Right Wing Opposition

Question 1

Types of Right-Wing Opposition

Answer 1

• American Liberty League

- Business

Question 2

Why did the American Liberty League oppose the New Deal?

Answer 2

• Felt that the New Deal had gone too far in controlling the economy. Wanted policies that focussed in self-help and laissez faire
• Felt that the new deal removed wealth from those who had earned it
• Equated the New Deal with communism, saying ‘there can only be one capital - Washington or Moscow’

Question 3

Why did business oppose the New Deal?

Answer 3

• Feared government control of business would affect profits

- feared trade unions

Question 4

How far did the ALL enjoy support?

Answer 4

DID:

• Raised a great deal of financial support: $500,000 in 1934
• Received large financial donations from companies such as US Steel, General Motors, Birdseye, Colgate and Heinz Foods.

DIDN’T:

• The ALL had limited support in terms of numbers. By late 1936, had only 125,000 members
• 1934 Congressional elections resulted in victories for the Democrats and independent LW candidates
• FDR’s victory in the 1936 Presidential election suggests limited support for the ALL. He achieved a greater share of the vote than in 1932

Question 5

How far did business enjoy support?

Answer 5

DID:
- Businesses such as US Steel, General Motors, Birdseye, Colgate and Heinz Foods opposed the New Deal (meany through the ALL

DIDN’T:

• Throughout his presidency, FDR enjoyed support from other large businesses, for example, IBM, AT&T, and Standard Oil. It is a myth that all large businesses opposed the New Deal
• 1934 Congressional elections resulted in victories for the Democrats and independent LW candidates, suggesting support for the 1st ND, including the NRA
• FDR’s victory in the 1936 Presidential election suggests widespread support for the New Deal