History ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-27-1959

Abstract

In the first years of the Great Depression of the 1930's there were many political agitators of a near lunatic nature whose demagogic appeal found a sympathetic ear among troubled Americans. Probably the most significant of these agitators were Huey Long, Father Charles E. Coughlin, and Dr. Francis E. Townsend. Certainly they were the only ones who succeeded in a anyway to promote their particular causes on a national scale. In addition, these three men, or their followers, attempted to unite into a Union Party in 1936.

If these men were of any political significance, they should have either aided or hindered, or in some manner significantly influenced the efforts of the Federal Administration. As it happened they affected the New Deal to an important extent. They helped force the Administration to the left and accept the concept of the welfare state as a permanent policy. Consequently, this thesis will not only describe the activities of these men on the national political scene, but it will also explain the nature of the conflict between them and the Administration and the ultimate effect of this conflict on the New Deal.

Level of Degree

Masters

Degree Name

History

Department Name

History

First Committee Member (Chair)

Frank Driver Reeve

Second Committee Member

None

Third Committee Member

George Winston Smith

Language

English

Keywords

Huey Long, Father Charles E. Coughlin, Dr. Francis E. Townsend, The New Deal, The Union Party, American Politics

Document Type

Thesis

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