A Level History - America - Practice Exam

Which radio personality criticized FDR, believing he was too allied with banks?

1. Huey Long

2. Charles E. Coughlin

3. Francis Townsend

4. John Collier

The correct answer is: Charles E. Coughlin

The correct answer is indeed Charles E. Coughlin. He was a prominent radio personality in the 1930s who gained a large following through his broadcasts. Coughlin started out as a supporter of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal but became increasingly critical over time, particularly expressing concerns that FDR was overly accommodating to banks and big financial institutions. He felt that the policies implemented during the New Deal favored the wealthy at the expense of the poor and working-class citizens. Coughlin’s broadcasts often included populist rhetoric and he advocated for monetary reforms, including the nationalization of banks and the issuance of more silver currency to support the economy. His shift from support to criticism of FDR epitomizes the broader discontent that some Americans felt toward the government’s alignment with Wall Street during the Great Depression, showcasing the tensions surrounding economic reform during that era.