key term - New Deal Coalition

Definition

The New Deal Coalition refers to the diverse group of voters and interest groups that came together in support of the Democratic Party during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s. This coalition emerged as a response to the economic devastation of the Great Depression and included various segments of society such as labor unions, African Americans, farmers, and urban working-class voters. The coalition fundamentally reshaped the American political landscape and contributed to the long-term success of the Democratic Party.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Deal Coalition was instrumental in establishing a strong Democratic majority that lasted for decades, influencing national policies and elections.
2. Key groups within the coalition included labor unions, which advocated for workers' rights, and African Americans, who shifted their loyalty to the Democratic Party during this period.
3. The coalition also attracted Southern whites who benefitted from New Deal programs, though racial tensions remained a complex issue within its framework.
4. The New Deal Coalition played a vital role in passing landmark legislation such as Social Security and labor protections, helping to expand the role of government in economic recovery.
5. Over time, the New Deal Coalition began to fracture in the 1960s and 1970s due to civil rights issues and differing interests among its member groups.

Review Questions

• How did the New Deal Coalition influence voter alignment in American politics during and after FDR's presidency?
  • The New Deal Coalition significantly influenced voter alignment by bringing together diverse groups who were affected by the Great Depression, such as labor unions and African Americans. This shift created a strong Democratic base that persisted for decades, altering traditional voting patterns and solidifying support for progressive policies. As these groups rallied behind Roosevelt’s New Deal programs, they established a new political identity that reshaped American electoral dynamics.
• Evaluate the factors that led to the emergence of the New Deal Coalition and its impact on American political parties.
  • The emergence of the New Deal Coalition was driven by the urgent need for economic recovery during the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s policies attracted various groups seeking relief and reform, including labor unions and marginalized communities. The coalition’s impact was profound; it transformed the Democratic Party into a dominant force in U.S. politics by creating a broad-based platform that appealed to a wide array of voters. This realignment solidified lasting changes in party ideologies and voter loyalties.
• Analyze how changes within society contributed to the eventual decline of the New Deal Coalition and what this meant for American politics.
  • The decline of the New Deal Coalition can be attributed to several societal changes, including civil rights movements that challenged existing racial dynamics within the coalition and shifting economic priorities among voters. As groups like African Americans began demanding more explicit representation and rights, tensions arose with Southern Democrats who opposed these changes. This fragmentation signified a broader realignment in American politics, where issues like civil rights began to redefine party affiliations and contribute to an evolving political landscape, ultimately leading to new coalitions forming around different ideologies.

Related terms

Great Depression:

A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, leading to widespread unemployment and poverty.

Democratic Party:

One of the two major political parties in the United States, traditionally associated with progressive policies and social welfare programs.

Realignment:

A significant shift in political allegiance or party support among voters, often resulting in lasting changes to the political landscape.