Franklin D. Roosevelt

Definition

Franklin D. Roosevelt, often referred to as FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945. He is best known for his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II, implementing a series of programs and reforms known as the New Deal aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform to a struggling nation. His presidency marked a significant shift in the role of the federal government in economic affairs and set the stage for modern American liberalism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FDR was elected to four terms as president, making him the only U.S. president to serve more than two terms before term limits were established.
2. The First Hundred Days of FDR's presidency saw an unprecedented flurry of legislation aimed at addressing the Great Depression, establishing many New Deal programs.
3. FDR’s Fireside Chats were radio addresses that helped him connect with the American public and explain his policies in a relatable way.
4. His administration faced criticism from both the left for not going far enough and from the right for increasing government intervention in the economy.
5. FDR's leadership during World War II included key decisions like the Lend-Lease program, which provided military aid to allies before the U.S. entered the war.

Review Questions

• How did Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies aim to address the challenges posed by the Great Depression?
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal was designed to tackle the widespread economic devastation caused by the Great Depression through a three-pronged approach: relief for those suffering, recovery of the economy, and reform of financial systems to prevent future crises. Programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) provided jobs for unemployed young men, while the Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) aimed to boost agricultural prices by reducing production. These initiatives reflected FDR's commitment to using government action to stimulate economic growth and support those most affected by economic hardship.
• Evaluate how Franklin D. Roosevelt’s approach to governance during the Great Depression changed perceptions of the federal government’s role in American society.
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt’s approach fundamentally transformed perceptions of government in American society by expanding its role from a limited entity to an active participant in economic and social welfare. His New Deal policies marked a significant shift towards increased federal intervention in areas like banking, agriculture, and labor relations, which had previously been seen as predominantly state or individual responsibilities. This shift laid the groundwork for future government programs and set expectations for a more involved federal government in addressing citizens' needs.
• Assess the long-term impacts of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal on American political and social landscape.
  • The long-term impacts of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal reshaped American political and social landscapes by establishing a framework for future social safety nets and government involvement in economic regulation. Programs initiated during this period fostered a sense of dependency on federal support among various populations, leading to ongoing debates about welfare and government responsibility. The New Deal coalition also solidified support for Democratic politics among diverse groups, including labor unions and minority communities, influencing party alignment for decades and shaping contemporary liberal ideologies in American politics.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and reforms introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt designed to combat the effects of the Great Depression through economic recovery and social welfare.

Social Security Act: A landmark piece of legislation enacted in 1935 that established a system of old-age benefits and unemployment insurance, significantly shaping American social policy.

Dust Bowl: A severe drought that affected the Great Plains in the 1930s, exacerbating the economic hardships of the Great Depression and leading to massive migration.