1937- The Catalyst That Solidified Conservative Resistance Against the New Deal

Which strengthened conservative opposition to the New Deal in 1937?

The New Deal, initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, aimed to alleviate the economic hardships of the Great Depression by implementing various programs and reforms. However, its impact on American society and politics was complex, with some groups strongly opposing its policies. One significant factor that bolstered conservative opposition to the New Deal in 1937 was the perceived threat to American individualism and traditional values.

In the early years of the New Deal, many conservatives believed that the government’s increased role in the economy and social welfare undermined the principles of self-reliance and personal responsibility that were deeply rooted in American culture. As the New Deal expanded, conservative opposition grew, fueled by concerns that the government was overstepping its bounds and infringing on individual freedoms. One event in particular, the Supreme Court’s decision in West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish (1937), served as a catalyst for conservative opposition.

The West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish case involved a challenge to a minimum wage law in Washington state. The Supreme Court, with a conservative majority, ruled that the law violated the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, arguing that it was an unconstitutional exercise of state power. This decision was seen as a direct attack on the New Deal’s labor and economic policies, reinforcing the argument that the government was encroaching on individual rights and the free market.

The conservative opposition to the New Deal in 1937 was further strengthened by the perception that the New Deal was a socialist or communist plot to undermine American democracy. Critics argued that the New Deal’s programs, such as the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) and the Social Security Act, were thinly veiled attempts to establish a welfare state and erode the capitalist system. This fear of socialism was particularly pronounced among the conservative elite, who believed that the New Deal threatened the very fabric of American society.

Moreover, the New Deal’s perceived inefficiency and waste also contributed to conservative opposition. As the economy slowly recovered, many Americans grew weary of the high cost and limited effectiveness of New Deal programs. This frustration was exploited by conservative politicians and media outlets, who portrayed the New Deal as a failed experiment that was burdening taxpayers and hindering economic growth.

In conclusion, the conservative opposition to the New Deal in 1937 was strengthened by a combination of factors, including the perceived threat to American individualism and traditional values, the Supreme Court’s decision in West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish, fears of socialism, and concerns about the New Deal’s inefficiency. These factors laid the groundwork for the conservative movement that would emerge in the years following World War II, challenging the New Deal’s legacy and shaping American politics for decades to come.