The Politics of Upheaval

The Politics of Upheaval chronicles Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs and political battles from 1935-1936. This third volume in Schlesinger's Age of Roosevelt series examines the transformative period when the New Deal faced intense opposition from both conservative and radical forces. The book documents key events including the rise of Huey Long, Father Coughlin, and other populist challengers to FDR. The narrative tracks the administration's policy shifts, Supreme Court confrontations, and evolving relationships with business leaders and labor unions during this pivotal time. The focus remains on Roosevelt's navigation of competing pressures while implementing major reforms like the Social Security Act and National Labor Relations Act. Schlesinger draws from government documents, personal papers, and contemporary accounts to reconstruct the period's political dynamics. The work stands as an examination of leadership during crisis and the complex interplay between reform, reaction, and radicalism in American democracy. Its central themes of populism, presidential power, and economic justice continue to resonate with modern political discourse.

Readers appreciate the detailed examination of FDR's New Deal programs during 1935-1936 and the political resistance they faced. The book provides first-hand accounts and historical documents that show the inner workings of Roosevelt's administration. Readers highlighted the thorough coverage of populist movements like Huey Long's "Share Our Wealth" and Father Coughlin's influence. One reviewer noted the "fascinating parallels between Depression-era populism and modern political movements." Common criticisms include: - Dense writing style with long, complex sentences - Too much focus on minor political figures - Lack of broader economic context beyond political events Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (24 ratings) Several readers mentioned this book works best when read as part of Schlesinger's complete Age of Roosevelt series rather than as a standalone volume, with one noting "earlier books provide crucial background for understanding the events covered here."

The Coming of the New Deal by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. This volume examines FDR's first wave of New Deal programs and the transformation of American government from 1933-1934.

The Age of Roosevelt: The Crisis of the Old Order by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. The book chronicles the economic and political factors leading to the Great Depression and Herbert Hoover's presidential response.

Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War by David M. Kennedy This work presents a comprehensive account of the American experience during the Great Depression and World War II from 1929-1945.

Traitor to His Class: The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt by H.W. Brands The text details FDR's transformation from Hudson River aristocrat to champion of the working class through the New Deal era.

The Defining Moment: FDR's Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope by Jonathan Alter This account focuses on Roosevelt's first hundred days in office and the rapid implementation of his initial New Deal programs.

📚 The Politics of Upheaval (1960) is the third volume of Schlesinger's Age of Roosevelt series, covering the tumultuous years 1935-1936 of FDR's presidency. 🏆 Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. was both a historian and political activist who served as special assistant to President John F. Kennedy from 1961 to 1963. 📉 The book details how Roosevelt faced fierce opposition from both the political right (American Liberty League) and left (Huey Long's Share Our Wealth movement) during this period. 🗳️ The 1936 presidential election, covered extensively in the book, resulted in one of the most lopsided victories in American history, with FDR winning 46 of 48 states. 📖 Schlesinger wrote the book while teaching at Harvard University, where he became the youngest full professor at age 28 - a record he held for many years.