Opposition to the First New Deal (T2) Flashcards
Why did the right turn against Roosevelt?
Turned against him when it seemed that capitalism had been saved.
What were the right unhappy about?
That the increases in taxes had fallen to heavily onto them.
What did the right oppose?
- What they perceived as too much government involvement in the economy.
- Too much continued government involvement in the economy.
What had happened to the Republican Party?
Were rebuilding and preparing for the 1936 election, but found it difficult to field a strong candidate.
When were the Liberty Leaguers organised?
April 1934.
Who was involved in the Liberty Leaguers?
Many conservative Democrats as well as Republicans.
What was the aim of the Liberty Leaguers?
To promote private property and private enterprise unregulated by law.
What was the impact of the Liberty Leaguers?
Attacked Roosevelt throughout the New Deal and formed the basis of right-wing opposition to him.
How many members did the Liberty Leaguers have?
By July 1936, it had 125,000 members.
What happened to the Liberty Leaguers?
Became less significant after Roosevelt’s victory in the 1936 elections.
Why was Roosevelt concerned about opposition from the left?
Because left-wing groups might join together to form a third party and challenge him in the 1936 election.
Who established End Poverty in California (EPIC)?
Upton Sinclair.
What was the aim of EPIC?
A scheme whereby the unemployed would be put to work in state-run co-operatives.
How were the unemployed paid in EPIC?
Paid in currency, which they could only spend in other co-operatives.
What was the impact of EPIC?
Sinclair’s ideas gained credibility and proved useful recruits for more serious alternative movements.
Who established ‘Share Our Wealth’?
Senator Huey Long from Louisiana , in February 1934.
What did ‘Share Our Wealth’ advocate?
- That all private fortunes over $3 million should be confiscated.
- Every family should be given enough money to buy a house, a car and a radio.
What did ‘Share Our Wealth’ advocate (2)?
- There should be old-age pensions, $2,000-$3,000 per year
- Free college education for all suitable candidates.
How popular was ‘Share Our Wealth’?
Ideas were very popular, ‘Share our Wealth’ clubs grew to 27,431 in number, with 4.6 million members.
What was Huey Long involved in the past?
Had ordered massive public works programmes:
- Over 3,000 miles of paved highways built between 1928-1933.
- New public buildings and an airport at New Orleans.
How did Huey Long govern?
As a dictator and opponents were treated quite brutally by his bully boys.
What did Long begin to do?
Began to talk of joining forces with other radicals to form a third party to oppose Roosevelt in the 1936 election.
How popular was Huey Long?
Up to 4 million people might have voted for him in 1936.
What happened to Huey Long?
He was shot dead in September 1935.
