Franklin D. Roosevelt

Definition

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945. He is known for his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II, as well as his significant impact on the formation and development of the modern Democratic Party and the expansion of the federal government's role in the economy and society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt's election in 1932 marked a significant shift in the role of the federal government, as he championed an active and interventionist approach to addressing the economic and social challenges of the Great Depression.
2. The New Deal programs introduced by Roosevelt, such as the Social Security Act, the National Labor Relations Act, and the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority, expanded the federal government's role in regulating the economy and providing a social safety net.
3. Roosevelt's leadership during World War II, including the formation of the Grand Alliance with the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, was instrumental in the Allied victory and the subsequent establishment of the United Nations.
4. The concept of the 'Four Freedoms' articulated by Roosevelt, which emphasized the importance of freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear, became a key part of the Allied war effort and the post-war international order.
5. The 'Fireside Chats' delivered by Roosevelt during his presidency helped to build a personal connection between the president and the American people, and contributed to his enduring popularity and legacy.

Review Questions

• Explain how Franklin D. Roosevelt's election in 1932 marked a significant shift in the role of the federal government.
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt's election in 1932 marked a significant shift in the role of the federal government, as he championed an active and interventionist approach to addressing the economic and social challenges of the Great Depression. Roosevelt's New Deal programs, such as the Social Security Act, the National Labor Relations Act, and the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority, expanded the federal government's role in regulating the economy and providing a social safety net. This represented a departure from the more hands-off, laissez-faire approach of previous administrations and set the stage for the federal government's increased involvement in the lives of American citizens.
• Describe the significance of Roosevelt's concept of the 'Four Freedoms' and its impact on the Allied war effort and the post-war international order.
  • The concept of the 'Four Freedoms' articulated by Franklin D. Roosevelt, which emphasized the importance of freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear, became a key part of the Allied war effort and the post-war international order. This vision of universal human rights and freedoms helped to galvanize support for the Allied cause and shaped the principles underlying the establishment of the United Nations. The 'Four Freedoms' also influenced the development of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the broader international human rights framework that emerged in the aftermath of World War II, reflecting the lasting impact of Roosevelt's vision on the global order.
• Analyze the significance of Franklin D. Roosevelt's 'Fireside Chats' and their contribution to his enduring popularity and legacy.
  • The 'Fireside Chats' delivered by Franklin D. Roosevelt during his presidency played a crucial role in building a personal connection between the president and the American people. These radio addresses allowed Roosevelt to communicate directly with citizens, explain his policies and decisions, and address their concerns in a relatable and accessible manner. The 'Fireside Chats' contributed to Roosevelt's enduring popularity and legacy by humanizing the presidency, fostering a sense of trust and transparency, and reinforcing his image as a leader who was attuned to the needs and concerns of the American public. This direct communication with the people was a significant factor in the success of Roosevelt's New Deal programs and his ability to maintain public support during the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of domestic programs implemented by the Roosevelt administration during the Great Depression, aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform through government intervention in the economy.

Four Freedoms: A concept articulated by Roosevelt, outlining four fundamental freedoms that people 'everywhere in the world' should enjoy: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

Fireside Chats: Radio addresses delivered by Roosevelt to the American public, which helped to build public support for his policies and connect the president directly with citizens.