The Supreme Court became FDR's biggest obstacle:
1935
NRA declared unconstitutional — Court said federal government couldn't regulate business this way
1936
AAA declared unconstitutional — More New Deal laws under threat
1937
FDR's "court packing" plan — Tried to add 6 new justices. Seen as attack on democracy. Plan failed.
After 1937
Court became more favourable — Older justices retired/died, FDR appointed replacements
This key facts covers The Supreme Court Crisis within Opposition to the New Deal for GCSE History. Revise Opposition to the New Deal in America 1920-1973 for GCSE History with 12 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 3 of 12 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Opposition to the New Deal
In which year did the Supreme Court declare the NRA (National Recovery Administration) unconstitutional?
What happened to Huey Long in 1935?
Quick recall flashcards
Who was Huey Long?
Louisiana politician — "Share Our Wealth" — take from rich, $5,000 per family. Assassinated 1935.
Who was Father Coughlin?
Radio priest with 40 million listeners who initially supported then violently attacked FDR and New Deal as "communist"