The Great Depression & New Deal
1929-1939
Opponents of the New Deal
Liberal Critics: These critics believed that the New Deal was doing too much for businesses, but not enough for the unemployed, poor, and disabled. President Hoover didn't address the problems of the women, ethnic groups, and elderly.
Conservative Critics: These critics believed that the New Deal gave to much power to the government. They believed that Roosevelt's programs were based on socialism and communism.
Demagogues: These critics used the radio to display their problems and gain an audience. Father Charles E. Coughlin founded the National Union for Social Justice, which inflated money. He disagreed with the New Deal causing his radio broadcasts to be terminated. Dr. Francis E. Townsends plan allowed every retired person over the age of 60 to receive two- hundred dollars a month. Huey Longs' program "Share Our Wealth" provided American families an amount of five-thousand dollars from taxes of the wealthy.
The Supreme Court: The "court packing bill" was issued to increase the size of the supreme court and inherit new justices to form their opinion in the court. During Roosevelt's presidency was terminated by Congress. In 1937, the court terminated Roosevelt's Laws causing the court to appoint his reforms.
Rise of Unions
Formations of the C.I.O: The C.I.O. established a working crew of white males, but the industry wanted all workers despite their sex and race. Unions were joined together to plan their industries of automobile, steel, and textile workers.
Strikes: In Michigan, workers at a General Motor plant decided to have a sit- down strike, because of their rights to be recognized. The government didn't agree with the strike causing it to be demolished. A strike at a steel industry, resulted in four deaths, but they agreed on a deal with the C.I.O.
Fair Labor Standards Act: This act enabled minimum wage, a workweek of forty hours and a time and a half of overtime, and child labor restrictions to those under the age of 16.
Last Phase of the New Deal
Recession: The Social Security tax decreased consumer taxes, Roosevelt attempted to obtain the budget and reduce national debt. The Keynesian economics stated that the government would need to spend more money to make more money.
Weakened New Deal: Roosevelt was no longer viewed positive by the people, and the New Deal was blocked from legislation.
Life During the Depression
Women: Due to low wages and unemployed men, women looked for work while taking care of their children. Individuals claimed that men's jobs were taken by women during the time period. The New Deal required for women to earn lower wages than men.
Dust Bowl Farmers: The dust bowl farmers received a numerous amount of droughts. The dust bowl swept away thousands of homes leaving families homeless.
African Americans: African Americans were unemployed and the unemployment reached a all time high. African Americans did find jobs, but they were low-paying.
Native Americans: The Indian Reorganization Act returned lands to their tribes and supported Native American culture.
Mexican Americans: These Americans were also discriminated, and during the Depression unemployment decreased and a growth of white workers.