Franklin D. Roosevelt Wins Re-election

November 3rd, 1936

November 3rd, 1936

Franklin D. Roosevelt Wins Re-election
How Long Ago?

88 years, 4 months, 12 days ago

Location

United States

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • Alf Landon
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Franklin D. Roosevelt Wins Re-election

Franklin D. Roosevelt was re-elected as the 32nd President of the United States after a decisive victory over Republican challenger Alf Landon. The election, held on November 3, 1936, saw Roosevelt secure 60.8% of the popular vote and 98.5% of the electoral votes, showcasing widespread support for his New Deal policies that aimed to combat the Great Depression. The election demonstrated a significant shift in American political dynamics and solidified Roosevelt's vision for the nation.

Roosevelt won with over 60% of the popular vote.

Alf Landon was Roosevelt's Republican challenger.

Election emphasized New Deal policy support.

Shifted political dynamics towards liberalism.

What Happened?

Franklin D. Roosevelt's re-election as the 32nd President of the United States marked a pivotal moment in American politics. The election took place in the context of the Great Depression, a time when unemployment rates were soaring and economic recovery was a significant concern for many Americans. Roosevelt, who had first been elected in 1932, had implemented a series of programs collectively known as the New Deal, aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform to the struggling economy. By the time of the 1936 election, many voters had already begun to see the benefits of these policies, even as critics maintained skepticism regarding their effectiveness.

Facing off against Republican challenger Alf Landon, the election presented a stark choice for the American electorate. Landon, the Governor of Kansas, campaigned on a platform that criticized the New Deal and promised more conservative fiscal policies. However, the overwhelming support for Roosevelt was clear as he campaigned on the successes of his initiatives and promised to continue the fight for economic recovery. Roosevelt's message resonated with a broad cross-section of voters, including labor unions, farmers, and minorities, which was evident in his sweeping victory.

On November 3, voters turned out in unprecedented numbers, resulting in Roosevelt winning 60.8% of the popular vote and a staggering 523 of the 531 electoral votes. This result not only demonstrated the public's confidence in Roosevelt but also highlighted a tremendous shift in American political alignment towards liberal policies and government intervention in the economy, effectively establishing the Democratic Party as the dominant force in American politics for the following decades. The election outcome solidified the legitimacy of Roosevelt’s New Deal and reinforced the role of the federal government in addressing societal issues.

Why Does it Matter?

Roosevelt's re-election is interesting because it represented a tremendous shift in the political landscape of the United States. The overwhelming victory illustrated the public's endorsement of his New Deal policies, a response to the economic devastation of the Great Depression. This election solidified the role of government in economic and social matters, setting a precedent for future political issues and shaping the direction of U.S. policy for generations.

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