Share Our Wealth

Definition

Share Our Wealth was a social and economic reform movement initiated by Louisiana Senator Huey Long in the 1930s, aimed at addressing wealth inequality during the Great Depression. The movement proposed radical measures, including wealth redistribution through heavy taxation on the rich and government programs to provide for basic needs like education and healthcare for all citizens. It gained popularity as many Americans faced economic hardship and sought solutions beyond the New Deal policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Share Our Wealth movement aimed to cap personal fortunes at $1 million, with any excess wealth being redistributed to support social welfare programs.
2. Huey Long's vision included providing every American family with a guaranteed annual income, free education, and access to healthcare.
3. Long's Share Our Wealth clubs attracted millions of members, showcasing widespread support for his ideas across the country.
4. The movement gained traction as many Americans were disillusioned with the New Deal, feeling it did not go far enough to address poverty and inequality.
5. Long was assassinated in 1935, but the principles of Share Our Wealth influenced later discussions about wealth distribution and social welfare policies in the U.S.

Review Questions

• How did Huey Long's Share Our Wealth movement reflect the discontent among Americans during the Great Depression?
  • Huey Long's Share Our Wealth movement emerged as a response to widespread economic hardship and growing wealth inequality during the Great Depression. Many Americans were struggling with unemployment, poverty, and limited access to essential services. Long's proposals resonated with those who felt that existing government programs, like the New Deal, did not adequately address their needs. By advocating for wealth redistribution and social welfare, Long captured the frustration of millions who sought more radical solutions to their dire circumstances.
• Evaluate the impact of the Share Our Wealth movement on American politics in the 1930s.
  • The Share Our Wealth movement significantly impacted American politics by introducing new ideas about wealth redistribution and social justice into mainstream discourse. It challenged the more conservative approaches of some New Deal policies, pushing for broader reforms aimed at reducing inequality. The movement's popularity reflected a shift in public opinion towards a demand for greater government intervention in the economy. Although Huey Long's assassination curtailed its momentum, the principles behind Share Our Wealth continued to influence political debates about economic equity in subsequent decades.
• Assess the relevance of Huey Long's Share Our Wealth ideas in today's discussions about income inequality and social welfare in America.
  • Huey Long's Share Our Wealth ideas remain highly relevant in contemporary discussions about income inequality and social welfare in America. As debates around wealth concentration continue, many advocate for policies that echo Long's calls for higher taxes on the wealthy and expanded social programs. The movement foreshadowed modern initiatives such as universal basic income and comprehensive healthcare access. Long's emphasis on providing for all citizens highlights ongoing concerns regarding economic disparity, prompting policymakers to reconsider approaches to ensure a more equitable society.

Related terms

Huey Long: A controversial Louisiana politician and senator known for his populist policies and advocacy of the Share Our Wealth program.

New Deal:

A series of programs and reforms enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat the effects of the Great Depression and promote economic recovery.

Wealth Redistribution:

The reallocation of wealth from the rich to the poor, often through taxation and government spending programs designed to reduce income inequality.