Module 3: 1936 Election

The 1936 Election

The 1936 Presidential election was a critical moment for Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) and his New Deal agenda, as he sought to solidify the political coalition that had emerged during his first term. Running against Republican challenger Alf Landon, FDR campaigned on his record of economic recovery and social reform, emphasizing the successes of the New Deal in providing relief and restoring hope to millions of Americans. Landon, despite being a moderate governor of Kansas, struggled to gain traction against FDR's popularity and the overwhelming support for the New Deal.  

FDR's victory in the 1936 election was resounding, as he won with an electoral landslide, capturing nearly all states except for Maine and Vermont. This outcome not only reaffirmed public confidence in his leadership but also marked a significant consolidation of the Democratic Party’s power in the wake of a political realignment. The coalition that supported FDR included labor unions, African Americans, and a variety of progressive groups, transforming the Democratic Party into the primary vehicle for progressive change in America. The 1936 election thus solidified the New Deal as a cornerstone of American political ideology and set the stage for future reforms, reinforcing the idea that government had a vital role to play in ensuring economic stability and social welfare.