President Franklin D. Roosevelt
This man is routinely considered to be one of the top five presidents in United States history. Even though he had his detractors during his presidency, it is undeniable that this man forever changed the focus and purpose of the federal government.
The Election of 1932
The country was ready for a change. After four years of President Hoover, the United States wanted action. Franklin Roosevelt, the challenger, offered the United States a promise for a bright future that resulted in an overwhelming victory in the 1932 presidential election.
"I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt, accepting the Democratic Party
nomination for President, 1932
- Franklin D. Roosevelt, accepting the Democratic Party
nomination for President, 1932
The Election of 1932 Images and Maps
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
- President Franklin D. Roosevelt, First Inaugural Address
- President Franklin D. Roosevelt, First Inaugural Address
The New Deal
Franklin Roosevelt not only promised a new set of grand plans, but he was ready to immediately implement them upon becoming president. The first 100 days of his first term are the most active of any incoming president.
" A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
The New Deal Programs and Imagery
"The point in history at which we stand is full of promise and danger. The world will either move forward toward unity and widely shared prosperity - or it will move apart."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
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"The country needs and, unless I mistake its temper, the country demands bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it: If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1932
- Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1932
Fireside Chats
FDR was the voice of hope for the country. His reassuring voice and message helped millions gain the confidence that the country would overcome the Great Depression. Thanks to the radio, FDR's message was broadcasted directly to their family rooms.
FDR giving his Fireside Chats
"Another question that you will ask is this: why are all the banks not to be reopened at the same time? The answer is simple, and I know you will understand it. Your government does not intend that the history of the past few years shall be repeated. We do not want and will not have another epidemic of bank failures."
- From FDR's First Fireside Chat
- From FDR's First Fireside Chat
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Critics of the New Deal
Even though FDR is remembered as one of the best presidents, he certainly had many detractors during his multiple terms. From Huey Long to Father Coughlin, there were those that were angry with FDR's policies and certainly let the accusations fly.
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"The trouble is, Roosevelt hasn't taken all of my ideas; just part of them. I'm about one hundred yards ahead of him. We're on the same road, but I'm here and he's there."— Huey Long
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FDR and the New Deal in Cartoons - Positive or Negative Portrayal?
"Roosevelt has a poor brand of Russian communism … I think it is significant the leaders among the communists of the world never once attacked international bankers. Roosevelt will not touch that subject."
- Father Coughlin
- Father Coughlin
Was the New Deal Successful?
The New Deal did not end the Great Depression. FDR and the country can thank the United States entering World War Two for that. But, with hindsight, were the New Deal programs a success? A failure? Somewhere in between?
Economic Impact of the New Deal
" "The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have too much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little… I see one-third of a nation ill-housed, ill-clothed, ill-nourished."
- Roosevelt's second inaugural address, 1937
- Roosevelt's second inaugural address, 1937