Opposition to FDR Flashcards
What were the ‘Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’?
The media name given to 4 Supreme Court judges (including Van Devanter), who were particularly opposed to FDRs New Deal legislation
When and what was ‘Black Monday’?
May 1935 - the Supreme Court struck down the NRA in the ‘Sick Chicken’/ Schlechter Bros case; stated that the Federal Gvt had no right to interfere in internal state trade
What was the real name of the ‘Sick Chicken’ case?
The Schlecter Brothers case - May 1935
How many of the Alphabet Laws did the Supreme Court declare unconstitutional?
11/16 in 1935 to 1936 - including the NRA and AAA
What prompted FDR to act against the Supreme Court?
They struck down a minimum wage New York state law (for women and children)
His attorney general, Cummings, said ‘they mean to destroy us’
What measure against the Supreme Court did FDR propose?
The Judiciary Reform Bill 1937 - referred to as ‘the court packing plan’, failed by 70 votes to 20 in the Senate
When did the Supreme Court begin to uphold FDR’s measures?
Found SSA constitutional in late 1936.
Van Devanter announced his retirement.
Undermined support for Judiciary Reform Bill but also reflected how FDR had won a landslide election (60%).
What do historians say was a significant turning point about the Supreme Court?
It was “the constitutional revolution of 1937”, legitimising the vast expansion of National and State Governments
Which initiative did Huey Long begin?
The Share Our Wealth clubs, 1934
How many members did Long’s ‘Share Our Wealth’ clubs have by 1935?
8 million - threat to FDR as could have split the vote for his 2nd term
What did Huey Long promise?
Pensions, minimum income of $2500/yr, confiscation of all personal fortunes over £5mil
When was Long assassinated?
1935
What did Father Coughlin begin?
The National Union for Social Justice 1934
Social Justice magazine 1936
How many listeners and donations did Coughlin have?
30-40million listeners
$5 mil donations per year
Which initiative did Francis Townsend begin?
The Old Age Revolving Pension Inc
