President Franklin D Roosevelt

Definition

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. He is best known for leading the country during the Great Depression and World War II, implementing policies that expanded the role of the federal government and shaped modern American liberalism. His presidency marked a significant shift in the relationship between the government and the economy, creating a more active bureaucracy and establishing precedents for presidential power.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Roosevelt's New Deal programs transformed the federal government's role in the economy, introducing regulations and social welfare initiatives that had lasting impacts.
2. He was the only U.S. president to serve four terms, which led to the passage of the 22nd Amendment limiting presidents to two terms.
3. Roosevelt's leadership style emphasized communication with the public through 'Fireside Chats,' making him one of the first presidents to effectively use media to connect with citizens.
4. His administration's response to economic challenges involved establishing various agencies like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to provide jobs and infrastructure improvements.
5. Roosevelt's presidency saw significant changes in ideology, moving from a laissez-faire approach to a more interventionist government that took an active role in economic recovery and social welfare.

Review Questions

• How did Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal change the relationship between the federal government and the American economy?
  • Roosevelt's New Deal fundamentally changed the relationship between the federal government and the economy by expanding governmental intervention in economic affairs. Programs were created to provide relief for the unemployed, regulate financial markets, and support various industries. This shift marked a move away from traditional laissez-faire policies toward a model where government actively worked to manage economic crises and promote recovery.
• Evaluate the impact of Roosevelt's Court Packing Plan on his relationship with Congress and the Supreme Court.
  • Roosevelt's Court Packing Plan was met with significant backlash from both Congress and the public. It aimed to add more justices to the Supreme Court, allowing him to bypass opposition to his New Deal programs. The proposal was seen as an overreach of presidential power, damaging his credibility and leading to a cooling of relations with Congress. Ultimately, this plan failed, but it highlighted tensions between Roosevelt's ambitious agenda and institutional checks on presidential power.
• Assess how Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency influenced changes in American political ideology during and after his time in office.
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency had a profound influence on American political ideology by reshaping public expectations of government. His New Deal policies introduced concepts of social welfare and economic security as government responsibilities. This led to a lasting shift toward liberalism, where citizens increasingly looked to the federal government for assistance during crises. The changes initiated under Roosevelt laid the groundwork for future social safety nets and established a precedent for an active government role in economic and social issues that continues to be debated today.

Related terms

New Deal:

A series of programs and policies implemented by Roosevelt aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression.

Social Security Act:

A landmark piece of legislation enacted in 1935 that established a system of old-age benefits, unemployment insurance, and aid for dependent children.

Court Packing Plan: A controversial proposal by Roosevelt in 1937 to increase the number of justices on the Supreme Court to secure favorable rulings for his New Deal legislation.