In 1939 unemployment stood at 9.2 million; in 1929, it was
2.6 million. Why is FDR remembered by scholars and by the American public as a
great, even the greatest President? (100 words, by Friday 19/4 5pm).
In the years following the stock market crash of 1929 unemployment rates soared and people lost faith in the banking system as America faced an economic downturn. However, Franklin D Roosevelt introduced revolutionary changes that have allowed him to be considered one of the greatest presidents. His policies sent the US on an upward spiral on the principles of relief, recovery and reform. His first and second New Deals included programs that regulated the banking system, provided unemployment for hundreds of thousands, and provided aid to the needy. FDR’s ability to drastically alter America’s situation, particularly in comparison to his predecessor, makes him one of the greatest presidents.
Franklin D. Roosevelt instituted radical and necessary reforms to combat the devastating effects of the Great Depression which hit in October 1929. With the economy at a stand-still and unemployment at an all-time high, the First New Deal made significant accomplishments in its First Hundred Days with a new concept of government intervention. Economic, banking and rural reforms along with a major program of public works began the country’s recovery process. Furthermore, a more liberal Second New Deal in 1935 introduced welfare and labour reforms. FDR became president at a crucial time in American history whose actions have shaped modern government.
FDR is not only remembered as one of the greatest American Presidents in the minds of many Americans because of his New Deal policies and the effects that they had on the American economy and unemployment, he is also remember as one of the first presidents that had a more intimate and personal relationship with the people he was leading (particularly through his regular radio presence). Furthermore, FDR challenged the preconceived notions of liberty through asserting the responsibility of the federal government to actively assist its people, rather than just balancing budgets.
FDR’s popular New Deal program, which established social welfare, created jobs and livelihoods for millions and most importantly steered America away from the Great Depression, established FDR as a great President, early in his term. It also endeared him to a number of population groups particularly African-Americans, labour groups and Southern Democrats. FDR’s guidance through the success that was World War II and the early establishment of America as a superpower ensured a lasting legacy. Beyond this, it was FDR’s use of radio in his Fireside chats and his unprecedented fourth term election that created an intimate bond with the American people, that had not been seen before. Eleanor Roosevelt’s strong presence in the White House and her stance on African-American issues further solidified the memory of FDR as one of America’s greatest Presidents.
According to my reasoning, FDR is remembered as possibly the greatest American President because he pulled the American People through the great depression, and led them to victory in WW2 even though they were forcibly brought into the war after the rude awakening in Pearl Harbour on December 7th, 1941. The unemployment rate went up following the great depression, but once the war began, employment was much easier to come by, effectively solving the employment issues of the great depression. This gave the impression of a clean slate on employment issues for FDR, when he was succeed upon his death.
Without World War II and his influence on American involvement, FDR would arguably not have had the reputation as one of the greatest American presidents. FDR’s New Deal policies boosted the frail American economy into recovery, and his legacy is still active to this day, as proven by Social Security and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. However, as figures will demonstrate, the difference from 1939 and 1929 represented a growth in unemployment, and not a decline associated with a successful economy. Despite FDR’s best efforts, the American economy still suffered from extraneous factors. World War II, and the coupled surge in economic activity, masked the fragility of the US, and was an attributing factor is FDR’s enhanced reputation. FDR is also viewed as a war hero that never saw the end of the War, providing a unique sense of emotion and nostalgia not experienced by other American presidents.
FDR is remembered as one of the greatest Presidents because his administration had a direct effect upon the psyche of the American population. Roosevelt’s policies of rescuing the banking system, the Works Progress Administration, and introducing a welfare state were given a positive reception because of his ability to convey assurance and confidence to people in their own homes at a desperate time. Roosevelt’s radio ‘fireside chats’ gave the impression that he was willing to assist with the economic hardship of each individual household, and it was for this reason that Roosevelt is looked upon as a great President, even if the statistics suggest that his policies were ineffective.
The election of Franklin D Roosevelt and his proposal of the ‘New Deal’, introduces the new ideas of Relief, Recovery and Reform where ideally the federal government would take on more responsibility to stimulate the economy and assist America out of the Great Depression. With this, FDR introduced such deals like the Public Works Administration in order to decrease the number of American unemployment whilst in 1935 introducing the Social Security Act to aid unemployed citizens. By intentionally averting the crisis FDR restored the massive economy and managed to stop the collapsing of major banks. Whilst eventually developing a new positive outlook on American economy FDR also generated a new relationship between the president and the American people where he is remembered through his great presidency legacy after averting such a crisis again.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt is revered to this day for the way both his domestic and foreign policy successes transformed America from a country in economic crisis into the world’s pre-eminent superpower. At home, FDR’s First New Deal succeeded in putting Americans back on their feet after the Great Depression through a series of government interventions and reforms. Abroad, FDR’s decision to intervene in World War II and the subsequent victory of the Allies led to the emergence of the US as a global superpower. The war also had the secondary effect of stimulating the US economy, obscuring the failures of FDR’s Second New Deal. The impact of his domestic and foreign policy successes combined with his charismatic personality and likability has made FDR the most respected US President of the 20th century.
FDR introduced the New Deal program in order to mitigate the losses caused by the 1929 stock market crash and the economic crisis that followed. Focusing both on recovery and reform, FDR set about creating jobs for the growing number of unemployed Americans through such deals as the Public Works Administration. Even though schemes such as these were put in place and were largely successful, the depth of the economic crisis coupled with uncontrollable factors meant that unemployment would reach 9.2 million in 1939. Even though this was the case, FDR has always been one of the most popular Presidents because not only did he turn the economy around, following WWII in particular, but because he was a very accessible President who improved the connection between the American people and their President. Through the use of his Fireside chats and with the help of his wife Eleanor, FDR was able to relate to the public on a level not achieved by previous Presidents.
During Franklin D. Roosevelt’s time as President of the United States, the role that the government, and indeed the President, played in society changed dramatically. Coming at a crucial time in America’s history, at the height of the Great Depression, FDR’s policies under the “New Deal” were fundamental in taking citizens out of the state of desperation. FDR implemented many new policies under the New Deal such as the Public Works Administration, which saw many Americas with new employment and improving the future infrastructure of the country. Furthermore, the establishment of a welfare system with the Social Security Act helped many unemployed citizens; policies such as this are still a strong part of America today. The success of the government in engaging in the economy and providing relief to the Great Depression was certainly a key aspect of his popularity. However FDR in a more personal way engaged more with his citizens, such as through his Fireside chats – the weekly radio broadcast – which saw many everyday Americans writing to FDR in response. Although the economic crisis was not by any means completely cured by the works of FDR, (indeed it was the economic effects of WWII which brought back much more of its stability,) FDR’s policies and more personal approach have established him as one of the most popular Presidents of the United States.
Due to FDR's economic policies, which pulled America out of a severe economic crisis, scholars have considered him as one of the greatest American presidents. The 1929 stock market crash had devastating effects all over the world, particularly in the US, where unemployment skyrocketed and living standards dropped. FDR's introduction of the New Deal involved reforms and government interventions to stimulate the economy and increase economic activity. Unemployment dropped from 9.2 million in 1929, to 2.6 in 1939 and subsequently, the Second World War brought about employment opportunities, which aided in economic development for America. FDR is considered one of the greatest US presidents, but the situations which came forth during his two terms as president were major contributors to his success.
Despite high unemployment in America throughout the 1930s, scholars and the American public consider FDR as one of the greatest presidents due to his ability to inspire Americans and to reshape the role of government. His ‘fireside chats’ created the impression of a connection between him and the people, and his leadership in what became a victorious war coincided with domestic prosperity. Furthermore, his New Deal programmes henceforth increased the responsibility of the federal government for the economic security of the people.
In the years following the stock market crash of 1929 unemployment rates soared and people lost faith in the banking system as America faced an economic downturn. However, Franklin D Roosevelt introduced revolutionary changes that have allowed him to be considered one of the greatest presidents. His policies sent the US on an upward spiral on the principles of relief, recovery and reform. His first and second New Deals included programs that regulated the banking system, provided unemployment for hundreds of thousands, and provided aid to the needy. FDR’s ability to drastically alter America’s situation, particularly in comparison to his predecessor, makes him one of the greatest presidents.
ReplyDeleteFranklin D. Roosevelt instituted radical and necessary reforms to combat the devastating effects of the Great Depression which hit in October 1929. With the economy at a stand-still and unemployment at an all-time high, the First New Deal made significant accomplishments in its First Hundred Days with a new concept of government intervention. Economic, banking and rural reforms along with a major program of public works began the country’s recovery process. Furthermore, a more liberal Second New Deal in 1935 introduced welfare and labour reforms. FDR became president at a crucial time in American history whose actions have shaped modern government.
ReplyDeleteFDR is not only remembered as one of the greatest American Presidents in the minds of many Americans because of his New Deal policies and the effects that they had on the American economy and unemployment, he is also remember as one of the first presidents that had a more intimate and personal relationship with the people he was leading (particularly through his regular radio presence). Furthermore, FDR challenged the preconceived notions of liberty through asserting the responsibility of the federal government to actively assist its people, rather than just balancing budgets.
ReplyDeleteFDR’s popular New Deal program, which established social welfare, created jobs and livelihoods for millions and most importantly steered America away from the Great Depression, established FDR as a great President, early in his term. It also endeared him to a number of population groups particularly African-Americans, labour groups and Southern Democrats. FDR’s guidance through the success that was World War II and the early establishment of America as a superpower ensured a lasting legacy. Beyond this, it was FDR’s use of radio in his Fireside chats and his unprecedented fourth term election that created an intimate bond with the American people, that had not been seen before. Eleanor Roosevelt’s strong presence in the White House and her stance on African-American issues further solidified the memory of FDR as one of America’s greatest Presidents.
ReplyDeleteAccording to my reasoning, FDR is remembered as possibly the greatest American President because he pulled the American People through the great depression, and led them to victory in WW2 even though they were forcibly brought into the war after the rude awakening in Pearl Harbour on December 7th, 1941. The unemployment rate went up following the great depression, but once the war began, employment was much easier to come by, effectively solving the employment issues of the great depression. This gave the impression of a clean slate on employment issues for FDR, when he was succeed upon his death.
ReplyDeleteWithout World War II and his influence on American involvement, FDR would arguably not have had the reputation as one of the greatest American presidents. FDR’s New Deal policies boosted the frail American economy into recovery, and his legacy is still active to this day, as proven by Social Security and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. However, as figures will demonstrate, the difference from 1939 and 1929 represented a growth in unemployment, and not a decline associated with a successful economy. Despite FDR’s best efforts, the American economy still suffered from extraneous factors. World War II, and the coupled surge in economic activity, masked the fragility of the US, and was an attributing factor is FDR’s enhanced reputation. FDR is also viewed as a war hero that never saw the end of the War, providing a unique sense of emotion and nostalgia not experienced by other American presidents.
ReplyDeleteFDR is remembered as one of the greatest Presidents because his administration had a direct effect upon the psyche of the American population. Roosevelt’s policies of rescuing the banking system, the Works Progress Administration, and introducing a welfare state were given a positive reception because of his ability to convey assurance and confidence to people in their own homes at a desperate time. Roosevelt’s radio ‘fireside chats’ gave the impression that he was willing to assist with the economic hardship of each individual household, and it was for this reason that Roosevelt is looked upon as a great President, even if the statistics suggest that his policies were ineffective.
ReplyDeleteThe election of Franklin D Roosevelt and his proposal of the ‘New Deal’, introduces the new ideas of Relief, Recovery and Reform where ideally the federal government would take on more responsibility to stimulate the economy and assist America out of the Great Depression. With this, FDR introduced such deals like the Public Works Administration in order to decrease the number of American unemployment whilst in 1935 introducing the Social Security Act to aid unemployed citizens. By intentionally averting the crisis FDR restored the massive economy and managed to stop the collapsing of major banks. Whilst eventually developing a new positive outlook on American economy FDR also generated a new relationship between the president and the American people where he is remembered through his great presidency legacy after averting such a crisis again.
ReplyDeleteFranklin Delano Roosevelt is revered to this day for the way both his domestic and foreign policy successes transformed America from a country in economic crisis into the world’s pre-eminent superpower. At home, FDR’s First New Deal succeeded in putting Americans back on their feet after the Great Depression through a series of government interventions and reforms. Abroad, FDR’s decision to intervene in World War II and the subsequent victory of the Allies led to the emergence of the US as a global superpower. The war also had the secondary effect of stimulating the US economy, obscuring the failures of FDR’s Second New Deal. The impact of his domestic and foreign policy successes combined with his charismatic personality and likability has made FDR the most respected US President of the 20th century.
ReplyDeleteFDR introduced the New Deal program in order to mitigate the losses caused by the 1929 stock market crash and the economic crisis that followed. Focusing both on recovery and reform, FDR set about creating jobs for the growing number of unemployed Americans through such deals as the Public Works Administration. Even though schemes such as these were put in place and were largely successful, the depth of the economic crisis coupled with uncontrollable factors meant that unemployment would reach 9.2 million in 1939. Even though this was the case, FDR has always been one of the most popular Presidents because not only did he turn the economy around, following WWII in particular, but because he was a very accessible President who improved the connection between the American people and their President. Through the use of his Fireside chats and with the help of his wife Eleanor, FDR was able to relate to the public on a level not achieved by previous Presidents.
ReplyDeleteDuring Franklin D. Roosevelt’s time as President of the United States, the role that the government, and indeed the President, played in society changed dramatically. Coming at a crucial time in America’s history, at the height of the Great Depression, FDR’s policies under the “New Deal” were fundamental in taking citizens out of the state of desperation. FDR implemented many new policies under the New Deal such as the Public Works Administration, which saw many Americas with new employment and improving the future infrastructure of the country. Furthermore, the establishment of a welfare system with the Social Security Act helped many unemployed citizens; policies such as this are still a strong part of America today. The success of the government in engaging in the economy and providing relief to the Great Depression was certainly a key aspect of his popularity. However FDR in a more personal way engaged more with his citizens, such as through his Fireside chats – the weekly radio broadcast – which saw many everyday Americans writing to FDR in response. Although the economic crisis was not by any means completely cured by the works of FDR, (indeed it was the economic effects of WWII which brought back much more of its stability,) FDR’s policies and more personal approach have established him as one of the most popular Presidents of the United States.
ReplyDeleteDue to FDR's economic policies, which pulled America out of a severe economic crisis, scholars have considered him as one of the greatest American presidents. The 1929 stock market crash had devastating effects all over the world, particularly in the US, where unemployment skyrocketed and living standards dropped. FDR's introduction of the New Deal involved reforms and government interventions to stimulate the economy and increase economic activity. Unemployment dropped from 9.2 million in 1929, to 2.6 in 1939 and subsequently, the Second World War brought about employment opportunities, which aided in economic development for America. FDR is considered one of the greatest US presidents, but the situations which came forth during his two terms as president were major contributors to his success.
ReplyDeleteDespite high unemployment in America throughout the 1930s, scholars and the American public consider FDR as one of the greatest presidents due to his ability to inspire Americans and to reshape the role of government. His ‘fireside chats’ created the impression of a connection between him and the people, and his leadership in what became a victorious war coincided with domestic prosperity. Furthermore, his New Deal programmes henceforth increased the responsibility of the federal government for the economic security of the people.
ReplyDelete