Critics

During this section, you will read through three excerpts from critics of FDR and The New Deal. You will analyze the documents and answer the questions below to further your understanding of the documents. While you are working through the documents, make sure to keep in mind the essential question was the New Deal prosperous and successful to all? 

critics-1

In this manuscript from the Federal Writers Project, Dr. Santos expresses his opinions towards President Roosevelt and his New Deal.

 

Click here to view the entire Manuscript.

  1. What is Dr. Santos reasoning for stating that the New Deal protects the trusts?
  2. Why does Dr. Santos argue for voting reform?
  3. How does he argue that the NRA has been ineffective?
  4. How does Dr. Santos feel about President Roosevelt?
  5. What is the tone of Dr. Santos message?
critics-2

In this manuscript, Father Coughlin calls for “social justice” for the American people and criticized President Roosevelt and his New Deal.

 

 Click here to view the entire manuscript.

  1. Why is Father Coughlin calling for social justice?
  2. What is his message towards industrialist?
  3. What is Father Coughlin’s tone like when discussing these issues?
  4. What is his message towards the banking system?
  5. What is Father Coughlin’s view on President Roosevelt and the New Deal?

 

critics-3

In this statement, Frank Gannett, publisher of the Gannett newspaper, criticizes President Roosevelt and his attempt at the Court Packing Scheme.

 

Click on the photo to view it in a larger screen. Click here to view the website.

  1. What controversial event is this statement referring to?
  2. Why was it important to not let Roosevelt pack the Supreme Court?
  3. How does Gannett characterize Roosevelt’s actions with the Supreme Court?
  4. What is Gannett’s opinion about the Supreme Court?