President Franklin Roosevelt

Definition

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945, and is best known for leading the nation during the Great Depression and World War II. His presidency marked a significant expansion of federal government power and a redefinition of the role of the president in American politics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to four terms in office, making him the only U.S. president to serve more than two terms.
2. He introduced the concept of a 'fireside chat', which helped him communicate directly with the American people over the radio during tough times.
3. Roosevelt's leadership during World War II included significant military strategies, partnerships with allied nations, and direct involvement in the creation of the United Nations.
4. His administration saw the establishment of numerous federal agencies that expanded the bureaucracy, including the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
5. Roosevelt's presidency marked a shift in American political ideology, moving towards greater government intervention in the economy and social welfare.

Review Questions

• How did Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal programs impact the structure and functions of the federal bureaucracy?
  • Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal programs significantly expanded the federal bureaucracy by creating new agencies designed to tackle various aspects of economic recovery. For instance, agencies like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) were established to provide jobs and infrastructure projects. This expansion changed how government operated by increasing its role in citizens' daily lives and establishing a more active government presence in economic affairs.
• In what ways did Franklin Roosevelt's presidency contribute to the expansion of presidential power within the U.S. government?
  • Franklin Roosevelt’s presidency contributed to an expansion of presidential power through his proactive approach to dealing with crises such as the Great Depression and World War II. By utilizing executive orders to bypass Congress for swift action on New Deal initiatives and building strong relationships with military leaders during wartime, he set precedents for a more powerful executive branch. His ability to mobilize public support through effective communication also enhanced the role of the presidency in shaping national policy.
• Evaluate how Franklin Roosevelt's leadership style and policies reflected changes in American political ideology during his time in office.
  • Franklin Roosevelt's leadership style was characterized by a pragmatic approach that embraced government intervention as necessary for social welfare and economic stability. This reflected a broader shift in American political ideology towards accepting an active role for the government in addressing societal issues, particularly during crises like the Great Depression. His New Deal policies demonstrated this change, as they prioritized economic recovery through federal programs that provided direct assistance to citizens. As a result, FDR reshaped Americans' expectations of government responsibility, laying groundwork for future debates about government roles in society.

Related terms

New Deal:

A series of programs and policies implemented by Roosevelt aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression.

Executive Orders:

Directives issued by the president that manage the operations of the federal government, often used by Roosevelt to enact New Deal measures.

Social Security Act:

A landmark piece of legislation passed in 1935 as part of the New Deal, establishing a social insurance program for the elderly and unemployed.