Interview with Alben W. Barkley, October 22, 1953

Interview Summary

In this interview, Alben W. Barkley continues providing information about the Gold Clause and other New Deal legislation. He states that part of the devaluation of currency was to bring the United States in line with other countries. Barkley discusses the Social Security legislation and misconceptions of it. He describes the formation of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Barkley also recalls the establishment of the Public Works Administration (PWA) and the differences between this organization and the Works Progress Administration (WPA).

Barkley describes his interest in agriculture and the regulation of agriculture. He recalls some agricultural disasters. He discusses his understanding of the establishment of American tariffs on foreign products and describes the U.S. Merchant Marine and President Franklin D. Roosevelt's program to improve this group.

Barkley also discusses the rise of Adolph Hitler beginning with a description of World War One and his view of Paul von Hindenburg as president of Germany. He recalls a trip that he made to Germany in the mid-1930s and recognizing the early signs of a growing war mentality. Barkley discusses the role of the Neutrality Act in making a war in Europe more likely especially in light of the aggression by Hitler. He remembers an attempt by Roosevelt to repeal the Embargo Act when he saw that a war in Europe was imminent. He discusses Senator William Borah and Borah's statement that there would not be another war in Europe. Barkley also provides his views on the formation of the United Nations and his hopes for the future of this organization.

Interview Keyword

Alben Barkley Government politics Public Policy

Interview LC Subject

Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956 Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956--Interviews United States--Politics and government

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All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.