In 1936, after four years of New Deal programs, the unemployment rate had declined to about 17 percent, but approximately 9 million Americans were still unemployed. Nevertheless, Roosevelt won in a historic landslide, capturing 27.7 million popular votes (almost 61 percent), 523 electoral votes, and 46 states. His opponent, Republican Kansas governor Alfred Landon, received only 16.6 million popular votes and just eight electoral votes. The Democrats also kept control of Congress in 1936.

A new coalition of Democratic voters emerged during the 1936 election, one that endured for decades. It included immigrants, Black Americans, farmers, industrial laborers, and women. Even in the southern states, the Democratic Party attracted southern immigrants, White working-class laborers, and Black Americans.

Perhaps most surprising was the movement of Black Americans away from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party. This realignment can be explained in part by the New Deal programs that provided some relief from the Great Depression but also by the fact that the Republican Party had done little to address Black Americans’ issues and concerns. In addition, Roosevelt named Mary McLeod Bethune, a Black educator, to the advisory committee of the National Youth Administration (NYA); her work ensured that Black Americans received a fair share of NYA funds. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was color-blind, and Blacks in northern cities benefited from its work relief programs. Harold Ickes, secretary of the interior and a strong supporter of civil rights, hired several Black staff members and directed significant federal funds into Black schools and hospitals in the South.

Despite these New Deal programs and actions, Roosevelt’s record on civil rights was modest. It would be left to future Democratic presidents to advance civil rights and solidify Black Americans’ support for the party. 

Click each of the maps to enlarge.