What was a common criticism from right-wing conservatives regarding the New Deal?

The criticism that the New Deal excessively raised taxes and public spending reflects a significant concern among right-wing conservatives during the era. Many conservative critics argued that the New Deal programs expanded government intervention in the economy to an unprecedented degree. They believed that this would lead to increased taxes, which they saw as a burden on both individuals and businesses. Furthermore, conservatives felt that higher public spending diverted funds from the private sector, potentially stunting economic growth and infringing on personal liberties.

Conservatives often perceived the New Deal as promoting an expansive role for the federal government, which challenged their ideals around limited government and fiscal responsibility. This perspective was rooted in a belief that the economy functions best with minimal government interference. They worried that the spending and regulatory measures would create a dependency on government aid and reduce the incentives for businesses to invest and grow. This line of criticism highlighted the fundamental divide between those who supported the New Deal’s reforms as necessary for recovery and those who felt such measures undermined traditional economic principles.