Fireside Chats

Definition

A series of radio broadcasts made by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the nation, beginning in 1933. They were a way for the president to directly communicate with the American people about his plans and policies.

Related terms

Public Opinion: The collective attitudes or beliefs of the public about specific issues or individuals, such as a president or policy.

Mass Media: Any means of communication that reach very large numbers of people, such as radio or television. In this case, it was how FDR communicated his messages during his presidency.

New Deal: A series of programs and projects instituted during the Great Depression by President Franklin D. Roosevelt that aimed to restore prosperity to Americans.