America Without Roosevelt

[Alexfal21q]

The Presidental Election of 1932 happened.
In OTL Franklin D. Roosevelt won that election and lead America through the Great Depression and World War II.

'What if' he didn't win?

In another world, Franklin Roosevelt was less careful with his secrets. By some means, his paralytic illness was made known to America. He became a man of unfaithfulness and lies where the public was concerned. His affairs with his wife were made known as well, his reputation lower than ever.

His landslide victory is no more, and his "New Deal" was the doubt of many.

In the United States presidential election of 1932. Roosevelt lost. The citizens of the US gave Herbert Hoover another shot.

How will this country go on with Herbert Hoover? What will the future hold?

 

[IntellectuallyHonestRhino]

Is this gonna be a TL?

 

[Jackson Lennock]

Hoover would probably pursue a lot of the same policies (in terms of Keynesian stimulus, construction projects, CCC, etc) but wouldn't attempt to transform the Presidency's relationship with other branches of government or the Federal Government's relationship with the states the way FDR did. A good chunk of the New Deal started under Hoover after all (albeit in a very prototype form).

FDR had the Feds themselves doing things, whereas Hoover organized the construction of the Hoover Dam via interstate cooperation. You'd likely see a lot of similar policies pursued via more Federalist means.

You probably wouldn't see the NRA happening, which probably is good for the overall economic recovery.

Hoover signed the Revenue Act of 1932 which jacked up tax rates across the board, so the Feds very likely will have money to spend.

The 1933 Banking Act passed the House 232-19 so Glass-Steagall is still happening.

Social Security was broadly supported by both parties (I think) so I can see that happening anyway.

 

[TruthfulPanda]

I've read that the late '30's depression was caused by FDR - so, if this is true, come 1939 the USA is in better shape?
Who'd be in the POTUS race in 1936?
Without FDR pushing for a fight with Hitler and Tojo - how do policies towards Germany and Japan have evolved?
No FDR - less appeasement of Stalin?

 

[Deleted member 92121]

I've read that the last '30's depression was caused by FDR - so, if this is true, come 1939 the USA is in better shape?

FDR was elected in november 1932, years after the collapse of the NY Stock Exchange. By his innauguration in 1933, the U.S. was in it's worst shape in perhaps ever, with unemployment extremely high. There's absolutely no truth to this statement.

Without FDR pushing for a fight with Hitler and Tojo - how do policies towards Germany and Japan have evolved?

He wasn't pushing for a fight. He was imposing embargoes on Japan in response to the former's expansionist and genocidal policies over East Asia. And supporting the U.S. allies in Europe agains't the threat of Nazism, which he assumed would eventually push for war, a assumption proven correct in 1939.

No FDR - less appeasement of Stalin?

There was no appeasement. There was a pragmatic alliance to contain the threat of Nazism, and secure stability in Europe after the war. FDR could not hope to defeat the Nazis without forming a relationship with Stalin, and he did not wish for another war right after the end of the Second.

 

[Corjomc]

Is this leaving an opening for the Kingfish?

 

[Alexfal21q]

No Thread. Discussion enough.

 

[Seandineen]

Brilliant, it might lead an opening for Newton baker.

 

[David T]

There are all sorts of plausible TL's for FDR not to become president, and for there to be no New Deal. (It is quite plausible that a conservative Democrat could have been nominated and elected.) IMO there are none for Herbert Hoover to be re-elected, no matter who the Democrats nominate. Do you think people in breadlines were concerned with FDR's polio and his infidelities?

 

[Mikestone8]

Is this leaving an opening for the Kingfish?

Nar. Why should the Democrats risk throwing away an election that is virtually in the bag, by nominating anyone as controversial as Long when they have a whole army of more mainstream candidates any of whom would easily win?

I doubt if it really matters which Democrat is elected in 1932. Inheriting the economic mess that was America in March 1933, they will have to take (and be seen to take) some pretty drastic action, whatever their personal inclinations.

 

[Kirook]

Nar. Why should the Democrats risk throwing away an election that is virtually in the bag, by nominating anyone as controversial as Long when they have a whole army of more mainstream candidates any of whom would easily win?

I doubt if it really matters which Democrat is elected in 1932. Inheriting the economic mess that was America in March 1933, they will have to take (and be seen to take) some pretty drastic action, whatever their personal inclinations.

I mean, if ever there were a time for Huey Long to try to make it to the White House, 1932 would certainly be that time. Not that it’s likely given that he has to actually make it to the nomination first, but it’s certainly more likely than in any other election.

 

[Carl Schwamberger]

I mean, if ever there were a time for Huey Long to try to make it to the White House, 1932 would certainly be that time. Not that it’s likely given that he has to actually make it to the nomination first, but it’s certainly more likely than in any other election.

He probably gets shot by some crazy pharmacist or someone.

 

[Kalga]

FDR was elected in november 1932, years after the collapse of the NY Stock Exchange. By his innauguration in 1933, the U.S. was in it's worst shape in perhaps ever, with unemployment extremely high. There's absolutely no truth to this statement.

He's probably talking about the later spike in unemployment and some other issues during the mid 1930s (was it 1936 or 37?) in which many libertarians (or libertarian leaning persons) of later eras blamed on too much government intervention. Of course since it's usually libertarians who are pushing that POV you can safely ignore them...

Somewhat relevant link: https://tw.forumosa.com/t/franklin-roosevelt-made-the-great-depression-worse/6212