The Great Depression and The New Deal

THE GREAT DEPRESSION AND THE NEW DEAL I. Franklin D. Roosevelt A. Background 1. Born at family estate at Hyde Park, New York; raised in a wealthy family 2. Undersecretary of the Navy during WWI -- responsible for increased naval strength 3. Vice Presidential nominee for Democratic Party in 1920 (James Cox lost election) 4. Struck by polio in 1921 a. Confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life b. disease strengthened his will, patience, tolerance and compassion. 5. Elected governor of NY in 1928 and 1930 a. Depression programs for the unemployed, public works, aid to farmers, and conservation attracted national attention. b. Dubbed "traitor to his class" by the rich c. Spoke frequently of his concern for the plight of the "forgotten man." 6. Politically suave and conciliatory a. The premier orator of his generation b. Really a conservative in many ways: fiscally frugal, not anti-big business B. Eleanor Roosevelt 1. Niece of Theodore Roosevelt 2. Pushed FDR to maintain political career; vigorously campaigning on his behalf. 3. Major leader of the female wing of the Democratic party in 1920s and early 30s. 4. Became the "conscience of the New Deal" a. Published a syndicated newspaper column b. Lobbied extensively for her husband. 5. Championed causes for women, children, the impoverished, and African Americans 6. Most active first lady in American History II. Election of 1932 A. Roosevelt -- Democratic candidate (chosen over Al Smith) 1. "I pledge you, I pledge myself to a new deal for the American people." 2. Somewhat vague and contradictory during campaign a. Promised balanced budget & 25% cuts in gov’t spending -- Criticized present deficits. b. Promised gov’t aid for the unemployed c. Advocated repeal of Prohibition B. Hoover -- Republican candidate 1. Platform: Higher tariffs and maintenance of the gold standard. -- Predicted repeal of Hawley-Smoot tariff would be economically devastating. 2. Reaffirmed faith in American free enterprise and individual initiative 3. Defensive in tone contrasted with Roosevelt's optimism. C. Roosevelt defeats Hoover 1. 472 to 59 in the electoral count; Hoover carried only 6 states. 2. 22,809,638 to 15,758,901 in popular vote 3. Blacks, traditionally loyal to Republican party of Lincoln, shifted to Democrats -- Became vital element in the Democratic party. D. "Lame duck" period 1. Hoover tried unsuccessfully to bind Roosevelt to an anti-inflationary policy that would