Roosevelt

Definition

Roosevelt refers primarily to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, who served from 1933 to 1945. He is known for significantly expanding the role and power of the presidency, particularly through his New Deal programs aimed at addressing the Great Depression. His leadership during World War II also transformed the office into a key player on the global stage, establishing precedents for executive authority and direct action in both domestic and foreign policy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to four terms in office, making him the only U.S. president to serve more than two terms before the 22nd Amendment was ratified.
2. He expanded the power of the presidency through initiatives like the Social Security Act and various regulatory agencies established during his administration.
3. Roosevelt's Fireside Chats were a series of radio broadcasts that helped him communicate directly with Americans, enhancing his ability to influence public opinion.
4. His leadership during World War II included significant decisions such as the establishment of the Lend-Lease program, which aided allies before the U.S. entered the war.
5. FDR's approach to foreign policy marked a shift toward greater involvement in international affairs, laying groundwork for post-war organizations like the United Nations.

Review Questions

• How did Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency change the perception of presidential power in the U.S. government?
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency fundamentally changed how people viewed presidential power by greatly expanding its scope and influence through actions like implementing the New Deal. This included creating numerous federal agencies that played active roles in economic recovery and social welfare, showcasing a strong executive branch that could intervene in daily life. His ability to bypass Congress on some matters and use executive orders also set a precedent for future presidents to assert greater control.
• In what ways did Roosevelt’s New Deal programs alter the relationship between the federal government and American citizens?
  • Roosevelt's New Deal programs significantly altered the relationship between the federal government and American citizens by introducing a range of social welfare initiatives aimed at providing direct assistance to those in need. This created an expectation for federal intervention during economic crises and shifted public perception regarding government responsibility for individual well-being. The establishment of social security and unemployment benefits represented a major shift towards a more active government role in ensuring economic security for its citizens.
• Evaluate how FDR’s leadership during World War II redefined U.S. foreign policy and its role on the global stage.
  • FDR's leadership during World War II redefined U.S. foreign policy by transitioning it from isolationism to a more engaged and proactive stance in global affairs. His establishment of alliances with other nations through programs like Lend-Lease showcased a commitment to international cooperation against totalitarian regimes. Additionally, his advocacy for the Four Freedoms helped shape American foreign policy goals post-war, promoting ideals of democracy and human rights that would influence future engagements and establish America as a central figure in world politics.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and reforms introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at economic recovery and social reform during the Great Depression.

Executive Order: A directive issued by the president to manage the operations of the federal government, which Roosevelt used extensively to implement New Deal policies.

Four Freedoms: A set of goals articulated by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941 that included freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear, shaping U.S. foreign policy.