A Catholic New Deal

A Catholic New Deal, volume 1, examines the overlooked influence of religious social reformers during the Great Depression. Kenneth J. Heineman challenges the common historical narrative that labor activism required a rejection of religious ties. Instead, this history book focuses on Pittsburgh, a major industrial center, to demonstrate how Catholic clergy and laity actively shaped the American labor movement. The text explores how these individuals championed a specific vision of social justice that stood against Communism, Fascism, and laissez-faire economics.

This work sits at the intersection of political science, religion, and labor and industrial relations. By analyzing the contributions of activist priests and workers, Heineman shows how the Catholic vote helped build the power of the Democratic Party and the CIO. A Catholic New Deal provides a detailed look at the religious roots of American social reform and the critical role Christianity played in the history of organized labor in the United States.