key term - Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR)

Definition

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945. He is best known for leading the country during the Great Depression and World War II, implementing significant domestic policies through the New Deal and shaping U.S. foreign relations during the early stages of the Cold War.

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, reflecting the immense trust placed in him during times of crisis.
2. His presidency marked a shift in U.S. foreign policy from isolationism to a more active international role, particularly in response to the threats posed by Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.
3. FDR's leadership style included frequent communication with the public through 'fireside chats,' helping to boost morale and gain support for his policies.
4. The United Nations was established after World War II partly due to FDR's vision for a cooperative international organization to prevent future conflicts.
5. FDR faced significant opposition from conservative factions within Congress who were critical of his New Deal policies, leading to ongoing debates about government intervention in the economy.

Review Questions

• How did FDR's New Deal policies influence American society and economy during the Great Depression?
  • FDR's New Deal policies aimed to alleviate the hardships of the Great Depression by implementing various programs that provided relief to unemployed Americans, stimulated economic recovery, and reformed financial systems. Initiatives such as Social Security, public works projects, and banking reforms not only helped to stabilize the economy but also transformed the role of the federal government in American life. This shift laid the groundwork for future government involvement in economic matters and changed public expectations regarding government responsibility.
• Discuss FDR's approach to foreign policy before and during World War II, especially regarding his interactions with other world leaders.
  • FDR's foreign policy evolved from isolationism to active involvement as World War II intensified. Initially focused on aiding Britain through programs like Lend-Lease, FDR recognized the need for a united front against Axis powers. His interactions with leaders such as Churchill and Stalin at conferences like Yalta revealed his strategic vision for post-war Europe, emphasizing cooperation among allies. This collaboration was crucial for securing military success and shaping international relations in the early Cold War era.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of FDR's presidency on the development of the Cold War and U.S. foreign policy.
  • FDR's presidency set significant precedents for U.S. foreign policy that continued into the Cold War. His establishment of strong alliances during WWII laid a foundation for post-war diplomacy. The formation of international institutions like the United Nations reflected his belief in collective security. Additionally, FDR’s emphasis on democratic ideals versus totalitarianism shaped America's ideological stance against communism, influencing strategies such as containment and leading to ongoing global tensions that characterized U.S.-Soviet relations throughout the Cold War.

Related terms

New Deal:

A series of programs and policies enacted by FDR aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform to the American economy during the Great Depression.

Lend-Lease Act: A program under which the U.S. supplied Allied nations with vast amounts of war material during World War II, reflecting FDR's commitment to supporting allies against Axis powers.

Yalta Conference:

A meeting held in February 1945 between FDR, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin to discuss the post-war reorganization of Europe and address issues related to the Cold War.