Essential Questions
What is the extent of Presidential power?
How does conflict lead to political change?
Why do people debate the power and authority of government?
How do democracies attempt to balance power between the people and the government?
1932 Election
The 1932 Election was a pivotal moment in American political history, marking a significant turning point during the Great Depression. Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) emerged as the Democratic Party's candidate, campaigning on a platform that promised a "New Deal" for the American people. His message resonated deeply with a populace grappling with widespread unemployment, economic instability, and despair under the incumbent Republican administration of Herbert Hoover. Hoover's perceived inaction and inability to effectively address the crisis led to widespread disillusionment, paving the way for a political realignment that would reshape the landscape of American politics for decades.
FDR's campaign emphasized government intervention as a means to stimulate economic recovery and provide relief for struggling citizens. He articulated a vision of hope and change, contrasting sharply with Hoover’s focus on limited government and individual self-reliance. This shift in messaging attracted a diverse coalition of voters, including urban workers, farmers, and those disenfranchised by the economic downturn. The 1932 election not only highlighted the profound dissatisfaction with the Republican Party's handling of the Great Depression but also underscored the Democratic Party's growing appeal as a champion of progressive reform and social welfare.
The outcome of the 1932 election resulted in a decisive victory for FDR, who won with a sweeping majority in both the popular and Electoral College votes. This election not only marked the beginning of FDR's presidency but also heralded a new era of Democratic dominance in American politics, solidifying a coalition that would include labor unions, minorities, and the urban poor. The political realignment initiated by the 1932 election laid the groundwork for the Fifth Party System, as the Democratic Party became synonymous with the promise of reform and an active government role in the economy. As FDR took office, he set the stage for the transformative policies of the New Deal, fundamentally changing the relationship between the government and the American public.
Materials
Vocabulary
The 1932 Election
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR)
Democratic Party
New Deal
Herbert Hoover
Republican Party
political realignment
Fifth Party System
This is a poster created by WPA artists.