Definition and Summary of the New Deal Coalition
Summary and Definition: A coalition is a temporary alliance that joins factions or groups with overlapping interests. The New Deal Coalition was an alliance of voters who supported FDR's New Deal programs. The Great Depression had led to a Democratic landslide for FDR, supported by voters from different walks of life and ethnic groups with differing needs. Republican impotence in the face of the Great Depression had resulted in a shift in traditional party allegiance. The implementation of FDR's New Deal, that had benefited millions of voters, created a realignment of political views. This enabled FDR to construct a new political coalition, referred to as the New Deal Coalition, that established a solid Democratic majority.
The New Deal Coalition
Franklin D Roosevelt was the 32nd American President who served in office from March 4, 1933 to April 12, 1945. One of the important events during his presidency was the New Deal Coalition.
US American History
1929-1945: Depression & WW2
FDR's New Deal
New Deal Coalition Facts for kids
The following fact sheet contains interesting facts and information on FDR's Coalition of voters for kids.
Facts about the New Deal Coalition for kids
New Deal Coalition Fact 1: The key support of the Democratic Party had traditionally been amongst the white voters in the south but the Republicans were blamed for the Great Depression and their inadequate response to the economic crisis that had gripped the nation.
New Deal Coalition Fact 2: The benefits of FDR's New Deal had triggered a political realignment with long standing Republicans changing their vote to the Democratic Party.
New Deal Coalition Fact 3: The US presidential election of 1936 saw President Franklin D. Roosevelt re-elected in a landslide victory for the Democrats carrying 46 of the 48 states and receiving 98.49% of the electoral vote.
New Deal Coalition Fact 4: The New Deal Coalition of voters backing FDR was established with a solid Democratic majority.
New Deal Coalition Fact 5: The groups who were key components of the New Deal Coalition and contributed to the creation of the Democratic majority included women, farmers, African Americans, labor unions, new immigrants, seniors, Jews, Roman Catholics, intellectuals, progressives and liberals
New Deal Coalition Fact 6: African Americans had been severely hit by the Great Depression as the group most devastated by unemployment. The
Civil Works Administration had provided more than a quarter of a million young black men with jobs. A few found work
Public Works Administration (PWA). Most importantly support given to the cause of civil rights by both Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt gave the African American community hope for the future.
Facts about the New Deal Coalition for kids
Facts about the New Deal Coalition for kids - FDR's Coalition of voters
The following fact sheet continues with facts about FDR's Coalition of voters for kids.
Facts about New Deal Coalition for kids
New Deal Coalition Fact 7: Women recognized that FDR’s New Deal programs supported the concept of equality and appreciated that the president had appointed the first female cabinet member, Frances Perkins, as Secretary of Labor. Other women gained important administrative positions in a variety of New Deal agencies and programs. The influence of Eleanor Roosevelt had an enormous impact on American women
New Deal Coalition Fact 8: Much of FDR's New Deal was designed to help farmers such as the
Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) and addressed problems in rural areas by establishing the
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
New Deal Coalition Fact 9: New Deal legislation had gained support of the labor Unions. The
National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) had given workers the right to organize and bargain collectively and established codes to address many issues including minimum wages, working hours and productivity.
New Deal Coalition Fact 10: The Unemployed, Senior citizens and the disabled gave FDR support due to the prospect of Social insurance which would establish a national pension fund and an unemployment insurance system. Their confidence in the president was well placed when the
Social Security Act of 1935 was passed.
New Deal Coalition Fact 11: Religious minorities gave the president support as the FDR administration staffed new agencies with talented Jews and Roman Catholics
New Deal Coalition Fact 12: Ethnic minorities, many from new immigrant groups, derived benefits from the New Deal Programs as President Roosevelt displayed a sensitivity to life in urban American
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