Huey Long

Question 1

Who was Huey Long?

Answer 1

Huey Long was the governor of Louisiana who was critical opponent of Roosevelt’s New Deal. Long planned to run in the 1936 presidential election. He might have won had he not been assassinated in 1935.

Question 2

Why did Huey Long oppose the New Deal?

Answer 2

• He believed the New Deal didn’t do enough for the poor.
• He claimed the NRA was controlled by big business
• The AAA left poor farmers homeless
• That Social Security failed as it kept the poor poor.

Question 3

What scheme did Huey Long start in order to oppose the New Deal?

Answer 3

‘Share Our Wealth’ scheme in 1934

Question 4

How many Americans supported Huey Long’s Share Our Wealth and joined Share Our Wealth clubs?

Answer 4

8 million

Question 5

What proposals were put forward by the Share Our Wealth Campaign?

Answer 5

❖He suggested limiting personal fortunes to a maximum of $3 million.
❖He proposed preventing anyone from making more than $1 million a year.
❖He suggested free washing machines and radios for all Americans.
❖He wanted to provide everyone with a yearly income of $2,500.
❖He suggested old-age pensions for everyone over 60.