Final answer:
The Great Depression propelled FDR to implement the New Deal, which changed the federal government's role in the economy and secured his political success. Huey Long initially supported FDR, but he later opposed the New Deal policies, though his assassination ended his political influence. FDR's reelection in 1936 reaffirmed broad support for his economic approach.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of the Great Depression on Political Careers of FDR and Huey Long
The Great Depression played a pivotal role in shaping the political careers of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) and Huey Long. When the economic crisis hit, Roosevelt's administration launched the New Deal, characterized by substantial economic regulations and social welfare programs like the FDIC, FHA, and Social Security, altering the role of federal government in the economy.
Franklin Roosevelt's win in the presidential election of 1932 marked a shift away from the policies of the Hoover administration towards a more active federal government intervention in various sectors. His optimism and campaigning contrasted with Hoover's perceived inaction, earning Roosevelt a landslide victory. His programs were designed to protect consumers, expand the economy, improve the condition of workers, and ease the financial strain on retirees.
Huey Long, who initially supported Roosevelt, later became a critical opposition voice, advocating for wealth redistribution and accusing Roosevelt of being a tool for bankers and corporations. His opposition to FDR and the New Deal was emblematic of the populist rants at the time, before his assassination in 1935.
While the New Deal faced criticism from various quarters for either going too far or not far enough, the 1936 reelection of Roosevelt demonstrated widespread support for his approach, despite opposition from the likes of Huey Long and other third-party candidates. The resounding victory of Roosevelt underlined that his New Deal policies struck a chord with the American electorate amidst the economic turmoil of the Great Depression.