economic depression hit in 1929 many war veterans were homeless and struggling financially.
Therefore they demanded this payment early.

In June 1932 200,000 veterans marched on Washington to demand the bonus payment.

On the 28th July the military was sent with tear gas, cavalry and tanks to disperse the crowds.

Hoover lost a significant amount of popularity due to this and blamed it on “ communist agitators”.

Question 4

Who won the election in 1932 why was this?

Answer 4

Roosevelt won the 1932 election
he won it because:
1. Roosevelt promised bold government intervention “new deal”
2. The republicans performed badly (it was a landslide) as Hoover was unpopular
3. He was charismatic and connected to the public in speeches.

Question 5

When was Roosevelt in power?

Answer 5

Roosevelt was president 1933-1945.

Question 6

How did Roosevelt change the presidency and how was this effective? 5 reasons

Answer 6

1- He insisted that the government was responsible for the welfare of people.

2- New deal agencies
AAA introduced farming quotas and bought up surplus quotas.
NRA- national recovery administration enforced codes of practice and a minimum wage.

3. He had fireside chats with via radio where he spoke to the population as if “they were chatting”. This helped him gain popularity.
4. Roosevelt was good at managing the media, he held off the record meetings with reporters.
5. He had a successful inaugural speech where he injected hope into a country that had been through turmoil. “ the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”

Question 7

Who was Roosevelt opposed by? 4 reasons

Answer 7

1. Wealthy businessmen disliked his ideas
2. Republicans suggested that his large use of congressional power.
3. People also compared him to dictators like Mussolini and Hitler because he fully used his power and tried to pack supreme court with his supporters.
4. His alphabet agencies were suggested as unconstitutional.

Question 8

What legacy did Roosevelt leave?

Answer 8

1. People expected more government help

2. People expected more government communication.

Question 9

What was Roosevelt skilled at and what was he less skilful at?

Answer 9

Skilled- managing people and the media, he had off the record press meetings and received sackfuls of letters.

Less skilled- economics, he caused inflation.