Final answer:
The New Deal Coalition was an influential political alignment supporting President Franklin D. Roosevelt's economic and social welfare programs during the Great Depression. It included various societal groups and supported programs like the WPA, but faced criticism for fostering a sense of entitlement and undergoing political realignment in the late 20th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The New Deal Coalition, The New Deal Coalition was a powerhouse of political support that underpinned the Democratic Party from the 1930s through the 1960s. It was forged by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and comprised a diverse range of societal groups including southern whites, urban groups, African Americans, and unionized industrial workers.
This electoral alliance supported substantial economic and social welfare programs which were part of FDR's broader strategy to combat the crippling effects of the Great Depression. Programs like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) not only alleviated unemployment through the creation of jobs but also invested in infrastructure, thus epitomizing Roosevelt's commitment to providing immediate relief and stimulating economic growth.
However, the political landscape began to shift in the late 1950s and 1960s as the Democratic Party's strong stance on social issues started causing fractures in the Coalition. The rise of the Republican Party's appeal among southern whites, who increasingly favored states' rights and a smaller federal government, marked a significant realignment in American politics.
Despite the New Deal's accomplishments and the unprecedented economic growth it spurred, there were critics who associated Roosevelt’s policies with the beginnings of an entitlement society which they believed threatened the United States' individualist ethos. As such, the legacy of the New Deal is one of significant achievements coupled with lasting debates over its role in American history and society.