Franklin D. 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 his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II, implementing significant social policies and welfare programs that reshaped the role of government in American life.

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.
2. He faced the Great Depression head-on with his New Deal programs, which aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform to a struggling nation.
3. FDR's administration created Social Security, which laid the foundation for the modern welfare state by providing financial support for the elderly and unemployed.
4. He emphasized the importance of federal government intervention in the economy to address social and economic issues.
5. Roosevelt's leadership during World War II was marked by significant decisions that shaped both domestic policy and international relations.

Review Questions

• How did Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs change the relationship between the government and American citizens?
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs fundamentally altered the relationship between the government and American citizens by expanding the government's role in economic and social welfare. These programs were designed to provide relief to those suffering from the effects of the Great Depression, thereby establishing a precedent for federal involvement in individual livelihoods. Through initiatives like job creation, banking reforms, and social security, FDR set a new standard for government responsibility towards its citizens, shaping future social policies.
• What were some key components of FDR's New Deal, and how did they address the challenges of the Great Depression?
  • Key components of FDR's New Deal included programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which provided jobs for young men, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which employed millions in public works projects. The New Deal aimed to tackle widespread unemployment and poverty by injecting federal funding into various sectors of the economy. These initiatives not only addressed immediate needs but also aimed at long-term economic recovery by reforming financial systems and creating infrastructure.
• Evaluate Franklin D. Roosevelt's impact on social policy in America, considering both immediate effects and lasting legacies.
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt had a profound impact on social policy in America through his innovative programs that sought to alleviate economic hardship and promote social welfare. Immediately, his policies provided relief to millions struggling during the Great Depression, effectively reducing unemployment rates and boosting consumer confidence. Long-term, his establishment of Social Security and other safety net programs laid the groundwork for a more robust welfare system that persists today. FDR's approach signaled a shift towards greater government responsibility in safeguarding citizens' economic well-being, influencing future policy decisions.

Related terms

New Deal:

A series of programs and policies designed to promote economic recovery and social reform during the Great Depression, introduced by FDR.

Social Security Act: Legislation passed in 1935 that established a social insurance program to provide financial assistance to the elderly, unemployed, and disabled.

WPA (Works Progress Administration): A New Deal agency that provided millions of jobs for unemployed Americans during the Great Depression through public works projects.