American Liberty League

Definition

The American Liberty League was an organization formed in 1934 by a group of business leaders and conservative politicians who opposed Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs. They believed that the New Deal represented a threat to individual liberties and free enterprise, arguing that it expanded the federal government's power over the economy and infringed on personal freedoms. The league sought to mobilize public opinion against Roosevelt's policies and promote a more conservative economic agenda.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Liberty League was founded by prominent figures such as Al Smith, a former governor of New York, and various business executives who feared the expansion of government power.
2. The league held rallies and published literature criticizing the New Deal, labeling it as 'socialist' and warning against its impact on American capitalism.
3. While it garnered some initial support, the American Liberty League struggled to gain widespread public backing, as many Americans saw the New Deal as necessary during the economic crisis.
4. The league's influence waned by the late 1930s, particularly after Roosevelt was re-elected in 1936 with a large majority, indicating public support for his policies.
5. The organization ultimately dissolved in 1940, marking a decline in organized opposition to Roosevelt's New Deal programs.

Review Questions

• What were the primary goals of the American Liberty League and how did they attempt to achieve them?
  • The primary goals of the American Liberty League were to oppose Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs and to promote a conservative economic agenda that emphasized individual liberties and free enterprise. The league attempted to achieve these goals by mobilizing public opinion through rallies, pamphlets, and advertising campaigns that criticized the New Deal as a threat to personal freedoms and capitalism. They sought to convince Americans that government intervention in the economy would lead to authoritarianism.
• How did public perception of the American Liberty League change during its existence in relation to Roosevelt's New Deal?
  • Public perception of the American Liberty League changed significantly over time. Initially, they found some support among conservative Americans who were wary of Roosevelt’s expanding government role. However, as the New Deal gained popularity due to its efforts to alleviate suffering during the Great Depression, many Americans began to view the league's criticisms as out of touch. By the late 1930s, with Roosevelt's re-election reflecting broad public support for his policies, the league lost much of its influence.
• Evaluate the impact of the American Liberty League on American politics during the New Deal era and its long-term significance.
  • The American Liberty League had a notable but ultimately limited impact on American politics during the New Deal era. While it effectively articulated concerns about government overreach and rallied some opposition against Roosevelt's policies, its failure to gain widespread support highlighted a shift in public sentiment towards favoring government intervention in addressing economic crises. In the long term, its existence marked an early expression of conservative resistance to expansive government programs that would later evolve into more organized movements opposing liberal policies throughout American history.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and reforms introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at providing relief for the unemployed, recovering the economy, and reforming the financial system.

National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA): A key piece of New Deal legislation enacted in 1933 that aimed to stimulate economic recovery by regulating industry, promoting fair competition, and improving labor conditions.

Conservative Coalition: An alliance of conservative Democrats and Republicans in Congress that emerged in the 1930s, united in opposition to New Deal policies and advocating for limited government intervention in the economy.