A PARTY IN PERIL: FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY, AND THE CIRCULAR LETTER OF 1924 Joseph D. Faykosh A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY December 2016 Committee: Scott C. Martin, Advisor Ellen Gorsevski Graduate Faculty Representative Michael Brooks Douglas Forsyth Nicole Kalaf-Hughes © 2016 Joseph D. Faykosh All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT Scott Martin, Advisor The Democratic Party suffered its worst electoral defeat in 1924, when compromise candidate John Davis survived a brutal convention in New York City only to be soundly defeated by incumbent President Calvin Coolidge. It was a demoralizing defeat for the party, and Franklin D. Roosevelt seized this fraught moment to take the reins as party leader and begin reforming the party to fit his vision. Roosevelt composed a “Circular Letter,” listing five fundamental principles that the Democratic Party should unite behind, and sent it to delegates and party leaders throughout the country. Whether he believed that the responses would simply endorse his suggestions and reorient him as party leader or not, he received a variety of feedback, demonstrating the deep fissures within the Democratic Party and a distinct lack of direction or shared vision. This dissertation focuses on the convergence of two fortunes: the Democratic Party, going through one of its darkest periods, and Franklin Roosevelt, recovering from his tragic illness and trying to reclaim his position in the party. My dissertation provides the most significant examination of the Franklin Roosevelt Circular Letter of 1924. Analyzing the Franklin Roosevelt Circular Letter of 1924 provides an opportunity to understand a party and politician in peril: the Democratic Party at its lowest moment since the Civil War; Franklin Roosevelt at a personal and political crossroads; and how Roosevelt’s Circular Letter and responses provided a way for both the party and his political career to return to prominence. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS “Defeat should serve as well as victory to shake the soul and let the glory out.” Al Gore quoted poet Edwin Markham in his concession speech in 2000, and I held on to these words. They have helped inform my interest in politics, both the winners, and more importantly, the lessons that can be gained when a politician or party are forced to figure out what they stand for. I am forever indebted to so many people. I had no idea what I was getting into when I started the doctoral program at Bowling Green State University, and just how difficult writing a dissertation would be. Luckily, I always felt a tremendous amount of support from so many people, helping ease the process in some small way. To those who provided some measure of encouragement, I am forever grateful. I have a wonderful family who have always supported me and my love of history, from trips to historical sites and libraries to indulging my desire to have every book on the presidents ever written, I always felt loved. My parents made it possible for me to pursue a college education, and didn’t wince when I just kept going. Having them at the defense helped bookend a process that began so many years ago, when they first opened the world to me. My siblings, Michael, Veronica, and Brittany, always supported my endeavors and have made me proud to be their brother. I am glad I can return the favor. Both sets of grandparents indulged my love of history and politics in their own ways, along with my aunts and uncles. In the same vein, my friends who have buoyed my spirits or distracted me (in the best ways possible) throughout this long process: Harvey and Caci Hyman, Jim and Katherine Hyman, Michael and Laura Wehrkamp, Jami Sullivan, Kristin Wendell, Marty Crossland, Purvi Bheda Chudasama, Patrick Bradley, Mindy Roux, Maxfield Lydum, Matt Hochstetler, Caitlin Coyle, Votey Cheav, Connie Luck, Madyson Konzen, and Renee Hartman. My friends at St John UCC who encouraged me at every turn: Randy Buchman, Rev. William Nirote, Rev. Jim v Brehler, Gerry Mallott, Judy Dally, Robyn Small, Ashley Hornish, Martin and Katherine Dally, Jody and Harry Doyle, Kurt Doyle, Steve Furnas, Jan and Craig Furnas, and Gloria and Denny Arps. I would not have survived my experience at Bowling Green State University without so many amazing and supportive friends: my time there was spent laughing far more than anything else, and I’ll remember these years fondly. I could not have made it without Michael and Heidi Carver, Rob and Norma MacDonald, Gary and Jill Cirelli, Beth Dutridge-Corp, Will Smith, Chris and Katie Blubaugh, Nate Kuehnl, Liz Adamo, Ally Schmidt, Lanna Demers, Alex Sycher, and Nate Scheidler. Special thanks to Stephanie Gaskill, who I could always count on to talk me off the ledge or through whatever obstacle I was currently facing. Everyone should be so lucky to have such supportive friends. I was lucky to have so many advisors and mentors, formal and informal, throughout my academic career at Paulding High, Ohio State and Bowling Green. Many thanks to Sam Hatcher, Tricia Langhals, Emily Morris Carpenter, Dr. Robin Judd, Dr. Ruth Wallis Herndon, Dr. Walt Grunden, Tina Thomas, and Dr. Rebecca Mancuso. I have been lucky to stay employed throughout my academic career, with thanks to Dr. Martin and BGSU’s History Department, Lana Snider and Northwest State Community College, Dr. Aaron Burton and the University of Tiffin, Dr. Courtney DeMayo and Heidelberg University, and Dr. Douglas Neckers and my friends at Spectra Group. My committee was great and made the experience of finishing my doctorate a fulfilling and rewarding experience: Dr. Ellen Gorsevski, Dr. Nicole Kalaf-Hughes, Dr. Douglas Forsyth, and Dr. Michael Brooks. Dr. Scott Martin, my advisor, has always been a source of encouragement and calm, and I’m grateful for everything he has helped me with. I have always felt heard and nurtured and I hope to provide the same support someday. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Page A PARTY IN PERIL: FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY, AND THE CIRCULAR LETTER OF 1924…………………………… ..................................... 1 CHAPTER I. DEMOCRATS DIVIDED: THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF THE 1920s . 14 Roots of Discord in the Democratic Party .............................................................. 15 Democratic Identity. .................................................................................. 16 Jeffersonian and Jacksonian Democracy. ................................................... 17 The Civil War and Reconstruction. ........................................................... 23 The Party of Bryan. ................................................................................... 31 The Party of Wilson. …….......................................................................... 35 1920: Democratic Tensions Explode. ........................................................ 41 Democratic Divisions ............................................................................................ 45 Across the Mason-Dixon Line: Regional Divisions. ................................... 45 Who Were the Democrats? Ideology. ........................................................ 51 The Major Divisive Issues of 1924. ........................................................... 56 The Protective Tariff. .................................................................... 57 The League of Nations. .................................................................. 59 Prohibition. .................................................................................... 63 The Ku Klux Klan. ........................................................................ 67 CHAPTER II. A RETURN TO THE RING: FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT IN 1924 …… 76 Formative Years: Family Background and Youth…. .............................................. 77 Franklin Roosevelt’s Political Debut ...................................................................... 91 vii 1920 Vice Presidential Bid: The Star Emerges ....................................................... 95 Setback: The Polio Attack ..................................................................................... 104 CHAPTER III. THE GATHERED STORM AND TURNING POINT: THE DEMOCRATIC IMPLOSION AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN………………………. 113 Assembling in Manhattan ...................................................................................... 115 Squaring Off: William Gibbs McAdoo vs. Al Smith. ................................. 118 Tenuous Alliance: Franklin Roosevelt and Al Smith. ................................ 123 The Shadow of the Burning Cross: The Klan at Madison Square Garden. .. 128 On the Convention Floor ....................................................................................... 135 Franklin Roosevelt Seizes the Spotlight (and Stays). ................................. 137 The Klan Tears the Party in Two. .............................................................. 143 Choosing the Nominee .......................................................................................... 149 Aftermath: Putting the Best Face Forward ............................................................. 158 1924 Presidential Election Season ......................................................................... 161 The Democratic National Committee and Campaign Materials. ................. 163 Franklin Roosevelt and a Fractious Autumn. ............................................. 166 CHAPTER IV. SEIZING CONTROL: