Kieran+O.+-+FDR+-+FA11

In Office: 1933-1945 Party: Democrat Vice President: John Nance Garner (1933-1941) Henry Agard Wallace (1941-1945) Grade: A Theme: Culture
 * Franklin Delano Roosevelt**

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a game changer in American culture. Starting from a time of desperation, he changed the poor economy from unbearable to unbelievable. His New Deal prolonged the livable conditions during the depression, but after the war, America’s culture changed for the better with the new, stable economy. Another way FDR changed America’s culture was his tactics in neutrality. World War Two was a major war and we were able to remain neutral for such a long time. This was a different way of trying to avoid the war. We completely shut off communications with other countries regarding trading. This changed American culture with foreign relations as well as new knowledge of war tactics and how to fight effectively in the future.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt saved America during its darkest hour. Starting his presidency at what was arguably the worst year in America’s life and bringing it to where he left it took persistence, motivation, and faith in the nation. Due to his outstanding service to the United States when they most needed it, FDR’s incredible time in office deserves an A.

“…the only thing we have to fear is fear itself…” a classic quote in American history, from one of the most revolutionary United States presidents. In context to when his Inaugural Address was given in 1933, this ties perfectly into the goals and perspective of many Americans, including FDR. This speech continues to identify the issue that if Americans do not take action to recover from the Great Depression, then they will make no progress. Roosevelt’s presidency was run on the idea of advancement. He focused on increasing the number of American jobs, repairing the economy, boosting the agricultural industry, and much more, but he never once stopped to take a break. He knew that there was work to be done in order to increase the prosperity of his country, and the quality of life of its people. His optimistic approach to the issue of the depression was further projected when he went on to say, “There is no unsolvable problem if we face it wisely and courageously.” He stated that the government would assume much of the responsibility of fixing the economy, however, the people needed to lend a hand as well. It was with his leadership, charisma, and drive that he led the country through the time.

Roosevelt’s congressional relationship was much better than most former US presidents. He knew as well as they did, that there needed to be changes to the United States in order to stay afloat, and they needed to happen quickly. A prime example of his relationship with Congress is the first Hundred Days of his first term. He spent the Hundred Days working harder than any other president, and he spat out several different proposals for federal relief. These groups that he brainstormed were placed into effect rapidly. This stroke of genius from the president mixed with congressional teamwork contributed so heavily to the recovery from the Great Depression.

Of all of the decisions FDR made during his presidency, the most beneficial effect on the US from him was the New Deal. The New Deal was a massive advancement in the attempt to salvage the United States economy. Roosevelt was focused on fixing the nation’s depression, so in the beginning of his presidency he launched several laws and started many organizations to help achieve his goal. Some of the organizations that helped the economy were the CCC-to provide jobs to young men who may otherwise end up mixed with crime, the Social Security Act-which provided the social security system that we have in effect today, and the NRA which created the Public Works Administration. All of the administrations listed before as well as several others helped to raise the economy greatly.

Although he had a great success, he also failed. Before his presidency, he had an affair with his wife’s social secretary. Regardless of his 13 year marriage at the time with Eleanor Roosevelt, he was in an extramarital affair with a Lucy Page Mercer. It is not recorded when he began the affair, but it is known that his wife discovered love letters between the two in 1918. She made Roosevelt end the affair. This took place before his time in office; however it did affect the country when he resumed the relationship while he was president. It is known that he had Lucy Mercer over multiple times while Eleanor was away. The dishonesty of the president isn’t even the worst mistake he made; he has been accused of sharing classified information with his secret lover. This clear disregard of the country’s interest over his own makes a bad name for the president.

FDR has been through a lot with America. His decision to get involved in WWII was the most influential decision. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor Franklin Delano Roosevelt had a decision to make. It was almost made for him, but it was a decision nonetheless to go to war with Germany, Japan, and Italy. This was the most powerful choice that he made because it ultimately changed America forever. By stepping up to fight in the war, he not only defended America and changed their neutral stance at the time, but also helped to win the fight and fix the economy in the process. Because of the increased needs that the war left on America, more people received jobs producing machinery, or providing food for the troops. This boost to the economy got the nation out of the Great Depression. Roosevelt saved future generations from the Nazi forces and also to the poor living conditions from the great depression.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a near perfect president. He used his incredible leadership to sustain the United States through the Great Depression, until he could put an end to it by joining the Allies in WWII. America is much better off now than it could have been if FDR did not serve this country as US president number 32. Once again, he deserves an A because of his outstanding leadership despite his one snag with his affair. Works Cited 1934, the New Deal was encountering opposition from both ends of the political spectrum. All around the country, brazen unions Â— some Marxist-influenced Â— sparked job actions, and including a city-wide strike. "The New Deal." //United States American History//. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Dec. 2011. . 1943, late, the postwar future of Europe. Roosevelt met with Churchill, and the Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek. "Franklin D. Roosevelt - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." //Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia//. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Dec. 2011. . Chamberlin, William Henry. "FDR's Role in Starting WWII by William Henry Chamberlin." //Welcome to The Memory Hole//. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Dec. 2011. . DeGregorio, William A.. //The Complete Book of US Presidents: From George Washington to Bill Clinton.//. New York: Wing Books, 1997. Print. "FDR." //Your Discovery//. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Dec. 2011. . recovery, 1935 the Nation had achieved some measure of, but businessmen, bankers were turning more, more against Roosevelt's New Deal program. They feared his experiments, were appalled because he had taken the Nation off the gold standard, allowed deficits in the budget, new controls over banks, public utilities, and an enormous work relief program for the unemployed.. "Franklin D. Roosevelt | The White House." //The White House//. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Dec. 2011. .

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