Franklin D Roosevelt

Definition

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945, and is best known for his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II. His New Deal policies aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform for the American economy, while his role as a wartime leader helped shape global alliances and strategies in the fight against fascism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Roosevelt was elected for four terms, making him the only U.S. president to serve more than two terms before the 22nd Amendment was ratified in 1951.
2. He implemented the New Deal in response to the Great Depression, which included programs such as Social Security and unemployment insurance.
3. Under his leadership, the U.S. became a key player in World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.
4. Roosevelt's famous 'Four Freedoms' speech outlined essential human rights that he believed should be protected globally: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.
5. He played a significant role in establishing the United Nations after the war, aiming to foster international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.

Review Questions

• How did Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies influence American society during the Great Depression?
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies had a profound impact on American society during the Great Depression by providing relief for the unemployed, stimulating economic recovery, and implementing reforms to prevent future economic crises. Programs like Social Security established a safety net for citizens, while infrastructure projects created jobs and improved public works. Overall, these initiatives helped restore public confidence and laid the groundwork for a more active role of government in economic affairs.
• Evaluate how Roosevelt's leadership style and communication methods, such as Fireside Chats, contributed to his effectiveness as a president during challenging times.
  • Roosevelt's leadership style was characterized by his ability to connect with Americans through effective communication methods like his Fireside Chats. By using radio broadcasts to address the nation directly, he was able to instill confidence and reassure citizens about government actions during times of uncertainty. This approach not only humanized him as a leader but also facilitated public understanding of complex policies, thereby enhancing his effectiveness in gaining support for his New Deal initiatives and wartime strategies.
• Analyze the implications of Roosevelt's decision to support Allied powers through initiatives like the Lend-Lease Act before formally entering World War II.
  • Roosevelt's decision to support Allied powers through initiatives such as the Lend-Lease Act before formally entering World War II had significant implications both domestically and internationally. It marked a shift in U.S. foreign policy from isolationism to interventionism, allowing America to aid its allies while preparing its own military capabilities for eventual involvement. This strategy not only helped bolster Allied defenses against Axis powers but also positioned the U.S. as a leading force in shaping post-war global order, ultimately contributing to its emergence as a superpower.

Related terms

New Deal:

A series of programs and reforms introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt to address the economic crisis of the Great Depression.

Lend-Lease Act: A U.S. program initiated in 1941 that provided military aid to foreign nations during World War II, notably Britain and later the Soviet Union.

Fireside Chats: A series of radio addresses by Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at communicating directly with the American public to explain his policies and reassure them during tough times.