Post by djxkorean on Aug 12, 2009 18:24:23 GMT -8
32nd President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933 – 1945)
The MOOSE(Roosevelt) jumped over the MooN(32), because his MoM(33) told him to, and landed on the RooF(45).
I. Election in 1932
A. Republicans: nominates Herbert Hoover
1. Blamed Depression on world conditions and claimed administration prevented it from being worse
2. Platform: continued protective tariffs, revision of Prohibition, decrease in public spending, and balanced budget
B. Democrats: nominate Franklin D. Roosevelt with John Nance Garner (Speaker of House) as V.P.
1. Roosevelt makes tour of the country and uses radio to take full advantage of personal appearances
2. Pictured depression as an emergency every bit as real as war
a. promised “New Deal” – proper concern of federal gov’t so no American starved
3. Platform (differences): revenue tariff, repeal of Prohibition, aid to farmers, banking and stock-exchange reforms, and regulation of holding companies
C. Democrats win the Presidency and sweep Congress
II. Reelection of 1936
A. Presented voters with change to judge New Deal
1. Recovery had restored will and strength to opposition to unite forces
B. Republicans: nominate Governor Alfred Landon (one of few republicans to win during Dem landslide of 1932
1. Maintained balanced budget in Kansas
2. Al Smith and John W. Davis (former Democratic presidential candidates) broke with party and support Landon
3. Attack on ideology of New Deal but don’t urge repeal of any major New Deal legislation
C. Democrats: nominate Roosevelt and Garner
1. Platform: recital of record and promise to continue along same lines
D. Campaign waged on clash of ideas rather than approval or rejection of separate laws or measures
E. Democrats keep Presidency and sweep Congress
III. Reelection of 1940
A. United States focused on war in Europe; Congress passes 1st peacetime draft in US history in Sept.
1. “Defend America by Aiding the Allies” vs. “America First”
2. Pro-ally vs. pro-isolation groups cut along party lines
B. Republicans: nominate Wendell Willkie (political unknown)
1. Approved most of New Deal but deplored inefficiencies and wastefulness
2. Supported pro-ally sentiment = no important issue in foreign policy
C. Democrats: renominate Roosevelt breaking tradition 2-term rule
D. Campaign not much of an issue except the 3rd term
E. Democrats maintain Presidency and sweep Congress
IV. Reelection of 1944
A. Republicans: nominate Governor Thomas E. Dewey
1. Dewey was nationally famous for successful prosecution of some of gangland’s most notorious criminals
2. Dewey campaign message: “time for a change” and “tired old men”
B. Democrats: nominate Roosevelt with Harry Truman as V.P.
C. Both support int’l organization to preserve peace
D. 1st time organized labor set up Political Action Committee (PAC) to campaign for individual candidates
E. Democrats win yet again
V. Supreme Court Fight (1937)
A. Franklin Roosevelt won reelection showing that people wanted the New Deal continued
1. Supreme Court was only opposition to FDR program: struck down AAA and NRA
B. Roosevelt Court Reorganization plan: called for additional judge for every justice still on Court at age 70 until 15 judges total
1. 6 of judges were on the court age 70+
2. If none of justices retire, President allowed to appoint 6 additionally judges
3. Debate over bill lasted 6 months: became apparent that FDR would lose this political battle
a. own party in Congress and public seemed to consider move to drastic
C. Courts respond by declaring constitutional Social Security Act and Wagner-Connery Labor Act; one justice announces resignation
1. no necessity for reorganization: bill killed July 22
D. Roosevelt appoints 7 judges in next 4 years and makes the “Roosevelt Court”
VI. New Amendments
A. 20th Amendment (1933): Moved date of inauguration of president from Mar. 4th to Jan 20th
1. Shortened “lame duck” period
B. 21st Amendment (1933): repealed 18th Amendment and ended Prohibition
VII. Eleanor Roosevelt: FDR’s greatest asset
A. Champion of the poor and the weak and the heart of the FDR administration
B. supported organized labor and pro-blacks back when FDR was still pro-segregation
1. got 1st black appointed to a cabinet position
C. Continued to serve nation after FDR’s death in 1945: member of 1st US delegation to UN General Assembly
1. As chair of Commission on Human Rights, led adoption by UN of Int’l Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
The New Deal
I. FDR takes office on Mar. 4th 1933
A. US (public, Congress, labor, etc.) ready to accept positive, confident leadership
B. Under Roosevelt’s direction gov’t planed, passed laws, spent money, and assumed burden of lifting nation out of Depression
C. Vast program of legislation constituted the “New Deal”
II. Major Financial Measures
A. Emergency Banking Relief Act (1933)
1. Day after inauguration, President calls Congress declared 4-day bank holiday
a. stopped all activities of Federal Reserve System, other banks, loan associations, and credit unions
2. Called for special session of congress day on March 9th
3. 1st day of special session passed Emergency Banking Relief Act
a. Provided for reopening of banks as soon as examiners had found them sound
b. Rapid inspection led to end to bank panic
4. March 9th: beginning of Hundred Days (unprecedented number of laws): called the First New Deal
B. Federal Securities Act (1933 and 1934)
1. Made sweeping reforms in selling of securities
a. Securities had to have full and true information concerning the properties represented
b. Misleading information resulted in prosecution
2. Federal Trade Commission supervised stock market (1933) until job taken over by Securities and Exchange Commission (1934)
C. Gold standard abandoned and gold dollar devalued (1933)
1. April 1933: gold and gold certificates called in and all debts made payable in legal tender
a. Any contract calling for payment in gold made void as well as US promise to pay gold certiciates in gold
2. June 1933: Roosevelt lowers gold content of dollar
3. Reasons for going off gold standard and lowering gold content of dollars
a. Make possible payment of debts that were twice price then when incurred
b. Raise commodity prices and increase the funds in the Treasury
D. Banking Acts of 1933 (Steagall Act) and of 1935
1. Federal Reserve Board given tighter control of investment practices of member banks
2. Federal Deposit Insurance Corp insures all deposits in Federal Reserve member banks (up to $5,000)
3. Investment banking separated from commercial banking
a. Commercial bank no longer under temptation to unload its own bad investments
4. Savings banks and industrial banks allows to join Federal Reserve System
III. Unemployment: Works Progress Administration (WPA) – 1935
A. Huge undertaking directed by Harry Hopkins: plans to help young Americans out of school or in college
B. Public Works Administration (PWA) under Harold Ickes, Secretary of Interior
1. Went in for construction jobs and employed about 8.5million people
C. WPA: put wages into possession of as many unemployed as possible
IV. Housing
A. Home Owners Loan Act (1934)
1. Act aimed at preventing foreclosure of home mortgages
B. National Housing Act (1934)
1. Federal Housing Authority (FHA) set up:
a. Encouraged institutions such as banks and building/loan associations make loans for building homes, small business establishments and farm buildings
C. National Housing Act (1937)
1. Set up United States Housing Authority (USHA): encourage slum clearance (see “Hoovervilles”)
2. Rents in apartment-house blocks fixed and available only to low-income families
V. Agriculture: Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) – 1933 and 1938
A. Struck at the heart of the farm problem: overproduction
B. Paid farmers not to raise crops and livestock
1. paid to destroy acreage under production; money used to pay raised by tax on companies that bought farm products and processed them for food/clothing
2. Increased farm income, but not all due to AAA
a. severe drought, heavy winds (Dust Bowl), and removal of farms and farmers also cut production
3. Farmers free to join program or operate independently
C. AAA declared unconstitutional by Supreme Court (US v. Butler) (1936)
1. Illegal to levy tax on one group(processors) to pay another(farmers)
2. Farming was not interstate commerce and not subject to federal regulation
a. overturned in 2 separate S.C. decisions (Mulford v. Smith & Wickard v. Filburn)
D. In 1938, another AA passed without processing tax: financed out of general tax funds
VI. Labor: Wagner-Connery Act (1935) (National Labor Relations Act)
A. Beginning of what was referred to as “big labor”
1. For many years, labor had right to organize and to strike, but employers had right to fire employees because they joined unions or went on strike
a. Due to pressures of employers, organized labor embraced only 10% of workers
B. Wagner-Connery Act: guaranteed labor’s right to organize and bargain collectively
1. Set up National Labor Relations Board (NLRD): made labor’s right to organize truly effective
a. NLRB conduct election to determine whether employees wanted union at request of workers
b. NLRB settle question of employee disagreements through supervised election
c. NLRB hear complaints by employees of unfair labor practices on part of employers
2. Def. of unfair acts: attempts by employer to dominate union; fire for union activity; adopt hiring policy based on union activity, refuse to bargain
C. 1937: SC declared Wagner-Connery Act constitution
VII. Business and Industry: Nat’l Industrial Recovery Act (1933) (NIRA and NRA)
A. Purpose: restore prosperity by organizing thousands of businesses under fair trade codes
1. Fair trade codes prepared by prominent business leaders
2. All business owners urged to operate under codes in huge nat’l effort to pull out of depression
a. Hold prices down, keep employment up
b. Blue eagle (symbol of NRA) appeared on businesses everywhere
B. NRA attempt was too large and too complex
1. codes actually encouraged monopoly by setting regulation impossible for smalls to follow and being immune from antitrust laws
C. Declared unconstitutional by Supreme Court in 1935 (Schechter Poultry Corp. v. US)
1. many codes were illegal delegation of legislative authority: federal gov’t had invaded fields reserved to states
2. NRA stretched commerce clause of Constitution beyond all reason
VIII. Youth
A. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) – 1933
1. Tackled problem of unemployed young men 18 to 25 yrs old
2. CCC camps set up all over US mostly for conservation work
a. Young men did a lot of conservation work and built young men’s bodies and renewed their spirit
i. sent CCC boys into private employment with new skills and self-confidence
B. National Youth Administration (NYA) – 1935
1. Helped those between ages 16 – 25 yrs old who wanted to continue their education by providing them with part-time jobs
IX. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) – 1933
A. Background: During WWI, $145 million hydroelectric plant and 2 munitions factories had been built
1. Under FDR, TVA was est.: hydroelectric plant generated power for distr. throughout 7 states, chemical plants manufactured fertilizer
B. TVA was gov’t owned and operated, multi-purpose project that changed economy of large section of US
C. 34 dams not only produced electric power, but also: flood control, irrigation, and navigation
1. Once ancient areas had telephones, libraries and electricity; raised standard of living in TVA areas
D. Criticism: competed with private utility companies in production and distribution of electric power
1. TVA power sold at much lower rates
X. Social Security Act (1935)
A. Key measure of New Deal: made federal gov’t responsible for social problems of caring for old, handicapped and unemployed
B. Nat’t plan of compulsory insurance to those in need (administered by Federal Social Security Board) that provided:
1. federal program of old-age insurance beginning at age 65 and benefits for dependent survivors of workers who died
a. Benefits financed by payroll tax on both employers and employees
2. Est. system of federal aid to states for forms of assistance to several types of indigent persons
a. pensions for old, maternal and child health care, aid for crippled children and blind
3. est. system of unemployment benefits administered by states but financed by payroll taxes
C. Issued Social Security numbers to almost all persons
1. created workable means by which individuals made compulsory contributions to provide security for themselves and dependents
World War II
I. Europe Blunders toward War
A. Close of WWI: US replaced Great Britain as leading power of the world
B. 1933: Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany
1. 1934: Hitler takes Germany out of League of Nations and renounces Versailles Treaty by rearming Germany (not stopped)
C. 1935: Mussolini attacked Ethiopia (nothing done to stop)
1. 1936: Germany, Italy, and Japan formed the “Axis” – alliance of aggressive dictatorships
D. 1936-1939: Civil war in Spain = re-establishment of dictatorship under General Franco
E. 1938: Policy of “appeasement” confirmed as Hitler is allowed to take Sudeten district of Czechoslovakia
F. 1939: Russia and Germany make non-aggression pact: startles the world
G. Sept 1, 1939: Blitzkrieg on Warsaw begins as England and France declare war on Hitler
II. US steps toward war
A. 1932: Stimson Doctrine: formal frotest against Japan’s aggression in Manchuria
1. states that US wouldn’t recognize change in sovereignty brought by external aggression (don’t recognize Manchukuo)
2. Japan had violated Washington Conference (1921), Kellogg-Brian Treaty (1928), and Covenant of League of Nations
B. The Neutrality Acts (1935, 1936, 1937, 1939)
1. 1935: reaction to Italy’s attack upon Ethiopia: President formally recognized war was in progress
a. American citizens couldn’t sell arms to belligerents; American citizens traveled on ships of belligerent at their own risk
2. 1936: Renewed Act of 1935 and forbade loads or credits to belligerents
3. 1937: Spanish conflict breaks out and previous neutrality laws didn’t apply to civil wars
a. Jan 1937: Congress places embargo on munitions to either side – leads to rebels winning (get help from Axis)
b. May 1937: gives President discretion in use of embargoes and forbade travel by US citizens on ships of belligerents
i. aimed at renewed Sino-Japanese conflict
ii. President forbids any US gov’t vessels to carry munitions to belligerents but private ships do at own risk
4. 1939: “Cash and carry” Plan: all arms embargoes lifted so that any ships could come to US ports, pay cash, and carry away anything they could buy
a. Pro-Allies: Britain and France had control of the seas
C. 1937: The “Quarantine” Speech: Our neutrality laws had aided aggresors (Spanish civil war)
1. urged “worldwide quarantine” of agressors and took a partisan position
D. December 12, 1937: Panay Incident: Japanese planes bombed US Gunboat
1. Because Asia seems far away, public opinion in US still strongly opposed to war with Japan
E. 1938: after Japan starts building up own navy, US begins building a two-ocean navy
F. June 1940: After Prime Minister Churchill appeals for war supplies, US responds by “all aid short of war”
G. Battle of Britain (1940): RAF beat of German Luftwaffe and prevents invasion of British Isles
H. Selective Service Act (Sept. 1940): 1st Peacetime draft in US history
1. All men 21 to 34 registered in the US military
I. Lend Lease (Mar. 1941): Britain gives Britain money for use in interests of US
J. June 22, 1941: Hitler astounds world by attacking USSR
1. FDR and Churchill immediately welcome USSR as partner in the war to keep Hitler occupied on the eastern front
2. Lend-Lease extended to Russia
K. 1941: Atlantic Charter: conference between FDR and Churchill as statement of war aims
1. No territorial gains sought by US or Britain; Trade barriers lowers
2. Readjustment of territories to wishes of inhabitants; People have right to choose own form of gov’t;
3. Disarmament: 1st by aggressors and then by all other nations
4. Freedom from fear and want as well as freedom of the sease
5. Int’l association of nations must be formed in the end
L. “Shoot on sight” (1941): German submarines attacked US naval vessels prompting FDR to give order “shoot on sight” any submarines in North Atlantic
M. Pearl Harbor ( Dec. 7, 1941): Hawaii is surprise attacked by Japan with big losses
N. Dec 8, 1941: Germany and Italy declare war on the US
III. Fighting WWII on the Pacific
A. 1941: Major General “Jimmy” Doolittle’s squadron grings war to Japan by bombing Tokyo
B. May 6, 1941: General Douglas MacArthur forced to evacuate Corregidor and surrender Philippines (“I will return”)
C. June 3-6, 1942: Air-naval battle off Midway Island = 1 major US victory over Japan
1. Japan’s attempt to take Midway was repulsed
D. 1942-1943: US starts island-hopping offensive toward Japan
1. During this time, US slowly takes control of various islands in the Pacific
E. Oct. 1944: Battle in Leyte Gulf breaks the back of the Japanese fleet: Japan lacked reserve strength to replace or sustain such losses
F. Atomic Bombs: Hiroshima (Aug 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (Aug 9, 1945)
G. V.J. Day (Aug 15, 1945)
IV. Fighting WWII in Africa and Europe
A. Nov 1942: General Dwight D. Eisenhower makes landings in Africa and wins battles
B. Feb – May 1943: General Eisenhower, aided from General George s Patton and British General Bernard Montgomery forces surrender and brings African campaign to end
C. Sept. 1943: General Mark Clark leads American invasion of Italy
D. June 6, 1944: “D-Day”: Invasion by Allied forces of western Europe as start of “Operation Overload” – greatest naval military assault of all time
1. Operation was under command of General Eisenhower
E. Dec 16-26, 1944: Battle of Bulge is Germany’s last counter-offensive
F. May 1, 1945: Hitler’s death is reported, Berlin occupied next day
G. May 8th, 1945: “V.E. Day” – unconditional surrender
V. Building the Peace
A. Exp. of WWI taught necessity of preparing for peace while still fighting war
1. serious attention given to preparing peace and came up with U.N.
B. Sept 1943: US Congress resolution: US participation in int’l organization for peace”
C. Oct 1943: Moscow Conference is 1st meeting during war of US, Great Britain, and USSR with the heads of foreign affairs
1. recognized necessity of establishing int’l organization for int’l peace and security
D. Nov 1943: Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin meet in Teheran, Iran : 1st meeting of the “Big Three”
1. Tentative plans made to start int’l organization that Moscow Conference deemed necessary
E. July 1944: Bretton Woods Conference with 44 nations present
1. International Monetary Fund: help stabilize currencies of western Europe and promote trade
2. International Bank of Reconstruction and Development: aid devastated nations
F. Aug – Oct 1944: Dumbarton Oaks Conference is meeting with US, England, USSR and China
1. draw up charter which served as starting point for SF Conference
G. Feb 1945: Yalta Conference: FDR, Churchill, and Stalin consider plans to attempt quick end to the war
1. Russia promises to set up front again
2. 3 Powers agree to see that liberated states had representative gov’ts free elections; sets up SF Conference date
H. April – June, 1945: SF Conference draws up UN Charter
1. 11 member Council with 5 nations with veto power and 6 members with 2-yr rotations
2. General Assembly: every member nation has one vote
3. Economic and Social Council: 18 members chosen by General Assembly – deal with great variety of non-military problems
4. International Court of Justice: 15 judges selected by Assembly and Securit Council
5. Trusteeship Council: made of nations administering trust areas and equal number of nations w/o trusteeships
6. Secretariat: led by Secretary General does administrative work of UN
I. July 28, 1945: US Senate ratifies treaty making US a member of the UN
Commentary: I’ll make a short comment on the Panay Incident: in my opinion, it was supposed to be an event that got the United State into WWII against Japan. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your viewpoint), the public opinion wasn’t in support of such an action because it was too far from home. After the failure of the Panay Incident, it seemed that the only way the US would enter the war would be through a “on our own lawn” attack, which the attack on Pearl Harbor definitely did. That being said, I think it was clearly evident that FDR was itching to go to war against the Axis powers, but just didn’t have the public support that would allow him to do so. I’ll say once again what I’ve stated in many other commentaries, but this is another war that made the US all the more powerful. The United States is extremely strategic in its wars (Vietnam and War against Terrorism exceptions) and it seems the United States ends up profiting from its wars in some way. Even the Civil War rid the US of slavery, which couldn’t have happened without a war. I’m also sure that Wilson would be smiling in his grave knowing that his goal for an international organization was finally met by the United Nations
Going on to the next important thing in FDR’s presidency, the New Deal had, and still does have, a profound impact on the United States. If not the actual programs, the mentality of the New Deal still influences political policy even to this day, rivaled only by Reagan’s era. It was designed to help the lowest rung of society and those who needed the most help. What was more ingenious about the New Deal is that it didn’t try to take away from one group to help another (minus the AAA), but instead established a program that allowed for the not-well-off people to help themselves. Through payroll taxes and the CCC, the benefits weren’t simply handed to the low-class but instead, the low-class had to work for it. It is my opinion that without the New Deal, the United States would have crumbled as a nation and would have probably lost in power to Germany (who would have won the war without US suppo
The MOOSE(Roosevelt) jumped over the MooN(32), because his MoM(33) told him to, and landed on the RooF(45).
I. Election in 1932
A. Republicans: nominates Herbert Hoover
1. Blamed Depression on world conditions and claimed administration prevented it from being worse
2. Platform: continued protective tariffs, revision of Prohibition, decrease in public spending, and balanced budget
B. Democrats: nominate Franklin D. Roosevelt with John Nance Garner (Speaker of House) as V.P.
1. Roosevelt makes tour of the country and uses radio to take full advantage of personal appearances
2. Pictured depression as an emergency every bit as real as war
a. promised “New Deal” – proper concern of federal gov’t so no American starved
3. Platform (differences): revenue tariff, repeal of Prohibition, aid to farmers, banking and stock-exchange reforms, and regulation of holding companies
C. Democrats win the Presidency and sweep Congress
II. Reelection of 1936
A. Presented voters with change to judge New Deal
1. Recovery had restored will and strength to opposition to unite forces
B. Republicans: nominate Governor Alfred Landon (one of few republicans to win during Dem landslide of 1932
1. Maintained balanced budget in Kansas
2. Al Smith and John W. Davis (former Democratic presidential candidates) broke with party and support Landon
3. Attack on ideology of New Deal but don’t urge repeal of any major New Deal legislation
C. Democrats: nominate Roosevelt and Garner
1. Platform: recital of record and promise to continue along same lines
D. Campaign waged on clash of ideas rather than approval or rejection of separate laws or measures
E. Democrats keep Presidency and sweep Congress
III. Reelection of 1940
A. United States focused on war in Europe; Congress passes 1st peacetime draft in US history in Sept.
1. “Defend America by Aiding the Allies” vs. “America First”
2. Pro-ally vs. pro-isolation groups cut along party lines
B. Republicans: nominate Wendell Willkie (political unknown)
1. Approved most of New Deal but deplored inefficiencies and wastefulness
2. Supported pro-ally sentiment = no important issue in foreign policy
C. Democrats: renominate Roosevelt breaking tradition 2-term rule
D. Campaign not much of an issue except the 3rd term
E. Democrats maintain Presidency and sweep Congress
IV. Reelection of 1944
A. Republicans: nominate Governor Thomas E. Dewey
1. Dewey was nationally famous for successful prosecution of some of gangland’s most notorious criminals
2. Dewey campaign message: “time for a change” and “tired old men”
B. Democrats: nominate Roosevelt with Harry Truman as V.P.
C. Both support int’l organization to preserve peace
D. 1st time organized labor set up Political Action Committee (PAC) to campaign for individual candidates
E. Democrats win yet again
V. Supreme Court Fight (1937)
A. Franklin Roosevelt won reelection showing that people wanted the New Deal continued
1. Supreme Court was only opposition to FDR program: struck down AAA and NRA
B. Roosevelt Court Reorganization plan: called for additional judge for every justice still on Court at age 70 until 15 judges total
1. 6 of judges were on the court age 70+
2. If none of justices retire, President allowed to appoint 6 additionally judges
3. Debate over bill lasted 6 months: became apparent that FDR would lose this political battle
a. own party in Congress and public seemed to consider move to drastic
C. Courts respond by declaring constitutional Social Security Act and Wagner-Connery Labor Act; one justice announces resignation
1. no necessity for reorganization: bill killed July 22
D. Roosevelt appoints 7 judges in next 4 years and makes the “Roosevelt Court”
VI. New Amendments
A. 20th Amendment (1933): Moved date of inauguration of president from Mar. 4th to Jan 20th
1. Shortened “lame duck” period
B. 21st Amendment (1933): repealed 18th Amendment and ended Prohibition
VII. Eleanor Roosevelt: FDR’s greatest asset
A. Champion of the poor and the weak and the heart of the FDR administration
B. supported organized labor and pro-blacks back when FDR was still pro-segregation
1. got 1st black appointed to a cabinet position
C. Continued to serve nation after FDR’s death in 1945: member of 1st US delegation to UN General Assembly
1. As chair of Commission on Human Rights, led adoption by UN of Int’l Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
The New Deal
I. FDR takes office on Mar. 4th 1933
A. US (public, Congress, labor, etc.) ready to accept positive, confident leadership
B. Under Roosevelt’s direction gov’t planed, passed laws, spent money, and assumed burden of lifting nation out of Depression
C. Vast program of legislation constituted the “New Deal”
II. Major Financial Measures
A. Emergency Banking Relief Act (1933)
1. Day after inauguration, President calls Congress declared 4-day bank holiday
a. stopped all activities of Federal Reserve System, other banks, loan associations, and credit unions
2. Called for special session of congress day on March 9th
3. 1st day of special session passed Emergency Banking Relief Act
a. Provided for reopening of banks as soon as examiners had found them sound
b. Rapid inspection led to end to bank panic
4. March 9th: beginning of Hundred Days (unprecedented number of laws): called the First New Deal
B. Federal Securities Act (1933 and 1934)
1. Made sweeping reforms in selling of securities
a. Securities had to have full and true information concerning the properties represented
b. Misleading information resulted in prosecution
2. Federal Trade Commission supervised stock market (1933) until job taken over by Securities and Exchange Commission (1934)
C. Gold standard abandoned and gold dollar devalued (1933)
1. April 1933: gold and gold certificates called in and all debts made payable in legal tender
a. Any contract calling for payment in gold made void as well as US promise to pay gold certiciates in gold
2. June 1933: Roosevelt lowers gold content of dollar
3. Reasons for going off gold standard and lowering gold content of dollars
a. Make possible payment of debts that were twice price then when incurred
b. Raise commodity prices and increase the funds in the Treasury
D. Banking Acts of 1933 (Steagall Act) and of 1935
1. Federal Reserve Board given tighter control of investment practices of member banks
2. Federal Deposit Insurance Corp insures all deposits in Federal Reserve member banks (up to $5,000)
3. Investment banking separated from commercial banking
a. Commercial bank no longer under temptation to unload its own bad investments
4. Savings banks and industrial banks allows to join Federal Reserve System
III. Unemployment: Works Progress Administration (WPA) – 1935
A. Huge undertaking directed by Harry Hopkins: plans to help young Americans out of school or in college
B. Public Works Administration (PWA) under Harold Ickes, Secretary of Interior
1. Went in for construction jobs and employed about 8.5million people
C. WPA: put wages into possession of as many unemployed as possible
IV. Housing
A. Home Owners Loan Act (1934)
1. Act aimed at preventing foreclosure of home mortgages
B. National Housing Act (1934)
1. Federal Housing Authority (FHA) set up:
a. Encouraged institutions such as banks and building/loan associations make loans for building homes, small business establishments and farm buildings
C. National Housing Act (1937)
1. Set up United States Housing Authority (USHA): encourage slum clearance (see “Hoovervilles”)
2. Rents in apartment-house blocks fixed and available only to low-income families
V. Agriculture: Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) – 1933 and 1938
A. Struck at the heart of the farm problem: overproduction
B. Paid farmers not to raise crops and livestock
1. paid to destroy acreage under production; money used to pay raised by tax on companies that bought farm products and processed them for food/clothing
2. Increased farm income, but not all due to AAA
a. severe drought, heavy winds (Dust Bowl), and removal of farms and farmers also cut production
3. Farmers free to join program or operate independently
C. AAA declared unconstitutional by Supreme Court (US v. Butler) (1936)
1. Illegal to levy tax on one group(processors) to pay another(farmers)
2. Farming was not interstate commerce and not subject to federal regulation
a. overturned in 2 separate S.C. decisions (Mulford v. Smith & Wickard v. Filburn)
D. In 1938, another AA passed without processing tax: financed out of general tax funds
VI. Labor: Wagner-Connery Act (1935) (National Labor Relations Act)
A. Beginning of what was referred to as “big labor”
1. For many years, labor had right to organize and to strike, but employers had right to fire employees because they joined unions or went on strike
a. Due to pressures of employers, organized labor embraced only 10% of workers
B. Wagner-Connery Act: guaranteed labor’s right to organize and bargain collectively
1. Set up National Labor Relations Board (NLRD): made labor’s right to organize truly effective
a. NLRB conduct election to determine whether employees wanted union at request of workers
b. NLRB settle question of employee disagreements through supervised election
c. NLRB hear complaints by employees of unfair labor practices on part of employers
2. Def. of unfair acts: attempts by employer to dominate union; fire for union activity; adopt hiring policy based on union activity, refuse to bargain
C. 1937: SC declared Wagner-Connery Act constitution
VII. Business and Industry: Nat’l Industrial Recovery Act (1933) (NIRA and NRA)
A. Purpose: restore prosperity by organizing thousands of businesses under fair trade codes
1. Fair trade codes prepared by prominent business leaders
2. All business owners urged to operate under codes in huge nat’l effort to pull out of depression
a. Hold prices down, keep employment up
b. Blue eagle (symbol of NRA) appeared on businesses everywhere
B. NRA attempt was too large and too complex
1. codes actually encouraged monopoly by setting regulation impossible for smalls to follow and being immune from antitrust laws
C. Declared unconstitutional by Supreme Court in 1935 (Schechter Poultry Corp. v. US)
1. many codes were illegal delegation of legislative authority: federal gov’t had invaded fields reserved to states
2. NRA stretched commerce clause of Constitution beyond all reason
VIII. Youth
A. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) – 1933
1. Tackled problem of unemployed young men 18 to 25 yrs old
2. CCC camps set up all over US mostly for conservation work
a. Young men did a lot of conservation work and built young men’s bodies and renewed their spirit
i. sent CCC boys into private employment with new skills and self-confidence
B. National Youth Administration (NYA) – 1935
1. Helped those between ages 16 – 25 yrs old who wanted to continue their education by providing them with part-time jobs
IX. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) – 1933
A. Background: During WWI, $145 million hydroelectric plant and 2 munitions factories had been built
1. Under FDR, TVA was est.: hydroelectric plant generated power for distr. throughout 7 states, chemical plants manufactured fertilizer
B. TVA was gov’t owned and operated, multi-purpose project that changed economy of large section of US
C. 34 dams not only produced electric power, but also: flood control, irrigation, and navigation
1. Once ancient areas had telephones, libraries and electricity; raised standard of living in TVA areas
D. Criticism: competed with private utility companies in production and distribution of electric power
1. TVA power sold at much lower rates
X. Social Security Act (1935)
A. Key measure of New Deal: made federal gov’t responsible for social problems of caring for old, handicapped and unemployed
B. Nat’t plan of compulsory insurance to those in need (administered by Federal Social Security Board) that provided:
1. federal program of old-age insurance beginning at age 65 and benefits for dependent survivors of workers who died
a. Benefits financed by payroll tax on both employers and employees
2. Est. system of federal aid to states for forms of assistance to several types of indigent persons
a. pensions for old, maternal and child health care, aid for crippled children and blind
3. est. system of unemployment benefits administered by states but financed by payroll taxes
C. Issued Social Security numbers to almost all persons
1. created workable means by which individuals made compulsory contributions to provide security for themselves and dependents
World War II
I. Europe Blunders toward War
A. Close of WWI: US replaced Great Britain as leading power of the world
B. 1933: Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany
1. 1934: Hitler takes Germany out of League of Nations and renounces Versailles Treaty by rearming Germany (not stopped)
C. 1935: Mussolini attacked Ethiopia (nothing done to stop)
1. 1936: Germany, Italy, and Japan formed the “Axis” – alliance of aggressive dictatorships
D. 1936-1939: Civil war in Spain = re-establishment of dictatorship under General Franco
E. 1938: Policy of “appeasement” confirmed as Hitler is allowed to take Sudeten district of Czechoslovakia
F. 1939: Russia and Germany make non-aggression pact: startles the world
G. Sept 1, 1939: Blitzkrieg on Warsaw begins as England and France declare war on Hitler
II. US steps toward war
A. 1932: Stimson Doctrine: formal frotest against Japan’s aggression in Manchuria
1. states that US wouldn’t recognize change in sovereignty brought by external aggression (don’t recognize Manchukuo)
2. Japan had violated Washington Conference (1921), Kellogg-Brian Treaty (1928), and Covenant of League of Nations
B. The Neutrality Acts (1935, 1936, 1937, 1939)
1. 1935: reaction to Italy’s attack upon Ethiopia: President formally recognized war was in progress
a. American citizens couldn’t sell arms to belligerents; American citizens traveled on ships of belligerent at their own risk
2. 1936: Renewed Act of 1935 and forbade loads or credits to belligerents
3. 1937: Spanish conflict breaks out and previous neutrality laws didn’t apply to civil wars
a. Jan 1937: Congress places embargo on munitions to either side – leads to rebels winning (get help from Axis)
b. May 1937: gives President discretion in use of embargoes and forbade travel by US citizens on ships of belligerents
i. aimed at renewed Sino-Japanese conflict
ii. President forbids any US gov’t vessels to carry munitions to belligerents but private ships do at own risk
4. 1939: “Cash and carry” Plan: all arms embargoes lifted so that any ships could come to US ports, pay cash, and carry away anything they could buy
a. Pro-Allies: Britain and France had control of the seas
C. 1937: The “Quarantine” Speech: Our neutrality laws had aided aggresors (Spanish civil war)
1. urged “worldwide quarantine” of agressors and took a partisan position
D. December 12, 1937: Panay Incident: Japanese planes bombed US Gunboat
1. Because Asia seems far away, public opinion in US still strongly opposed to war with Japan
E. 1938: after Japan starts building up own navy, US begins building a two-ocean navy
F. June 1940: After Prime Minister Churchill appeals for war supplies, US responds by “all aid short of war”
G. Battle of Britain (1940): RAF beat of German Luftwaffe and prevents invasion of British Isles
H. Selective Service Act (Sept. 1940): 1st Peacetime draft in US history
1. All men 21 to 34 registered in the US military
I. Lend Lease (Mar. 1941): Britain gives Britain money for use in interests of US
J. June 22, 1941: Hitler astounds world by attacking USSR
1. FDR and Churchill immediately welcome USSR as partner in the war to keep Hitler occupied on the eastern front
2. Lend-Lease extended to Russia
K. 1941: Atlantic Charter: conference between FDR and Churchill as statement of war aims
1. No territorial gains sought by US or Britain; Trade barriers lowers
2. Readjustment of territories to wishes of inhabitants; People have right to choose own form of gov’t;
3. Disarmament: 1st by aggressors and then by all other nations
4. Freedom from fear and want as well as freedom of the sease
5. Int’l association of nations must be formed in the end
L. “Shoot on sight” (1941): German submarines attacked US naval vessels prompting FDR to give order “shoot on sight” any submarines in North Atlantic
M. Pearl Harbor ( Dec. 7, 1941): Hawaii is surprise attacked by Japan with big losses
N. Dec 8, 1941: Germany and Italy declare war on the US
III. Fighting WWII on the Pacific
A. 1941: Major General “Jimmy” Doolittle’s squadron grings war to Japan by bombing Tokyo
B. May 6, 1941: General Douglas MacArthur forced to evacuate Corregidor and surrender Philippines (“I will return”)
C. June 3-6, 1942: Air-naval battle off Midway Island = 1 major US victory over Japan
1. Japan’s attempt to take Midway was repulsed
D. 1942-1943: US starts island-hopping offensive toward Japan
1. During this time, US slowly takes control of various islands in the Pacific
E. Oct. 1944: Battle in Leyte Gulf breaks the back of the Japanese fleet: Japan lacked reserve strength to replace or sustain such losses
F. Atomic Bombs: Hiroshima (Aug 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (Aug 9, 1945)
G. V.J. Day (Aug 15, 1945)
IV. Fighting WWII in Africa and Europe
A. Nov 1942: General Dwight D. Eisenhower makes landings in Africa and wins battles
B. Feb – May 1943: General Eisenhower, aided from General George s Patton and British General Bernard Montgomery forces surrender and brings African campaign to end
C. Sept. 1943: General Mark Clark leads American invasion of Italy
D. June 6, 1944: “D-Day”: Invasion by Allied forces of western Europe as start of “Operation Overload” – greatest naval military assault of all time
1. Operation was under command of General Eisenhower
E. Dec 16-26, 1944: Battle of Bulge is Germany’s last counter-offensive
F. May 1, 1945: Hitler’s death is reported, Berlin occupied next day
G. May 8th, 1945: “V.E. Day” – unconditional surrender
V. Building the Peace
A. Exp. of WWI taught necessity of preparing for peace while still fighting war
1. serious attention given to preparing peace and came up with U.N.
B. Sept 1943: US Congress resolution: US participation in int’l organization for peace”
C. Oct 1943: Moscow Conference is 1st meeting during war of US, Great Britain, and USSR with the heads of foreign affairs
1. recognized necessity of establishing int’l organization for int’l peace and security
D. Nov 1943: Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin meet in Teheran, Iran : 1st meeting of the “Big Three”
1. Tentative plans made to start int’l organization that Moscow Conference deemed necessary
E. July 1944: Bretton Woods Conference with 44 nations present
1. International Monetary Fund: help stabilize currencies of western Europe and promote trade
2. International Bank of Reconstruction and Development: aid devastated nations
F. Aug – Oct 1944: Dumbarton Oaks Conference is meeting with US, England, USSR and China
1. draw up charter which served as starting point for SF Conference
G. Feb 1945: Yalta Conference: FDR, Churchill, and Stalin consider plans to attempt quick end to the war
1. Russia promises to set up front again
2. 3 Powers agree to see that liberated states had representative gov’ts free elections; sets up SF Conference date
H. April – June, 1945: SF Conference draws up UN Charter
1. 11 member Council with 5 nations with veto power and 6 members with 2-yr rotations
2. General Assembly: every member nation has one vote
3. Economic and Social Council: 18 members chosen by General Assembly – deal with great variety of non-military problems
4. International Court of Justice: 15 judges selected by Assembly and Securit Council
5. Trusteeship Council: made of nations administering trust areas and equal number of nations w/o trusteeships
6. Secretariat: led by Secretary General does administrative work of UN
I. July 28, 1945: US Senate ratifies treaty making US a member of the UN
Commentary: I’ll make a short comment on the Panay Incident: in my opinion, it was supposed to be an event that got the United State into WWII against Japan. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your viewpoint), the public opinion wasn’t in support of such an action because it was too far from home. After the failure of the Panay Incident, it seemed that the only way the US would enter the war would be through a “on our own lawn” attack, which the attack on Pearl Harbor definitely did. That being said, I think it was clearly evident that FDR was itching to go to war against the Axis powers, but just didn’t have the public support that would allow him to do so. I’ll say once again what I’ve stated in many other commentaries, but this is another war that made the US all the more powerful. The United States is extremely strategic in its wars (Vietnam and War against Terrorism exceptions) and it seems the United States ends up profiting from its wars in some way. Even the Civil War rid the US of slavery, which couldn’t have happened without a war. I’m also sure that Wilson would be smiling in his grave knowing that his goal for an international organization was finally met by the United Nations
Going on to the next important thing in FDR’s presidency, the New Deal had, and still does have, a profound impact on the United States. If not the actual programs, the mentality of the New Deal still influences political policy even to this day, rivaled only by Reagan’s era. It was designed to help the lowest rung of society and those who needed the most help. What was more ingenious about the New Deal is that it didn’t try to take away from one group to help another (minus the AAA), but instead established a program that allowed for the not-well-off people to help themselves. Through payroll taxes and the CCC, the benefits weren’t simply handed to the low-class but instead, the low-class had to work for it. It is my opinion that without the New Deal, the United States would have crumbled as a nation and would have probably lost in power to Germany (who would have won the war without US suppo