Franklin D. Roosevelt

Definition

Franklin D. Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. He is best remembered for leading the country through the Great Depression and World War II, implementing a series of economic reforms and recovery strategies aimed at stabilizing and revitalizing the American economy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FDR was elected four times, making him the only U.S. president to serve more than two terms.
2. He introduced the concept of 'fireside chats,' radio broadcasts where he communicated directly with the American public to explain his policies and reassure them during tough times.
3. The National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA), part of the New Deal, sought to stimulate industrial growth by regulating prices and wages while encouraging fair competition.
4. FDR's administration created numerous agencies, including the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided jobs and infrastructure improvements.
5. He played a key role in establishing the United Nations after World War II to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.

Review Questions

• How did Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs change the landscape of American taxation systems?
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal introduced progressive taxation as a means to finance various relief programs aimed at combating the economic crisis of the Great Depression. These reforms included increased taxes on higher income brackets and corporations, which aimed to redistribute wealth and provide financial support for social programs. This shift not only altered how government revenue was generated but also set a precedent for future tax policies that focused on equity and social welfare.
• What were some significant regulations implemented during FDR's presidency that were part of the New Deal, and how did they impact economic stability?
  • During FDR's presidency, several significant regulations were enacted as part of the New Deal, including the Glass-Steagall Act, which separated commercial and investment banking to protect depositors' funds. The Securities Exchange Act established regulations for stock trading to prevent market manipulation. These regulations were crucial in restoring public confidence in the banking system and financial markets, contributing to greater economic stability and preventing future crises.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Franklin D. Roosevelt's economic recovery strategies on American society and its government.
  • The long-term effects of Franklin D. Roosevelt's economic recovery strategies transformed American society and reshaped its government. The New Deal established a more active role for the federal government in economic affairs, creating a safety net through programs like Social Security that continue to influence policy today. Additionally, these strategies fostered a sense of collective responsibility for citizens' well-being, leading to ongoing debates about government intervention in the economy and social welfare that remain relevant in contemporary discussions about policy.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and policies enacted by Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression.

Social Security Act: A law passed in 1935 as part of the New Deal that established a social insurance program to provide financial assistance to retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors.

Lend-Lease Act: A program initiated in 1941 that allowed the U.S. to supply Allied nations with military equipment and support during World War II without direct involvement in combat.