Opposition to the New Deal: Impact on Roosevelt's Policies

The assertion that opposition to the New Deal had little impact on the policies pursued by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt requires nuanced consideration. While the fragmented and often disorganized nature of the opposition limited its ability to completely derail the New Deal, it would be inaccurate to argue that it had no impact. This essay will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition and its influence on Roosevelt's policies.

Weaknesses of New Deal Opponents

A key weakness of the opposition was its fragmented nature. The Republican Party, reeling from the Great Depression and subsequent electoral losses, found itself in the minority and deeply divided ideologically. Many traditional Republicans remained committed to laissez-faire economics and viewed the New Deal as an unwarranted expansion of government power. This internal division hampered their ability to present a united front against Roosevelt.

Beyond the Republican Party, individual figures like Huey Long and Father Charles Coughlin, despite commanding significant followings, ultimately failed to translate their populist rhetoric into concrete political action. Long's "Share Our Wealth" program, advocating for radical wealth redistribution, and Coughlin's anti-New Deal broadcasts, laced with anti-Semitism and conspiracy theories, resonated with segments of the disillusioned populace, but their movements lacked organizational structure and ultimately faltered. Long’s assassination in 1935 and Coughlin's increasing extremism further marginalized their influence.

The disarray among the opposition was further compounded by Roosevelt's political acumen and energetic administration. His skillful use of radio broadcasts, known as “fireside chats,” allowed him to bypass traditional media and communicate directly with the American people, building public support for his policies and marginalizing his opponents.

Success of New Deal Opposition

Despite its weaknesses, the opposition did exert some influence on Roosevelt's policies. Judicial opposition, particularly from a conservative Supreme Court, presented a significant hurdle. The Court declared several key New Deal programs unconstitutional, including the National Recovery Administration (NRA) and the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA). These rulings forced Roosevelt to either modify his programs or seek alternative avenues to achieve his objectives.

Furthermore, Roosevelt's shift towards the Second New Deal after 1933 can be partly attributed to pressure from leftist critics who argued that the initial New Deal did not go far enough in addressing social and economic inequalities. The Second New Deal, characterized by programs like Social Security and the Wagner Act, which legalized collective bargaining, reflected a greater emphasis on social welfare and labor rights, demonstrating a responsiveness to some of the criticisms leveled by the left.

The emergence of the Union Party in 1936, a coalition of disparate groups united in their opposition to Roosevelt, while ultimately unsuccessful in defeating him, highlighted the anxieties surrounding the New Deal. This coalition, encompassing figures like William Lemke, Father Coughlin, and remnants of Huey Long's movement, tapped into existing fears about communism, socialism, and the expansion of federal power. While failing to achieve electoral success, the Union Party’s platform, advocating for policies like nationalizing banks and guaranteeing a living wage, underscored the persistent anxieties and discontent that the New Deal sought to address.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the opposition to the New Deal faced significant limitations stemming from its fragmented nature and Roosevelt's political skills, it would be inaccurate to claim that it had no impact on Roosevelt's policies. Judicial rulings forced modifications and adjustments, while pressure from both the left and the right pushed Roosevelt to adapt and refine his approach. Although ultimately unsuccessful in derailing the New Deal, the opposition played a role in shaping its trajectory, highlighting the dynamic interplay between diverse political forces during a pivotal period in American history.

**Source:**

McMahon, Neil. *The Great Crash, the Great Depression and the New Deal policies, 1920–41*. History Essay, 2014.