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 leading the nation through the Great Depression and World War II. His New Deal policies transformed the role of the federal government in American life and marked a significant ideological shift toward liberalism, altering party dynamics and contributing to the emergence of the New Deal Coalition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Roosevelt was elected four times, making him the only U.S. president to serve more than two terms before the 22nd Amendment was passed, limiting presidential terms.
2. His New Deal programs created jobs and provided relief for millions during the Great Depression, reshaping the relationship between citizens and the federal government.
3. Roosevelt's leadership style was characterized by his ability to communicate effectively with the public through 'Fireside Chats', fostering a sense of trust and connection.
4. He played a crucial role in establishing Social Security in 1935, which became a key element of America's social safety net.
5. The Democratic Party underwent a significant transformation during his presidency, as Roosevelt built a diverse coalition that included labor unions, African Americans, and progressive intellectuals.

Review Questions

• How did Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies contribute to an ideological shift in American politics?
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies significantly advanced liberal ideology by expanding the role of the federal government in economic recovery and social welfare. This marked a departure from previous conservative principles that emphasized limited government intervention. By implementing programs aimed at providing relief and reform, Roosevelt reshaped public expectations of government responsibility toward citizens, solidifying a liberal agenda that would influence American politics for decades.
• Analyze how Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency led to the formation of the New Deal Coalition and its impact on the Democratic Party.
  • Roosevelt's presidency catalyzed the formation of the New Deal Coalition by uniting various groups such as labor unions, African Americans, farmers, and intellectuals under a common goal of economic recovery and social justice. This coalition expanded the base of the Democratic Party and allowed it to dominate national politics for decades. The inclusion of diverse voices within this coalition marked a critical transformation in American political alignment, helping to redefine party ideologies and priorities during and after Roosevelt's administration.
• Evaluate the significance of major realigning elections during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency and their effects on U.S. political dynamics.
  • Major realigning elections during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency, particularly those in 1932 and 1936, fundamentally shifted U.S. political dynamics by solidifying the Democratic Party's dominance at a national level. These elections reflected widespread public support for Roosevelt's New Deal policies amidst economic turmoil, leading to a dramatic decline in Republican influence. The changes in voter allegiance not only transformed party identities but also set the stage for ongoing debates about government intervention in the economy and social welfare that continue to resonate in American politics today.

Related terms

New Deal:

A series of programs and policies enacted by Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at recovering the economy during the Great Depression, focusing on relief for the unemployed, recovery of the economy, and reform of the financial system.

Liberalism:

A political ideology that emphasizes social equality, government intervention in the economy, and the protection of individual rights, significantly shaped by Roosevelt's policies during his presidency.

Realignment: A significant and lasting shift in political party alignment, often caused by major political events or crises, exemplified by changes in voter support for parties during Roosevelt's presidency.