Franklin D. Roosevelt

Definition

Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) 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 programs and participating in key international conferences like Yalta, which shaped the post-war world order.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FDR was elected to four terms as president, the only U.S. president to serve more than two terms, which led to the passage of the 22nd Amendment limiting presidential terms.
2. His leadership during World War II included critical decisions about military strategy and international relations, establishing the U.S. as a global superpower.
3. The Yalta Conference set the stage for post-war geopolitics, with FDR aiming to foster cooperation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, though tensions emerged soon after.
4. FDR's New Deal included initiatives such as Social Security, which laid the foundation for modern welfare programs in the United States.
5. He was diagnosed with polio at a young age, which left him paralyzed from the waist down, but he maintained a public image of strength and resilience throughout his presidency.

Review Questions

• How did Franklin D. Roosevelt's policies during his presidency reflect his response to both domestic challenges and international events?
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency was marked by a dual focus on domestic recovery from the Great Depression through initiatives like the New Deal and a strong leadership role during World War II. His domestic policies aimed to stabilize the economy and provide relief to struggling Americans, while internationally, he sought to build alliances and ensure U.S. involvement in global security efforts. This balance between addressing immediate national needs and preparing for international conflict showcased his adaptive leadership style.
• Discuss the implications of the Yalta Conference on post-World War II relations between the United States and the Soviet Union.
  • The Yalta Conference had significant implications for post-World War II relations between the United States and the Soviet Union, as it established agreements regarding the division of Europe and influenced future geopolitical dynamics. While FDR aimed to create a framework for cooperation with Stalin, many of these decisions later contributed to rising tensions during the Cold War. The differing interpretations of agreements made at Yalta highlighted ideological divides that would shape U.S.-Soviet relations for decades.
• Evaluate Franklin D. Roosevelt's legacy in shaping modern American governance, particularly through his New Deal programs and international diplomacy.
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt's legacy is profound in shaping modern American governance through his New Deal programs, which established a framework for federal intervention in economic crises and laid the groundwork for social safety nets like Social Security. His approach to governance emphasized active government involvement in economic recovery and social welfare. Furthermore, his diplomatic efforts during World War II, including participation in conferences like Yalta, solidified America's role on the world stage as a leader in international cooperation, ultimately influencing global relations well into the late 20th century.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of economic programs and reforms implemented by FDR in response to the Great Depression aimed at recovery, reform, and relief for Americans.

Yalta Conference:

A meeting held in February 1945 between FDR, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin to discuss the reorganization of post-war Europe and the ongoing war against Japan.

Lend-Lease Act: A policy enacted by FDR in 1941 that allowed the U.S. to supply Allied nations with war material in exchange for military bases and other strategic benefits.