Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration

Definition

Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration refers to the period of governance under the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, from 1933 to 1945, marked by significant reforms aimed at addressing the Great Depression and redefining the role of government in American life. This era is characterized by the New Deal programs that expanded federal authority and involvement in the economy, raising debates about the proper scope and limits of government intervention.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FDR's administration was the first to use radio broadcasts, known as 'Fireside Chats,' to communicate directly with the American public and garner support for his policies.
2. The administration's response to the Great Depression involved unprecedented levels of government spending and regulation, fundamentally changing the relationship between citizens and the federal government.
3. During FDR's presidency, unemployment dropped from around 25% at the start of his term to approximately 2% by the time he was re-elected in 1936.
4. The administration faced significant opposition from both conservatives who believed it expanded government power too much, and from progressives who felt it didn't go far enough in addressing social justice issues.
5. FDR's administration also played a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy leading up to and during World War II, promoting policies like Lend-Lease to support Allied nations.

Review Questions

• How did Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration redefine the role of government in American life during the Great Depression?
  • Roosevelt's administration significantly redefined the role of government through extensive intervention in the economy via New Deal programs. These initiatives expanded federal authority and responsibilities in areas such as banking, employment, and social welfare, fundamentally altering public expectations of government. The response to the Great Depression emphasized that it was a government's duty to ensure economic stability and social security for its citizens.
• What were some key controversies surrounding FDR's New Deal programs, and how did they reflect broader debates about government power?
  • Key controversies surrounding FDR's New Deal programs included debates about the expansion of federal power versus states' rights and concerns about the long-term implications of government intervention in the economy. Critics argued that these programs led to an overly centralized government that threatened individual freedoms and capitalist principles. The Court Packing Plan further fueled these debates by illustrating tensions between FDR's vision for a proactive government and judicial resistance to his policies.
• Evaluate how Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration influenced future governmental approaches to economic crises in America.
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration set a precedent for active government involvement in economic crises that has influenced subsequent responses to financial downturns. By implementing measures like social safety nets and regulatory frameworks during the Great Depression, FDR established a model for future administrations facing economic challenges. This approach has become integral to American governance, shaping policies during later economic crises such as those seen in 2008 and beyond, where government intervention is often seen as necessary for recovery.

Related terms

New Deal:

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

Social Security Act:

A 1935 law that created a social insurance program to provide retirement benefits, unemployment insurance, and aid to families with dependent children.

Court Packing Plan:

A controversial proposal by FDR in 1937 to add more justices to the U.S. Supreme Court in order to secure favorable rulings for his New Deal legislation.