‘Opposition to the New Deal was based on the claim that its measures were not ambitious enough to resolve America’s problems.’ How far do you agree?
Level
AS Level
Year Examined
2023
Topic
The Great Crash, the Great Depression and the New Deal policies, 1920–41
👑Complete Model Essay
‘Opposition to the New Deal was based on the claim that its measures were not ambitious enough to resolve America’s problems.’ How far do you agree?
Opposition to the New Deal
Opposition to the New Deal was based on the claim that its measures were not ambitious enough to resolve America’s problems. This statement holds some truth, particularly concerning criticism from the left-wing, exemplified by figures like Huey Long. However, focusing solely on this aspect ignores the significant opposition from the right, who viewed the New Deal as radically exceeding the government's role. A comprehensive assessment requires examining both sides of the opposition.
Left-Wing Critique: Not Ambitious Enough
Left-wing critics, including prominent figures like Huey Long, argued that the New Deal failed to adequately address the root causes of the Great Depression: economic inequality and corporate power. Long, a staunch advocate for wealth redistribution, proposed his "Share Our Wealth" plan as a radical alternative. This plan aimed to cap personal fortunes and guarantee a minimum annual income for all Americans. Long viewed the New Deal as a series of concessions to the wealthy elite, ultimately perpetuating the very systems that led to the economic crisis.
Dr. Francis Townsend, another vocal critic, targeted the New Deal's perceived neglect of the elderly. His proposed pension plan, advocating for monthly payments to retired citizens, highlighted the plight of a demographic severely impacted by the Depression. While the Second New Deal eventually introduced Social Security, Townsend's criticism underscored the initial inadequacy of support for vulnerable populations.
Right-Wing Opposition: Government Overreach
Conversely, the right-wing viewed the New Deal as a dangerous expansion of federal power. Organizations like the Liberty League condemned it as a "socialistic experiment," arguing that its interventionist policies stifled individual liberty and free enterprise. The League, comprised primarily of wealthy industrialists, viewed New Deal regulations as an attack on their economic interests and a betrayal of traditional American values.
Father Charles Coughlin, the influential "Radio Priest," further fueled right-wing opposition. Coughlin, initially supportive of Roosevelt, became a staunch critic, accusing the New Deal of being controlled by "moneyed interests." He blamed the Depression on greedy bankers and condemned the New Deal for failing to dismantle their power. Coughlin’s views, often laced with anti-Semitism, resonated with a segment of the population disillusioned with both the Depression and the perceived radicalism of the New Deal.
Supreme Court Challenges: Constitutional Conflicts
Opposition also emerged from the Supreme Court, which declared several key New Deal programs unconstitutional. Cases like <i>Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States</i> (1935) and <i>United States v. Butler</i> (1936) struck down the National Industrial Recovery Act and the Agricultural Adjustment Act respectively. These rulings, rooted in a strict interpretation of the Constitution, challenged the Roosevelt administration’s attempts to regulate interstate commerce and agricultural production. This legal opposition, while not directly related to the ambition of the measures, significantly hampered the New Deal's implementation and effectiveness.
Conclusion
While the claim that the New Deal lacked ambition resonates with left-wing critiques, it only encapsulates one facet of the opposition. Right-wing opposition, stemming from a fundamentally different ideological standpoint, viewed the New Deal as a radical overreach of government power. Additionally, Supreme Court challenges, while not directly related to the scope of the New Deal, significantly hindered its implementation. Therefore, attributing opposition solely to the New Deal's perceived lack of ambition presents an incomplete and ultimately inaccurate understanding of the complex historical context.
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Introduction
Briefly introduce the New Deal and acknowledge the existence of opposition from both the left and right wings. State your line of argument upfront: while claims of the New Deal being insufficiently ambitious had some merit, particularly from left-wing perspectives, ultimately other forms of opposition held greater significance.
Left-Wing Criticisms: Lack of Ambition and Concessions to the Powerful
Discuss criticisms from figures like Huey Long and Dr. Francis Townsend. Highlight their arguments regarding the New Deal's perceived inadequacy in addressing wealth inequality and social injustices. Mention Long's "Share Our Wealth" plan and Townsend's advocacy for old-age pensions. Explain how these criticisms primarily targeted the First New Deal's focus on economic recovery over social reform.
Right-Wing Opposition: Attacks on Government Intervention and Individual Liberty
Explore the contrasting perspective of right-wing opponents like the Liberty League. Detail their claims that the New Deal represented socialist overreach and undermined individual freedoms. Analyze the limited political effectiveness of such groups despite their vocal opposition.
Populist and Religious Opposition: Coughlin's Attacks and the Rise of Anti-New Deal Sentiment
Examine the influence of Father Charles Coughlin and his populist message. Describe his critiques of FDR, bankers, and unions, framing them within the context of economic hardship and anxieties. Explain how Coughlin's rhetoric tapped into existing societal fears and contributed to a broader anti-New Deal sentiment.
Supreme Court Challenges: Legal Roadblocks to New Deal Programs
Analyze the Supreme Court's opposition to the New Deal. Discuss key cases like Schechter Poultry Corp. v. the United States, United States v. Butler, and Morehead v. New York. Explain how these rulings declared crucial New Deal legislation unconstitutional, posing significant challenges to FDR's agenda.
Conclusion
Reiterate your argument, emphasizing that while critiques of the New Deal's limited ambition, particularly from the left, were valid to some extent, other factors such as right-wing opposition, populist anxieties fueled by figures like Coughlin, and the Supreme Court's rulings ultimately represented more significant obstacles to the New Deal's success. Briefly consider which form of opposition had the most significant impact and why.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Opposition to the New Deal
Opposition to the New Deal was based on the claim that its measures were not ambitious enough to resolve America’s problems. How far do you agree?
Indicative Content
Possible discussions of those who believed the New Deal was not doing enough:
• Many left-wing liberals simply believed that the New Deal wasn’t going far enough, and that FDR was making too many concessions to the business classes. They saw the policies of the New Deal as rejecting radical change in favour of accepting the economic and social inequalities that already existed.
• Huey Long, the Democratic Senator for Louisiana, was the best-known critic of the New Deal from the left. He wanted more federal government action to redistribute wealth from the rich to the poor, as shown by his ‘Share Our Wealth’ plan. Dr Francis Townsend, a retired doctor, also opposed the New Deal for failing to support retired people.
• These criticisms applied to the First New Deal 1933–35, which focused more on reversing the rapid decline in the US economy rather than providing social justice and a more equal society. Huey Long was assassinated in 1935, which meant his movement lost all momentum, while FDR did introduce social security for old people in the Second New Deal.
Other significant opposition which could be discussed:
• Opposition from the right – The Liberty League attacked the New Deal as a socialistic experiment. The group railed against “regimentation” and claimed attacks upon individual liberties. Politically ineffective, most Liberty Leaguers had to content themselves with simple rage against New Deal policies and personalities.
• Another right-wing popular leader was Father Charles E. Coughlin, known as ‘The Radio Priest’. His enemies were FDR, international bankers, communists, and labor unions. He blamed the depression on greedy bankers, calling FDR a tool of the moneyed interests. He eventually turned to using anti-Semitic language in the late 30s. He formed an organization called the Christian Front to advance his positions.
• Supreme Court Opposition – Schechter vs. United States, 1935, which ruled the National Industrial Recovery Act unconstitutional. US vs. Butler 1936, which undermined the Agricultural Adjustment Act and Morehead vs. New York, 1936, which ruled New York state’s minimum wage to be against the constitution. The first two, in particular, overturned key elements of the New Deal.
Accept any other valid responses.