President Franklin Roosevelt

Definition

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. He is best known for leading the country during the Great Depression and World War II, implementing the New Deal to provide relief, recovery, and reform in response to the global economic crisis. His leadership style and policies significantly reshaped the role of the federal government in American life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Roosevelt's New Deal included major initiatives like Social Security, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) aimed at creating jobs and supporting the unemployed.
2. During his presidency, Roosevelt declared a 'bank holiday' in 1933 to stabilize the banking system, preventing further bank runs and restoring public confidence.
3. He was elected to an unprecedented four terms, highlighting his popularity and the trust Americans placed in him during times of crisis.
4. Roosevelt played a crucial role in shaping international relations during World War II, promoting cooperation with Allied nations and participating in key conferences like Yalta and Casablanca.
5. His leadership style was characterized by effective communication, exemplified by his famous 'Fireside Chats' that helped connect him directly with the American people.

Review Questions

• How did Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal address the challenges posed by the Great Depression?
  • The New Deal was a comprehensive response to the economic hardships of the Great Depression, focusing on relief for the unemployed, recovery of the economy, and reforms to prevent future crises. It included programs that provided jobs, stabilized banks, and established social safety nets. By engaging citizens directly through initiatives like the Civilian Conservation Corps, Roosevelt aimed to restore public confidence while laying the groundwork for a more active federal role in economic affairs.
• Evaluate how Roosevelt’s policies transformed the relationship between the federal government and American citizens during his presidency.
  • Roosevelt's policies fundamentally altered the relationship between the federal government and its citizens by expanding federal responsibilities for economic welfare. The New Deal introduced a range of programs that not only addressed immediate economic concerns but also established a precedent for government intervention in individual lives. This shift paved the way for the modern welfare state, changing expectations about government roles in providing social security and economic support.
• Assess the long-term impacts of Franklin Roosevelt’s presidency on both American domestic policy and international relations post-World War II.
  • Franklin Roosevelt's presidency left lasting impacts on American domestic policy through his establishment of social programs that laid foundations for future welfare systems. His focus on economic recovery transformed how citizens viewed government intervention in their lives. Internationally, his efforts during World War II fostered alliances that shaped post-war geopolitics, contributing to the establishment of institutions like the United Nations aimed at promoting peace and cooperation among nations. This dual legacy influenced American society and global relations well into the latter half of the 20th century.

Related terms

New Deal:

A series of programs and policies designed by Roosevelt's administration to promote economic recovery and social reform during the Great Depression.

Great Depression:

A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, characterized by high unemployment and widespread poverty.

Welfare State:

A government system that provides social security and assistance to its citizens, often associated with Roosevelt's expansion of federal responsibilities during his presidency.