The "FDR Failed" Myth

By Charles McMillion

Created 02/03/2009 - 11:33am

Summary:

Contrary to the anti-government myths and ideology-driven arguments of conservatives like Amity Shlaes, the facts show FDR’s New Deal quickly brought rapid growth to the nation's economy during the Great Depression.

The current recession will soon become the longest since the Great Depression. The U.S. is losing over 500,000 jobs each month, and a new president, elected overwhelmingly, is pleading for unity and urgent action on a scale not seen since the New Deal.

At such a moment, it is imperative to expose a dangerous popular myth regarding the efficacy of President Roosevelt’s actions: that it was not the programs of the New Deal, but only the placing of the nation on a wartime footing years later, that restored the health of the nation’s economy.