TO ACCELERATE the sputtering economic recovery, Roosevelt shifted the emphasis of the New Deal in the mid-1930s. Instead of seeking cooperation from conservative business leaders, he decided to rely on the growing New Deal coalition to enact reforms over the strident opposition of the Supreme Court, Republicans, and corporate interests.

Added to New Deal strength in farm states and big cities were some new allies on the left. Throughout Roosevelt’s first term, socialists and Communists denounced the slow pace of change and accused the New Deal of failing to serve the interests of the workers who produced the nation’s wealth. But by 1936, when Roosevelt won reelection in a landslide, many radicals switched from opposing the New Deal to supporting its relief programs and encouragement of labor unions. By 1937, Roosevelt believed the economy was improving and reduced government spending, triggering a sharp recession that undermined economic recovery and prolonged the depression.