Campaign Showdown Worksheet Philosophy Clash
Hoover vs. FDR: The 1932 Election
Name: _________________
Date: __________________
The Mystery Quotes
QUOTE A
"It is not the function of the government to relieve individuals of their responsibilities to their neighbors... Personal character is built by struggle and effort. When the government steps in, the spirit of self-reliance is destroyed."
I agree with this philosophy
QUOTE B
"I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people... This is more than a political campaign; it is a call to arms. We must use the power of the federal government to solve our common problems."
I agree with this philosophy
1932 Campaign Analysis
Read the provided speech excerpts from Herbert Hoover (Rugged Individualism) and Franklin D. Roosevelt (The Forgotten Man). Identify their key arguments below.
Feature Herbert Hoover Franklin D. Roosevelt Role of Federal Government View of Individual Responsibility Primary Economic Solution
The Turning Point
Imagine you are an unemployed worker in 1932 who has lost their home and is living in a "Hooverville." Which candidate's speech would offer you more hope? Why? Use at least two specific points from your analysis above.
Philosophy Clash Slides The 1932 Election
THE PHILOSOPHY
CLASH
Contrasting Herbert Hoover and Franklin D. Roosevelt's vision for America.
Who Said It?
Philosophy Poll
"Economic depression cannot be cured by legislative action or executive pronouncement."
Speaker A
"The country needs and, unless I mistake its temper, the country demands bold, persistent experimentation."
Speaker B
Which philosophy would YOU vote for in 1932?
"Rugged Individualism"
Self-Reliance
Success should come through individual effort, not government aid.
Limited Government
Federal intervention would weaken the American spirit and economy.
Local Charity
Relief should come from private charities and local governments.
"The American system of rugged individualism... is the foundation of our prosperity."
— Herbert Hoover, 1928
"The Forgotten Man"
"These unhappy times call for the plans... that build from the bottom up and not from the top down, that put their faith once more in the forgotten man."
— Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1932
Active Government
The New Deal
The government has a duty to provide direct relief to citizens.
Experimentation
Trying new things is better than doing nothing during a crisis.
Common Wealth
Economic security is a right that the government must protect.
The Stakes in 1932
25% Unemployment
The highest in American history.
"Hoovervilles"
Shantytowns named after the President blamed for the misery.
The Bonus Army
WW1 veterans dispersed by force after demanding pay.
Election Results
LANDSLIDE
FDR won 42 of 48 states.
Philosophy Clash Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Philosophy Clash
Lesson 1: Contrasting Hoover and FDR
50-60 Minutes
Grade 8
Essential Question
What is the proper role of government in managing the economy and supporting citizens during a crisis?
Lesson Objective
Students will be able to compare and contrast the political philosophies of Herbert Hoover and FDR by analyzing 1932 campaign rhetoric and explaining how the Great Depression shifted expectations for the federal government.
Vocabulary
Rugged Individualism: Hoover's belief in self-reliance.
Laissez-faire: Minimal gov interference in economy.
The Forgotten Man: FDR's term for the suffering lower class.
New Deal: FDR's program for relief and reform.
Instructional Sequence
1
The Mystery Poll (10 mins)
Display "Slide 2" with the two anonymous quotes. Have students read them on their worksheet and mark which one they personally agree with. Ask for a show of hands for Quote A vs Quote B. Reveal that A is Hoover and B is FDR.
Discussion Prompt: "Why might Quote A sound appealing during normal times? Why might Quote B feel more urgent in 1932?"
2
Philosophy Deep Dive (15 mins)
Use Slides 3 and 4 to explain "Rugged Individualism" vs. "The Forgotten Man." Highlight Hoover's fear that government aid would create a "dependency class" and FDR's argument that modern economic life was too complex for individual effort alone to solve systemic failures.
3
Speech Analysis (20 mins)
Distribute excerpts from Hoover’s 1928 campaign and FDR’s 1932 "Forgotten Man" speech (or display them). Students work in pairs to complete the Campaign Showdown Worksheet.
<table class="w-full text-sm bg-gray-50 border border-gray-200 mt-2"><tbody><tr class="bg-gray-100 font-bold"><td class="p-2 border">Expectation</td><td class="p-2 border">Hoover Answer Key</td><td class="p-2 border">FDR Answer Key</td></tr><tr><td class="p-2 border font-bold">Role of Gov</td><td class="p-2 border italic text-xs">Umpire only; stay out of business.</td><td class="p-2 border italic text-xs">Active player; direct aid to people.</td></tr><tr><td class="p-2 border font-bold">Responsibility</td><td class="p-2 border italic text-xs">On the individual and local charities.</td><td class="p-2 border italic text-xs">Collective; gov must protect rights.</td></tr></tbody></table>
4
Synthesis & Exit (5 mins)
Students complete the "Turning Point" prompt on the worksheet. This evaluates their ability to apply the philosophies to a specific historical context (living in a Hooverville).
Alphabet Agency Slides The New Deal
ALPHABET
AGENCIES
Understanding the 3 R's: Relief, Recovery, and Reform.
The Categorization Strategy
RELIEF
"The Band-Aid"
Immediate action taken to halt the economy's deterioration and provide food/jobs to the starving.
• Direct Cash
• Temporary Jobs
RECOVERY
"The Physical Therapy"
Temporary programs to restart the flow of consumer demand and help the economy heal itself.
• Industry Support
• Public Works
REFORM
"The Preventative Medicine"
Permanent programs to avoid another depression and insure citizens against future economic disasters.
• Banking Laws
• Social Security
"Alphabet Soup"
FDR created so many agencies that critics called it 'Alphabet Soup.' But each agency had a specific goal within the 3 R's.
CCC WPA FDIC TVA SEC AAA
Agency Speed Dating
Can you find your perfect match?
Your Mission
Adopt the identity of a New Deal Agency.
Explain your "personality" (what you do) to others.
Decide if you are Relief, Recovery, or Reform.
READY...
SET...
DATE!
Agency Identity Cards Agency Identity Cards
Speed Dating Activity
CCC
Civilian Conservation Corps
"I'm young, outdoorsy, and love working with my hands. I believe in hard work for a fair wage."
What I do: I hire young men (18-25) to plant trees, build trails, and fight forest fires.
My Goal: Put money in pockets quickly and conserve natural resources.
Fun Fact: I provided over 3 billion trees and millions of jobs.
I am definitely a: ________________
WPA
Works Progress Administration
"I'm the biggest employer in town! I build everything from bridges to mural paintings."
What I do: I employ millions of unskilled workers for public works projects (roads, airports, schools).
My Goal: Create as many jobs as possible, as fast as possible.
Fun Fact: I even hired artists, writers, and actors!
I am definitely a: ________________
FDIC
Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
"I'm the stable, protective type. I want to make sure you never lose your life savings again."
What I do: I provide insurance for bank deposits. If your bank fails, the government pays you back.
My Goal: Restore trust in the banking system and prevent "bank runs."
Fun Fact: I'm still around today! Look for my sticker at the bank.
I am definitely a: ________________
TVA
Tennessee Valley Authority
"I'm high-energy and a bit regional. I bring power to the people and control the floods."
What I do: I built dams to control floods and generate cheap electricity for the Tennessee Valley.
My Goal: Long-term economic development in a very poor rural region.
Fun Fact: Private power companies hated me because I was "socialist."
I am definitely a: ________________
SSA
Social Security Administration
"I'm in it for the long haul. I care about your parents, your grandparents, and your future."
What I do: I provide pensions for retired workers and aid for the disabled and unemployed.
My Goal: Ensure that elderly and vulnerable Americans never live in poverty again.
Fun Fact: This was the biggest "Reform" of the entire New Deal.
I am definitely a: ________________
AAA
Agricultural Adjustment Act
"I'm a farm expert. I think sometimes less is more when it comes to crops."
What I do: I paid farmers NOT to plant crops on part of their land to reduce supply.
My Goal: Raise crop prices so farmers could finally make a profit again.
Relief Recovery Reform Sorter Alphabet Soup Sorter
Relief, Recovery, and Reform
Name: _________________
Date: __________________
The 3 R's Guide
Relief
Immediate, short-term aid to provide food, shelter, and temporary jobs. (Stopping the bleeding)
Recovery
Mid-term programs to restart the economy and help businesses/farms get back on their feet. (Starting the engine)
Reform
Permanent changes to fix flaws in the economy and prevent a future Depression. (Replacing the pipes)
Categorization Matrix
Based on your "Speed Dating" and agency profiles, place each acronym in the correct column. Briefly explain WHY it belongs there.
Relief
Agency: _________
Agency: _________
Agency: _________
Recovery
Agency: _________
Agency: _________
Agency: _________
Reform
Agency: _________
Agency: _________
Agency: _________
Critical Analysis
Many New Deal agencies like the SSA and FDIC are still in operation today. Why did the "Reform" programs outlast the "Relief" and "Recovery" programs?
Alphabet Agency Answer Key Teacher Resource
Alphabet Agency Answer Key
Evaluation Guide for the 3 R's Sorter
Category Agencies (Acronyms) Justification / Goal RELIEF
| Provide immediate cash or temporary employment to prevent starvation and civil unrest. These are the "urgent" programs. |
| RECOVERY |
| Aim to restore economic health to specific sectors (farming, regional power). Designed to help the economy "get back on its feet." |
| REFORM |
| Long-term changes to the legal structure of the economy. Intended to prevent future crashes by regulating banks/stocks and providing social safety nets. |
Synthesis Question Guidance
Q: Why did the "Reform" programs outlast the others?
Exemplary Answer: Reform programs like the FDIC and SSA were designed as permanent structural changes to the American government, not temporary fixes. Relief and Recovery were aimed at the symptoms of the Depression (hunger, unemployment), while Reform was aimed at the causes. Once the economy stabilized, the "emergency" jobs (WPA/CCC) were no longer needed, but the need to protect bank deposits and ensure retirement security remained a permanent priority.
Note on Overlap:
Some agencies overlap. For example, the TVA provided immediate jobs (Relief) and regional economic growth (Recovery) but was also a structural change (Reform). Accept any category if the student's justification is logical.
Court Packing Slides The 1937 Crisis
THE COURT
PACKING PLAN
When the "Umpire" and the "Player" Collided over the New Deal.
The New Deal's Biggest Hurdle
The Supreme Court
The Court began declaring key New Deal programs UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
NRA: Struck down (Schechter v. US)
AAA: Struck down (Butler v. US)
The Court argued FDR was overstepping Federal power.
"The Nine Old Men"
FDR's nickname for the conservative justices.
FDR's "Solution" (1937)
The Proposal
For every justice over age 70...
The President can appoint one additional justice.
Up to a maximum of 15 justices (instead of 9).
"We must take action to save the Constitution from the Court and the Court from itself."
— FDR, Fireside Chat (1937)
The Goal:
Ensure a Supreme Court that would support the New Deal.
Visual Analysis
The Hook
Cartoon Placeholder
[FDR as a baseball manager trying to add more players to change the score]
Think About:
• Who is the "Manager"?
• Who is the "Umpire"?
• Why would adding more players be considered "cheating"?
The Big Question:
Is this a smart strategy or a threat to democracy?
Why it Failed
Checks & Balances
Americans feared the President would have too much power over the Judicial branch.
"Dictatorship"
Critics (even Democrats) compared FDR's plan to the rise of dictators in Europe.
The Result
Congress rejected the bill. However, the Court soon began voting for New Deal programs anyway.
Cartoon Check and Balance Sheet Cartoon Forensics
The Court Packing Crisis (1937)
Name: _________________
Date: __________________
Item #1: "The Baseball Manager"
[A cartoon depicting FDR as a baseball manager telling Uncle Sam: "If the umpire keeps calling my players out, I'll just hire 6 more umpires!"]
Reference: Berryman Cartoon, 1937
Visual Observations
1. Who does the "Manager" represent?
2. What do the "Umpires" represent in government?
3. What does "changing the score" symbolize?
The Constitutional Clash
"It is the duty of the courts to be the last line of defense for the Constitution. If the President can simply add more judges until he gets the verdict he wants, the independence of the Supreme Court is dead." — Senator Burton Wheeler (D-Montana), 1937
FDR's Argument (The Pro)
The "Nine Old Men" were out of touch and blocking the will of the people who voted for the New Deal. The country was in an emergency and needed the Court to be more flexible.
The Critics' Argument (The Con)
This was a "power grab" that destroyed Checks and Balances. It would set a dangerous precedent where every future President would pack the court to get their way.
Your Verdict
Imagine you are a member of Congress in 1937. Would you vote YES or NO on the Judicial Procedures Reform Bill (The Court Packing Plan)? Justify your answer using the concept of "Checks and Balances."
YES (I Support FDR)
NO (I Oppose FDR)
Constitutional Clash Documents Handout Constitutional Clash
Document-Based Inquiry
Document A: FDR's Fireside Chat
March 9, 1937
"We have, therefore, reached the point as a nation where we must take action to save the Constitution from the Court and the Court from itself. We must find a way to take an appeal from the Supreme Court to the Constitution itself. We want a Supreme Court which will do justice under the Constitution—not over it."
"In our courts we want a government of laws and not of men. I want—as all of you want—an independent judiciary! But we must have it as part of a three-horse team, provided by the Constitution, so that the field may be plowed."
Guiding Question:
What metaphor does FDR use for the branches of government? Why?
Document B: Constitutional Concerns
Frank Gannett (Newspaper Publisher)
"President Roosevelt has suddenly proposed a plan to pack the Supreme Court with his own appointees... It is the first step toward a dictatorship in this country. If the President can control the Court, he will control the law. If he controls the law, there is no protection for the minority. Our freedom depends on an independent court."
"This is not about the New Deal. This is about the very foundations of the American Republic. We must rise up and stop this grab for absolute power before it is too late."
Guiding Question:
What is the specific fear that Gannett expresses about a controlled court?
Checks & Balances Identification
1. The Check:
How was the Judicial branch "checking" the Executive branch in 1936?
2. The Counter-Check:
How was FDR attempting to "check" the Judicial branch with this plan?
National Archives & Records Administration • Educational Resource Series
Voices of Dissent Slides New Deal Opposition
VOICES OF
DISSENT
Critics from the Left and the Right: Was the New Deal too much, or not enough?
The 1930s Political Spectrum
THE LEFT
"Not Enough!"
Gov should take even more control and redistribute wealth.
NEW DEAL
The Middle Ground
THE RIGHT
"Too Much!"
Gov has too much power. It's becoming "Socialist."
Critic from the Left
Huey Long
"The Kingfish" from Louisiana
Share Our Wealth
• Cap personal wealth at $50 million.
• Guarantee every family $5,000/year.
• Free college and old-age pensions.
"Every Man a King!"
Long argued FDR was too cozy with rich bankers.
"Was his math realistic?"
The Accusation:
SOCIALISM
Critic from the Right
American Liberty League
Wealthy Business Owners & Republicans
"The New Deal destroys individual initiative."
"Higher taxes on the rich will kill the economy."
"FDR is becoming a dictator."
Share Our Wealth Math Sheet The Kingfish's Ledger
Huey Long's "Share Our Wealth" Math
Name: _________________
Date: __________________
The Proposal
In 1934, Senator Huey Long of Louisiana proposed the "Share Our Wealth" plan. He claimed the New Deal was failing because it didn't go far enough to take money from the rich and give it to the poor. His slogan was "Every Man a King."
The Math Check
Huey Long's promise to Americans:
Step 1: The Tax
Confiscate all personal wealth over $5 million and all annual income over $1 million.
Step 2: The Gift
Give every American family a $5,000 grant and a guaranteed income of $2,500 a year.
The Reality Check:
Economists in 1934 calculated that even if the government took every penny from the wealthy, there wouldn't be enough money to fulfill Long's promises for more than a few months.
If the math didn't work, why did millions of people join his "Share Our Wealth" clubs?
Voices of the Critics
Voice A (The Left)
"Roosevelt is just trying to save the capitalist system that failed us. We need to tear down the banks and start over. He's doing too little!"
— A "Share Our Wealth" Supporter
Voice B (The Right)
"The New Deal is a 'Trojan Horse' for socialism. It makes people lazy and dependent on the government. He's doing way too much!"
— An American Liberty League Member
FDR called Huey Long "one of the two most dangerous men in America." Why do you think a popular critic like Long was a threat to FDR's Presidency?
Voices of Opposition Profiles Handout Voices of Opposition
Profiles in Dissent
LEFT
FDR / CENTER
RIGHT
"GOV SHOULD DO MORE" "GOV SHOULD DO LESS"
Huey Long
The Radical Left
Philosophy: Populism. Argued the Depression was caused by a "mal-distribution" of wealth.
The Plan: "Share Our Wealth." Taxes of 100% on fortunes over $1 million. Every family gets a home and car.
FDR's View: FDR feared Long would split the Democratic vote and allow a Republican to win in 1936.
Fr. Coughlin
The Radio Priest
Philosophy: Nationalization. Wanted the government to take over all banks and natural resources.
The Message: Reached 40 million listeners weekly. Increasingly anti-Semitic and pro-fascist as the 30s went on.
FDR's View: FDR eventually had his radio program shut down for spreading extremist propaganda.
Dr. Townsend
Advocate for Elderly
Philosophy: Pensions. Argued that the elderly were the most vulnerable victims of the Depression.
The Plan: Give $200/month to every citizen over 60, as long as they spent it within 30 days to boost the economy.
FDR's View: Pressure from "Townsend Clubs" eventually forced FDR to create Social Security.
Liberty League
The Conservative Right
Philosophy: Individualism. Believed the New Deal was a threat to the Constitution and private property.
The Argument: Called FDR a "Traitor to his class." Claimed government spending was out of control and anti-American.
FDR's View: FDR responded by moving even further to the Left in his "Second New Deal" to attack "economic royalists."
New Deal Impact Slides The Long View
THE NEW DEAL
LEGACY
Did it solve the Depression? Or did it just change the government forever?
The Data: Unemployment 1929–1941
Unemployment Rate:
1929: 3%
1933: 25% (PEAK)
1937: 14%
1939: 17%
1941: 9%
"If the New Deal was a success, why didn't the unemployment rate go back to 3% before the war?"
The "Roosevelt Recession" of 1937 showed that as soon as government spending dropped, the economy fell back down.
Historical Judgment
The "Savior"
"The New Deal saved capitalism from revolution and gave Americans hope when they had none. It built our infrastructure and safety net."
The "Failure"
"It didn't end the Depression—World War II did. It created a massive debt and a government that is too big and interfering."
The "Shift"
"The real legacy isn't the money—it's the shift in power. After FDR, Americans expected the government to take care of them."
The Editorial Desk
It is January 1940. You are a journalist for your local newspaper. Write an Op-Ed evaluating the New Deal.
MUST INCLUDE:
• Mention 2 specific agencies.
• Use the terms "Relief," "Recovery," or "Reform."
• Address a critic (Long or the Right).
THE BIG QUESTION:
"Is America better off today than it was in 1932? Why?"
Editorial Desk Drafting Guide The American Tribune • Editorial Section
OPINION & ANALYSIS
Vol. LXVIII — No. 14 Monday, January 1, 1940 Price: Two Cents
Assignment: Evaluation of the New Deal
You have lived through seven years of Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency. The breadlines are shorter, but the government is larger. Some say FDR saved the nation; others say he took our freedom. As an editor for The American Tribune, it is your job to give your readers a final verdict on the "New Deal."
Student Information
Byline: _______________________
Location: _____________________
Checklist for Success
Clearly state your thesis (Success or Failure).
Mention two Alphabet Agencies.
Use one "R" (Relief, Recovery, or Reform).
Refute a critic's argument (Long or Liberty League).
Catchy Headline:
New Deal Mastery Rubric Assessment Tool
New Deal Mastery Rubric
Evaluation Guide for the 1940 Editorial
Criteria Novice (1) Developing (2) Proficient (3) Exemplary (4) Historical Perspective Perspective is modern or unclear. No mention of 1940 context. Mentions 1940 context briefly, but tone lacks historical period feel. Consistent use of a 1940 perspective and tone throughout the editorial. Vividly adopts a 1940 persona with specific references to current events of that year. Policy Analysis (Alphabet Soup) No agencies mentioned or used incorrectly. Mentions 1-2 agencies but does not explain their function or impact. Analyzes 2 agencies correctly and connects them to the author's thesis. Deep analysis of multiple agencies; explicitly categorizes them (Relief/Recovery/Reform). Argumentation & Criticism Thesis is missing or doesn't take a clear stand. Takes a stand but provides little evidence or fails to address critics. Clear thesis supported by evidence. Addresses at least one critic (e.g., Long). Sophisticated thesis that acknowledges and effectively refutes opposing viewpoints. Editorial Style Lacks a headline; messy or disorganized structure. Headline is descriptive but not persuasive. Basic organization. Strong, persuasive headline. Follows a logical editorial structure. Compelling and creative headline. Professional, impactful journalistic voice.
Final Scoring
Total Score: ____ / 16
Exceeds Standards (14-16)
Meets Standards (11-13)
Approaching (8-10)
Teacher Comments:
Mastery Check:
Does this editorial answer the essential question: "What is the proper role of government in managing the economy and supporting citizens?"
