On March 4, 1933, a new era in American politics was ushered into Washington as Franklin D. Roosevelt (1822-1945) (“FDR”) became the 32nd President of the United States, and succeeded Republican President Herbert Hoover (1874-1964). In doing so, he inherited a nation in financial turmoil and economic uncertainty in the wake of the Great Depression. The new president was determined to fix the country’s financial woes and embarked on a radical plan which became known as the “New Deal”. This collection of legislation, government agencies and fiscal policy became Roosevelt’s signature accomplishment, but he did not live to see its success due to his sudden death on April 12, 1945. We know the results of his policies but what took place behind the scenes as Roosevelt battled congressional opposition, logistical issues, and dysfunction within his administration as he sought to get America back on track? Author Michael Hiltzik answers those questions and others in this book which is crucial in understanding America’s transformation following the economic crash of 1929.

Before proceeding, it should be noted that this story is not about World War II or Roosevelt’s successor Harry S. Truman (1884-1972). In fact, the discussion prior to the war and the book concludes before German’s march into Poland on September 1, 1939. As the story unfolds, Hiltzig focuses on the transition from Hoover’s Republican administration to Roosevelt’s Democrat administration, and the grievous issues waiting for FDR. The transition is far from smooth and the disconnect between the outgoing leader and incoming leader is vividly clear. But once Roosevelt is in office, the story changes gears and picks up in pace as he commences his plan to reshape the United States.

In the weeks leading up to the inauguration, we are introduced to the men and women who played pivotal roles in Roosevelt’s success such as U.S. Secretary of Labor Francis Perkins (1880-1965), U.S. Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes (1874-1952), Presidential Advisor Harry L. Hopkins (1890-1946) and advisor Louis Howe (1871-1936). Roosevelt’s team faced a daunting challenged in changing America’s future, but as we learn in the story, they were instrumental and invaluable in guiding Roosevelt and executing orders when needed. And without them, the New Deal may not have been. What I found interesting is most of his cabinet members remained with him until his death and played crucial roles in assisting FDR on his mission for change. However, Howe’s death was heartbreaking, and he receives a fitting acknowledgment in the story for his influence as a presidential advisor. Although FDR had his supporters, he also had his opponents which included members of the Democratic Party. One unsettling event is the pushback from New York Governor Al Smith (1873-1944) whose fall from grace and exodus from politics is re-told here, and decades later it still comes across as surreal.

The Great Depression had left America reeling financially, and FDR realized that drastic plans were needed to change course. However, that would not be easy with Republican opposition and pushback from the Southern Democrats in the Senate, who were cautious of the new president and staunch defenders of the southern way of life, supported by segregation and Jim Crow. In 1933, he went on the offensive when Congress passed the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933, which gave way to the creation of the National Recovery Administration (“NRA”) under the leadership of Hugh S. Johnson (1882-1942). The controversial director was a staunch of FDR’s plan, but his own personal demons, explained the book, cast a dark cloud over the administration’s purpose. Johnson’s story is surreal yet tragic, and we can only wonder what his capabilities would have been had it not been for his dark side. However, the bright side of the legislation was the creation of the Public Works Administration, followed in 1934 by the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which had a significant impact on the nation. As the author points out:

“The output of one agency alone, the Works Progress Administration (renamed the Works Projects Administration in 1939), represents a magnificent bequest to later generations. The WPA produced, among many other projects, 1,000 miles of new and rebuilt airport runways, 651,000 miles of highway, 124,000 bridges, 8,000 parks, and 18,000 playgrounds and athletic fields; some 84,000 miles of drainage pipes, 69,000 highway light standards, and 125,000 public buildings built, rebuilt, or expanded. Among the latter were 41,300 schools.”

As he eyed the nation’s recovery, Roosevelt began to envision a financial security system for Americans as they aged. The concept was visionary but faced opposition. Would it be left to the government or the states? It was an important question that is scrutinized in the story by the important figures, including an appearance in the story by Louisiana Senator Huey P. Long (1893-1935) whose statements have become part of legend. The maneuvers behind the scenes are fascinating and allow us to see how life-changing policy is imagined, drafted, and subsequently signed into law. In this situation, that law became the Social Security Act of 1935. Long did not live to see its impact due to his assassination on September 19, 1935, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. However, millions of Americans can vouch for the foresight by Roosevelt, as Social Security has become a crucial source of income for older, retired Americans.

There are many high moments in the book but dark parts as well, in particular the sobering reality that the New Deal was good policy but for Black Americans, their struggle did not improve as expected. In fact, the gap between White and Black Americans widened in some ways as the government rolled out new policies to push America forward. Jim Crow was alive as well, and the Southern Democrats in the Senate would not entertain any civil rights bills. Roosevelt knew he could not afford to lose their support but faced constant pressure to take a stronger stance on racial injustice in America. Politically it makes sense, but morally it is up for debate. The author tackles the subject head on and pulls back the layers of the New Deal’s real effect on Black Americans. But, regardless of Roosevelt’s decision and actions, race continued to grow as a hotbed issue in America and the coming war with Germany, Italy, and Japan, would force it upon millions of people around the world.

The story begins to wind down as we approach 1938. The NRA had come and gone, and in Europe, tensions were brewing as the German Chancellor Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) set his sights on carving up the continent for the Third Reich’s expansion. In America, the threat becomes increasingly real, and the New Deal would be forced to take a back seat to the war effort. But before the battles and occupation of foreign territory by Axis powers, America was rebuilding itself in monumental ways through Roosevelt’s ideas. And although he did not change the Supreme Court in the ways he intended, he understood how important their decisions are to the lives of every American. The story of his showdown with the Supreme Court is also told here, and it is a tale we have seen play itself out in recent times as the 45th President, Donald J. Trump, made his choices for the highest court in the land. The past is always prologue. If you want to know more about the New Deal and the goals of Franklin Roosevelt’s administration, this is a must read.

ASIN ‏:‎ B004INH9UO
Publisher ‏:‎ Free Press (September 13, 2011)