Limited Impact of Opposition on Roosevelt's Policies

The statement that "Opposition to the New Deal had little impact on the policies pursued by Roosevelt" invites an examination of the various challenges faced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in implementing his New Deal reforms. While it can be argued that certain opposition forces had minimal impact on Roosevelt's policies, there were also instances where opposition did lead to significant changes.

One key weakness of the opposition to the New Deal was the disarray and lack of cohesive strategy among Roosevelt's political opponents. The Republican Party, traditionally seen as a major opponent of the New Deal, faced internal divisions between Eastern conservatives and Western progressives, diminishing their effectiveness in presenting a unified front against Roosevelt's policies. Moreover, the Republicans were in the minority and were often blamed for the onset of the Great Depression, which weakened their credibility in proposing alternative solutions.

Outside of traditional political opposition, figures like Huey Long and Charles Coughlin emerged as critics of the New Deal from within Roosevelt's own camp. However, their criticism did not translate into organized electoral opposition that could effectively challenge Roosevelt's popularity and the growing support for his reforms. Despite gaining significant public attention through avenues like radio broadcasts, Long and Coughlin failed to mobilize coherent opposition that could alter Roosevelt's policy direction.

On the other hand, certain forms of opposition did have tangible impacts on Roosevelt's policies. The Supreme Court, through decisions like Schechter Poultry Corporation vs. United States and US vs. Butler, struck down key aspects of New Deal legislation, leading Roosevelt to reassess and adjust his approach to certain reforms. Additionally, the emergence of leftist movements like Communism, Huey Longism, and Coughlinism prompted Roosevelt to incorporate elements of their demands into his policies, such as the proposal for a Wealth Tax.

In conclusion, while some forms of opposition to the New Deal may have had limited impact on Roosevelt's policies, it is evident that challenges from the Supreme Court and influential public figures did lead to significant adjustments in the implementation of New Deal reforms. Despite facing various opposition forces, Roosevelt's ability to navigate and adapt to these challenges ultimately shaped the evolution of his administration's policies during the turbulent years of the Great Depression.