President Franklin Roosevelt

Definition

Franklin D. Roosevelt, often referred to 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 through the Great Depression and World War II, implementing key policies that transformed the role of the federal government and expanded America's influence as a world power during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FDR was elected to four terms, making him the only U.S. president to serve more than two terms, which led to the passage of the 22nd Amendment limiting presidential terms.
2. He implemented the New Deal in response to the economic devastation of the Great Depression, which included job creation programs, financial reforms, and social welfare initiatives.
3. Roosevelt's leadership during World War II included significant military strategies and alliances with other Allied leaders, such as Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin.
4. He famously declared war on Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, rallying the American public to support the war effort.
5. FDR's health declined significantly during his presidency, and he passed away shortly before the end of World War II in April 1945.

Review Questions

• How did Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal policies reshape the relationship between the federal government and American citizens?
  • FDR's New Deal policies fundamentally changed how Americans viewed their government, as it began to take a more active role in providing economic security and welfare. By implementing various programs aimed at job creation, banking reform, and social services, Roosevelt fostered a sense of reliance on federal assistance during tough times. This shift established a precedent for future government intervention in economic crises and laid the groundwork for modern social welfare systems.
• Evaluate FDR's approach to foreign policy during his presidency and how it contributed to America's emergence as a world power.
  • FDR's foreign policy was marked by a gradual shift from isolationism to active engagement in global affairs, particularly during World War II. His Lend-Lease Act exemplified this shift by allowing the U.S. to support Allied nations while remaining officially neutral at first. This proactive stance not only helped bolster Allied defenses but also positioned the United States as a leader on the world stage, culminating in its status as a superpower by the end of the war.
• Assess the long-term impacts of Franklin Roosevelt's presidency on American society and governance beyond his time in office.
  • The long-term impacts of FDR's presidency are profound and far-reaching. His New Deal reforms set lasting precedents for federal government involvement in economic stability and social welfare, shaping future policies and programs like Social Security. Furthermore, his commitment to civil rights and international cooperation influenced subsequent movements for equality and established frameworks for global diplomacy. Overall, FDR's legacy endures in both governmental practices and societal expectations regarding federal responsibility toward citizens.

Related terms

New Deal:

A series of programs and policies implemented by FDR aimed at economic recovery and social reform in response to the Great Depression.

Four Freedoms:

A set of principles articulated by FDR in 1941 that outlined fundamental human rights: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

Lend-Lease Act:

A program established by FDR in 1941 that allowed the U.S. to supply Allied nations with war material during World War II without direct involvement in the conflict.