Who opposed the New Deal, and why?

> CHRONOLOGY

1934
  • Upton Sinclair loses California governorship bid.

  • American Liberty League founded.

  • Dr. Francis Townsend devises Old Age Revolving Pension scheme.

1935
  • Father Charles Coughlin begins National Union for Social Justice.

The first New Deal initiatives engendered fierce criticism and political opposition. From the right, Republicans and businesspeople charged that New Deal programs were too radical, undermining private property, economic stability, and democracy. Critics on the left faulted the New Deal for its failure to allay the human suffering caused by the depression and for its timidity in attacking corporate power and greed.