Criticism of the New Deal and the Second New Deal

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Criticism of the New Deal and the Second New Deal
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Criticisms of the New Deal

• Came from both liberal and conservatives.
• Conservatives American Liberty League
• Complained New Deal infringed on the interests of
  American business
• Stated that New Deal was attacking millionaires
  and big business.
• Destroying Constitution and free enterprise.
• Liberal Huey the Kingfish Long
• Take from the rich give to the poor
• Share-Our-Wealth plan to allow the govt. to
  seize wealth from the rich through taxes and then
  provide a guaranteed minimum income home to
  American families.
• Threatened to challenge FDR as a third party
  candidate
• Share-Our-Wealth gained a lot of support
• Assassinated in 1935

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The Second New Deal

• Democratic support continues
• Democrats gained more seats in 1934.
• Pressure from liberal groups encouraged FDR to
  initiate more programs
• The Works Progress Administration (WPA) 1934
• Designed to help Americans find work
• Employed 8.5 million people
• Built 78,000 bridges, 500,000 miles of road
• Also included research projects and teaching
  jobs.
• Included the National Youth Administration
• Part time jobs that allowed them to stay in
  school.

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Social Security Act

• Provided Unemployment Insurance to workers who
  lost their jobs
• Provided pensions to retired workers over 65
• Provided money to workers with disabilities.