Franklin D. Roosevelt

Definition

Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. His leadership during the Great Depression and World War II transformed the role of the federal government and set the stage for modern American political life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FDR was elected to four terms in office, making him the only U.S. president to serve more than two terms, which led to the ratification of the 22nd Amendment limiting presidential terms.
2. He played a crucial role in leading the United States through the Great Depression with his New Deal policies aimed at economic recovery.
3. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, FDR declared war on Japan, marking America's official entry into World War II.
4. FDR's leadership at the Yalta Conference in 1945 helped shape postwar Europe and established plans for rebuilding and redefining European borders.
5. His administration's decision to intern Japanese Americans during WWII reflected wartime fears but also has been widely criticized as a violation of civil liberties.

Review Questions

• How did Franklin D. Roosevelt's leadership style influence America's response to the attack on Pearl Harbor?
  • FDR's leadership style was characterized by strong communication and decisive action. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he quickly addressed Congress, delivering his famous 'Day of Infamy' speech, which rallied public support for declaring war against Japan. His ability to convey urgency and instill confidence was crucial in mobilizing the nation for war efforts and transitioning from isolationism to active participation in World War II.
• Evaluate FDR's impact on civilian populations during WWII in terms of mobilization and wartime economy.
  • FDR's impact on civilian populations during WWII was profound as he oversaw a massive mobilization of resources and manpower. The government expanded its role in everyday life through initiatives like rationing programs and war production efforts, leading to economic growth and job creation. This shift also required Americans to adapt their lives for wartime production, significantly transforming gender roles as women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers.
• Analyze the long-term consequences of FDR's decisions regarding Japanese American internment on civil liberties and American society.
  • FDR's decision to intern Japanese Americans during World War II has had lasting consequences for civil liberties in America. This action was driven by wartime fear and prejudice but ultimately led to widespread injustice against innocent citizens. In later years, this internment became a focal point for discussions about race relations, civil rights, and government overreach, prompting reflection on how fear can compromise fundamental freedoms. The legacy continues to influence contemporary views on national security versus civil liberties.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and policies implemented by FDR to help the U.S. recover from the Great Depression, focusing on economic relief, recovery, and reform.

Lend-Lease Act:

A program initiated by FDR that allowed the U.S. to supply Allied nations with war material while avoiding direct involvement in World War II initially.

Four Freedoms: A set of goals articulated by FDR in 1941 that included freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear, which framed the American vision for a post-war world.