Final answer:
Huey Long described America’s problem as the massive economic inequality of the 1930s, proposing his 'Share Our Wealth' plan to redistribute wealth by liquidating large fortunes to aid less fortunate Americans. Criticized for his questionable math and potential corruption, Long's political influence ended with his assassination before he could contend in the 1936 presidential race.
Step-by-step explanation:
Huey Long, a charismatic politician from Louisiana, described America's problem in terms of the vast economic disparity that existed during the 1930s. He viewed the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few as the root cause of the nation's struggles and sought to address this through his Share Our Wealth program. This proposal aimed to liquidate large personal fortunes to fund direct payments and benefits to the less fortunate, encompassing $5,000 for every family, $2,500 for every worker, as well as pensions for the elderly and funds for education. Though Long's plans were criticized by economists as unworkable due to his questionable math, his platform still garnered a substantial following. Long increased taxes on corporations to fund infrastructure and education in Louisiana, channeling the anti-business sentiment that was prevalent among voters at the time. However, his political career, riddled with accusations of corruption and patronage, was cut short due to his assassination before he could challenge Roosevelt in the 1936 presidential election.