Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR)

Definition

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, 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 a series of programs and reforms known as the New Deal that aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform to a struggling nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FDR was elected to four terms in office, making him the longest-serving president in U.S. history until the 22nd Amendment limited presidents to two terms.
2. The Great Depression was marked by widespread unemployment, bank failures, and economic instability, which FDR addressed through his New Deal programs.
3. FDR's fireside chats were a series of radio addresses that helped him communicate directly with the American public, boosting their confidence during tough times.
4. The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) was part of the New Deal that aimed to raise crop prices by paying farmers to cut back on production.
5. FDR's leadership during World War II solidified his status as a prominent wartime leader, as he worked closely with Allied powers to defeat Axis forces.

Review Questions

• How did FDR's New Deal policies aim to address the challenges faced by Americans during the Great Depression?
  • FDR's New Deal aimed to tackle the severe economic challenges during the Great Depression through a combination of relief, recovery, and reform initiatives. Programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Public Works Administration (PWA) provided immediate job relief for the unemployed. The New Deal also included banking reforms and social safety nets, such as the Social Security Act, designed to stabilize the economy and prevent future depressions.
• Evaluate the impact of FDR's fireside chats on American society during his presidency.
  • FDR's fireside chats had a profound impact on American society by providing reassurance and fostering a sense of connection between the president and the public. These radio broadcasts allowed FDR to communicate directly with citizens, addressing their concerns about the economy and government actions. By explaining complex policies in simple language, he helped to demystify government processes and build public trust, ultimately contributing to greater support for his New Deal initiatives.
• Discuss how FDR's approach to governance during the Great Depression differed from previous presidential responses to economic crises and how it shaped modern American politics.
  • FDR's approach to governance marked a significant shift from previous presidential responses to economic crises, as he embraced a more active role for the federal government in economic management. Unlike earlier leaders who favored limited government intervention, FDR implemented extensive social welfare programs through the New Deal. This change set a precedent for future government involvement in economic matters and laid the foundation for modern American politics, where federal responsibility for economic stability and social welfare became widely accepted.

Related terms

New Deal:

A series of programs and policies implemented by FDR to combat the effects of the Great Depression, focusing on economic recovery and social reform.

Social Security Act:

A significant piece of legislation passed in 1935 that established a system of old-age benefits for workers and a program for unemployment insurance.

Court Packing Plan:

FDR's controversial proposal in 1937 to increase the number of justices on the Supreme Court to secure favorable rulings for his New Deal legislation.