Which demographic groups were foundational to Roosevelt's New Deal Coalition?

The New Deal Coalition, which emerged during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency in the 1930s, was instrumental in reshaping American politics and had a broad base of support. The foundational groups that comprised this coalition included the urban working class, various ethnic groups, and the poor.

The urban working class was critical because they benefited significantly from New Deal programs aimed at economic recovery and job creation. This demographic was directly impacted by the Great Depression and sought support from government initiatives. Ethnic groups, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds, found allies in Roosevelt’s policies, which often addressed their needs and concerns, leading to increased political alignment with the Democratic Party. Moreover, the poor, who were disproportionately affected by economic hardships, were also a vital part of the coalition as they relied on relief programs and social safety nets instituted by the New Deal.

Together, these groups represented a diverse and pivotal segment of the American population that rallied around the promise of government intervention to improve economic conditions. The combination of the urban working class, ethnic groups, and the poor formed a robust support base that ultimately transformed the American political landscape during this period.