In 1939 unemployment stood at 9.2 million; in 1929, it was
2.6 million. Why is FDR remembered by scholars and by the American public as a
great, even the greatest President? (100 words, by Friday 19/4 5pm).
Scholars and the American public remember FDR as one of the greatest Presidents in history because of the unprecedented reforms that he ushered in during his Presidency.
Within his first 100 days he successfully implemented reforms that dealt with the banking crisis and the budget, such as the Emergency Banking Act and the Glass-Steagall Act. He also repealed prohibition.
However, FDR’s most significant legacy was the suite of reforms known as the New Deal. These reforms dramatically expanded the role of government, and are the foundation of the modern welfare state. This included a massive program of public works, which put Americans to work building roads, airports, prisons and government buildings. These infrastructure projects have contributed significantly to America’s prosperity today. The 1935 Social Security Act introduced a pension scheme, unemployment benefits and aid to needy children. Unlike President Hoover, FDR did not see poverty as a moral failing. Rather, it was a consequence of natural economic forces.
While the economic impact of these reforms is debated, FDR is credited with defining a new role for the Federal Government as well as revitalizing the Presidency (for example, through his fireside chats).
FDR is remembered as a great US president due to the reforms he instigated during his first 100 days as president in order to combat the horrific economic effects of the great depression.
These reforms undertaken by FDR became known as the New Deal, as they offered a 'new deal' to the American people though the development of the welfare system, creation of jobs through new institutions such as the Civilian Conservation Corps and infrastructure projects; a legacy which still bears relevance today.
No president since FDR has been able to implement such radical changes so quickly into their presidential term, nor change the role of president as FDR did- expanding the role and powers of a president dramatically.
Despite unemployment remaining high during FDR's second term in 1939, his earlier radical reforms had enabled those without jobs to have some level of security as WW2 loomed.
FDR is remembered by scholars and the American public due to policies he implemented and his personal style of politics. He was viewed as very intelligent and highly charismatic and brought confidence to the Presidency in a time when such an approach was sorely needed. Under FDR the federal government took responsibility for the state of the economy through measures such as the Emergency Banking Act and the Social Security Act. With social security, the federal government because responsible for helping the jobless and needy for the first time. This changed the peoples' perception of the role of government and the role of the President. As this change directly benefitted the population, it contributed towards FDR being remembered favourably. Further, FDR's personality and approach to politics was a large part of his enduring popular image. With his fireside chats FDR invited himself into the living rooms of the nation and made the figure of the President more accessible than ever before. This deep personal connection was vital in ensuring his favourable position in American memory.
Facing the Depression, FDR's promise of a new deal for Americans led to great support from its citizens. The stock market crash in 1929 explains the high rise in unemployment over the next decade and leads to FDR's election, following Hoover's lack of incentive and responsibility after the crash. Unlike Hoover, FDR understood the situation facing America and put the Federal Government in a position of responsibility; understanding the need of government involvement for the economy to recover. His popularity further increased through his personal 'fireside chats' and understanding attitude that the depression did not stem from the country's moral failings. The New Deal created new organisations and acts such as the NRA, Emergency Banking Act and the CCC. 1935 onwards saw the formation of the WPA which aimed at putting many unemployed Americans back into the workforce as well as the Social Security Act which contained Unemployment benefits. Overall, the New Deal aided the American society in numerous ways and established FDR as a popular president, though employment remained quite high.
Despite a rise in unemployment numbers over the decade following 1929, FDR implemented drastic reforms in this time that defined the terms of US politics and government for generations to come.
For example, FDR revolutionized the role of the Federal Government as he recognized America’s state of poverty was a result of economic forces rather than individual failings. This led to the Federal Government taking responsibility to stimulate the economy and help the poor.
The immediate impacts of his reforms were seen in assisting America’s recovery from the Great Depression. It is for these reasons FDR is considered one of the greatest Presidents.
FDR is remembered as a great president for many reasons. He made himself appear much more approachable and friendly to the American public than any previous president through his fireside chats. By explaining the state of the union in simple, understandable terms to the nation, he was able to gain their confidence and praise. FDR is also remembered as the president who got the country working again by implementing far-reaching economic policies such as the New Deal. By getting more people back to work, he managed to stimulate the economy and bring America out of the Great Depression. Over the first 100 days of his presidency, FDR created radical reforms that have changed the scope and power of the president as well as his relationship with the public irrevocably.
FDR expanded the federal government, implemented policies that only a few years ago would have been unimaginable and had great successes in providing aid to those in need. His greatest achievement however is providing all these changes while maintaining the American system. Many of FDRs policies were seen as radical at the time, but rather than fundamentally undermining the American System they managed to save it and be absorbed into it.
Today social security and labor union rights are a part of American society, accepted by many liberal and conservative thinkers. FDR was not revolutionary, he walked a fine line between far-left and far-right and managed to adapt the system and yet reconcile it with ideas of capitalism. If anything he saved the system from a more radical upheaval.
Faced with the devastating consequences of the Depression, FDR offered Americans a beacon of hope in the era of economic despair and connected with citizens in an unprecedented manner. The lasting legacies of his reforms are still largely felt by Americans today. FDR radically transformed the relationship between the Federal government and its citizens through policies that provided for an assumption of responsibilities by the Federal government, rather than the states. This was through his suite of unprecedented reforms to banking regulation and the provision of social security through the Social Security Act 1935. The creation of a national employment scheme through programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corp and National Recovery Administration led to the creation of over 100,000 jobs.
While some historians may argue that FDR’s reforms were modest contributions to the unemployment rate, FDR’s new way of engaging with the people through his radio show and reforms has ensured that he remains a great figure in American popular memory.
FDR is remembered by scholars and by the American public as a great President due to the social and economic policies he enacted when elected. Faced with a poverty stricken America as a result of the Great Depression, one of the first bills passed by FDR was that of the New Deal - a series of economic laws concentrating on Relief, Recovery and Reform. Previously, economic aid was seen to be the responsibility of the states and charities. FDR shifted this responsibility and placed it upon the government, a change that reinforced FDR's commitment to the public. As a result, this saw favourable opinions of FDR by scholars and the public.
Furthermore, the way FDR interacted with the American public was of great benefit towards him being remembered favourably. His fireside chats enabled him to interact with the public on a personal level in the safety and comfort of their homes. Such a personal connection with the public was unprecedented at this time and is consequently an important feature of his presidency.
FDR is overwhelmingly remembered by scholars and the American public as a great President due to his rapid and vigorous response to the Great Depression, his transformative personal style of leadership and his liberal “new deal” political philosophy which dominated American society under the Democrats. The first 100 days of the Roosevelt administration is widely viewed as a success with confidence restored in bank deposits, 275,000 men employed in the Civilian Conservation Corps by August 1933 and the implementation of big government projects such as the Tennessee Valley Authority to help develop and stimulate agriculture and industry production. FDR’s fireside chats evoked support among the Democrats now established voting base including urban liberals and disadvantaged social classes. FDR’s presidency marked the beginning of greater federal government involvement in American society and an growing administration stocked with university educated officials. Criticism of his Presidency can be levelled at the failure to truly end high unemployment and until mobilisation for WWII as well as his lack of initiative in race relations.
FDR is regarded as a great president in that he suggested the revised agenda which government engage in economic activity for making the social system balenced.
In the beginning of New Deal, FDR focused on stabilizing the economic crisis by controlling bank system and expanding the public work for creating work places. Funding public work programs needed the great expenditure for constructing infrastructure by WPA. However, it can be viewed that a range of relief case is too one-sided because it does not take into account an aged group that have a high level of unemployment such as elderly people and youth and there is discrimination in selecting beneficiaries. and some argued that it is one of the political strategies. Although solving the unemployment problem failed in FDR's term, the great efforts are made to stabilize working conditions through NIRA. The social security played a huge role in promoting social welfare activity as well. FDR also used radio as transmission model to communicate and interact with people. These points are largely appealed to remind people to get sanguine expectations.
FDR's implementation of policy for stabilising the banking system and promoting economic growth is just one of the strategies that made him one of, if not the, most popular presidents in US history. These policies, revealed as the 'New Deal' for American's continued following the end of the depression and in many opinions saved America from the devastation and upheaval that many other nations experienced as a result of the Depression. His decision to go to War (WWII) is also arguably a factor for the improvement of the economy and living standards following the Depression. His approach to the people and communication through new forms, for example his radio broadcasts known as the Fireside chats allowed people to bring the voice of the president into their homes. This contributed to the belief that FDR was an honest and trusted leader.
FDR is remembered as a great President for reasons including that his administration oversaw America being lifted out of the Great Depression. These tough years destroyed the political career of the previous President Herbert Hoover. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 was disastrous decision for Hoover’s popularity at home and abroad, which FDR was seen to have corrected through the New Deal and tariff reductions on the advice of secretary of state Cordell Hull. Obviously FDR’s role stimulating economic growth and increasing employment make him popular with the general American population. However perhaps this President who freed up trade and increased fiscal spending to increase growth, led to strong popularity with the majority of academia where neoliberal economic ideology is dominant.
The American public and numerous scholars remember FDR as one of the greatest American presidents due to his New Deal policies and the way he transformed the role of the government during a time of great economic crisis. The reforms implemented by FDR helped to restore confidence in the banking system, reduce unemployment and develop a welfare state to prevent another Depression. The Social Security Act (1935) provided assistance to everyday people, created unemployment benefits and pension schemes to protect those most vulnerable, policies unprecedented in the US. FDR’s fireside chats and charismatic nature resulted in widespread support, as communication opened and people felt a more personal connection to the president. His development of the welfare state and willingness to help those in need contributed to FDR’s reputation as one of the greatest presidents.
FDR is remembered as a great president because of his confident leadership, his intelligence, his integrity, and for acting for the common good of the nation. He was an astute politician who restored confidence in America. Roosevelt avoided a sudden economic collapse by stabilising the banking system when it was in crisis. He organised government jobs in reforestation projects, flood control and soil conservation for unemployed men, giving them a belief in themselves. Under Roosevelt, the TVA built more dams, generating low cost hydro-electricity which assisted farmers and stimulated industrial development. He organised means-tested social welfare for the unemployed, who were required to work on relief projects, giving them a sense of purpose and self worth. Roosevelt was accessible to the people because he welcomed their letters and organised for replies to be written by his staff. He also demonstrated his accessibility by connecting with the public through weekly radio broadcasts.
Despite high unemployment in America throughout the 1930s, scholars and the American public consider FDR as one of the greatest presidents due to his ability to inspire Americans and to reshape the role of government. His ‘fireside chats’ created the impression of a connection between him and the people, and his leadership in what became a victorious war coincided with domestic prosperity. Furthermore, his New Deal programmes henceforth increased the responsibility of the federal government for the economic security of the people.
Scholars and the American public remember FDR as one of the greatest Presidents in history because of the unprecedented reforms that he ushered in during his Presidency.
ReplyDeleteWithin his first 100 days he successfully implemented reforms that dealt with the banking crisis and the budget, such as the Emergency Banking Act and the Glass-Steagall Act. He also repealed prohibition.
However, FDR’s most significant legacy was the suite of reforms known as the New Deal. These reforms dramatically expanded the role of government, and are the foundation of the modern welfare state. This included a massive program of public works, which put Americans to work building roads, airports, prisons and government buildings. These infrastructure projects have contributed significantly to America’s prosperity today. The 1935 Social Security Act introduced a pension scheme, unemployment benefits and aid to needy children. Unlike President Hoover, FDR did not see poverty as a moral failing. Rather, it was a consequence of natural economic forces.
While the economic impact of these reforms is debated, FDR is credited with defining a new role for the Federal Government as well as revitalizing the Presidency (for example, through his fireside chats).
FDR is remembered as a great US president due to the reforms he instigated during his first 100 days as president in order to combat the horrific economic effects of the great depression.
ReplyDeleteThese reforms undertaken by FDR became known as the New Deal, as they offered a 'new deal' to the American people though the development of the welfare system, creation of jobs through new institutions such as the Civilian Conservation Corps and infrastructure projects; a legacy which still bears relevance today.
No president since FDR has been able to implement such radical changes so quickly into their presidential term, nor change the role of president as FDR did- expanding the role and powers of a president dramatically.
Despite unemployment remaining high during FDR's second term in 1939, his earlier radical reforms had enabled those without jobs to have some level of security as WW2 loomed.
For these reasons, FDR is remembered favorably.
FDR is remembered by scholars and the American public due to policies he implemented and his personal style of politics. He was viewed as very intelligent and highly charismatic and brought confidence to the Presidency in a time when such an approach was sorely needed. Under FDR the federal government took responsibility for the state of the economy through measures such as the Emergency Banking Act and the Social Security Act. With social security, the federal government because responsible for helping the jobless and needy for the first time. This changed the peoples' perception of the role of government and the role of the President. As this change directly benefitted the population, it contributed towards FDR being remembered favourably. Further, FDR's personality and approach to politics was a large part of his enduring popular image. With his fireside chats FDR invited himself into the living rooms of the nation and made the figure of the President more accessible than ever before. This deep personal connection was vital in ensuring his favourable position in American memory.
ReplyDeleteFacing the Depression, FDR's promise of a new deal for Americans led to great support from its citizens. The stock market crash in 1929 explains the high rise in unemployment over the next decade and leads to FDR's election, following Hoover's lack of incentive and responsibility after the crash. Unlike Hoover, FDR understood the situation facing America and put the Federal Government in a position of responsibility; understanding the need of government involvement for the economy to recover. His popularity further increased through his personal 'fireside chats' and understanding attitude that the depression did not stem from the country's moral failings. The New Deal created new organisations and acts such as the NRA, Emergency Banking Act and the CCC. 1935 onwards saw the formation of the WPA which aimed at putting many unemployed Americans back into the workforce as well as the Social Security Act which contained Unemployment benefits. Overall, the New Deal aided the American society in numerous ways and established FDR as a popular president, though employment remained quite high.
ReplyDeleteDespite a rise in unemployment numbers over the decade following 1929, FDR implemented drastic reforms in this time that defined the terms of US politics and government for generations to come.
ReplyDeleteFor example, FDR revolutionized the role of the Federal Government as he recognized America’s state of poverty was a result of economic forces rather than individual failings. This led to the Federal Government taking responsibility to stimulate the economy and help the poor.
The immediate impacts of his reforms were seen in assisting America’s recovery from the Great Depression. It is for these reasons FDR is considered one of the greatest Presidents.
FDR is remembered as a great president for many reasons. He made himself appear much more approachable and friendly to the American public than any previous president through his fireside chats. By explaining the state of the union in simple, understandable terms to the nation, he was able to gain their confidence and praise. FDR is also remembered as the president who got the country working again by implementing far-reaching economic policies such as the New Deal. By getting more people back to work, he managed to stimulate the economy and bring America out of the Great Depression. Over the first 100 days of his presidency, FDR created radical reforms that have changed the scope and power of the president as well as his relationship with the public irrevocably.
ReplyDeleteFDR expanded the federal government, implemented policies that only a few years ago would have been unimaginable and had great successes in providing aid to those in need. His greatest achievement however is providing all these changes while maintaining the American system. Many of FDRs policies were seen as radical at the time, but rather than fundamentally undermining the American System they managed to save it and be absorbed into it.
ReplyDeleteToday social security and labor union rights are a part of American society, accepted by many liberal and conservative thinkers. FDR was not revolutionary, he walked a fine line between far-left and far-right and managed to adapt the system and yet reconcile it with ideas of capitalism. If anything he saved the system from a more radical upheaval.
Faced with the devastating consequences of the Depression, FDR offered Americans a beacon of hope in the era of economic despair and connected with citizens in an unprecedented manner. The lasting legacies of his reforms are still largely felt by Americans today. FDR radically transformed the relationship between the Federal government and its citizens through policies that provided for an assumption of responsibilities by the Federal government, rather than the states. This was through his suite of unprecedented reforms to banking regulation and the provision of social security through the Social Security Act 1935. The creation of a national employment scheme through programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corp and National Recovery Administration led to the creation of over 100,000 jobs.
ReplyDeleteWhile some historians may argue that FDR’s reforms were modest contributions to the unemployment rate, FDR’s new way of engaging with the people through his radio show and reforms has ensured that he remains a great figure in American popular memory.
FDR is remembered by scholars and by the American public as a great President due to the social and economic policies he enacted when elected. Faced with a poverty stricken America as a result of the Great Depression, one of the first bills passed by FDR was that of the New Deal - a series of economic laws concentrating on Relief, Recovery and Reform. Previously, economic aid was seen to be the responsibility of the states and charities. FDR shifted this responsibility and placed it upon the government, a change that reinforced FDR's commitment to the public. As a result, this saw favourable opinions of FDR by scholars and the public.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, the way FDR interacted with the American public was of great benefit towards him being remembered favourably. His fireside chats enabled him to interact with the public on a personal level in the safety and comfort of their homes. Such a personal connection with the public was unprecedented at this time and is consequently an important feature of his presidency.
FDR is overwhelmingly remembered by scholars and the American public as a great President due to his rapid and vigorous response to the Great Depression, his transformative personal style of leadership and his liberal “new deal” political philosophy which dominated American society under the Democrats. The first 100 days of the Roosevelt administration is widely viewed as a success with confidence restored in bank deposits, 275,000 men employed in the Civilian Conservation Corps by August 1933 and the implementation of big government projects such as the Tennessee Valley Authority to help develop and stimulate agriculture and industry production. FDR’s fireside chats evoked support among the Democrats now established voting base including urban liberals and disadvantaged social classes. FDR’s presidency marked the beginning of greater federal government involvement in American society and an growing administration stocked with university educated officials. Criticism of his Presidency can be levelled at the failure to truly end high unemployment and until mobilisation for WWII as well as his lack of initiative in race relations.
ReplyDeleteFDR is regarded as a great president in that he suggested the revised agenda which government engage in economic activity for making the social system balenced.
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of New Deal, FDR focused on stabilizing the economic crisis by controlling bank system and expanding the public work for creating work places. Funding public work programs needed the great expenditure for constructing infrastructure by WPA. However, it can be viewed that a range of relief case is too one-sided because it does not take into account an aged group that have a high level of unemployment such as elderly people and youth and there is discrimination in selecting beneficiaries. and some argued that it is one of the political strategies. Although solving the unemployment problem failed in FDR's term, the great efforts are made to stabilize working conditions through NIRA. The social security played a huge role in promoting social welfare activity as well. FDR also used radio as transmission model to communicate and interact with people. These points are largely appealed to remind people to get sanguine expectations.
FDR's implementation of policy for stabilising the banking system and promoting economic growth is just one of the strategies that made him one of, if not the, most popular presidents in US history. These policies, revealed as the 'New Deal' for American's continued following the end of the depression and in many opinions saved America from the devastation and upheaval that many other nations experienced as a result of the Depression. His decision to go to War (WWII) is also arguably a factor for the improvement of the economy and living standards following the Depression. His approach to the people and communication through new forms, for example his radio broadcasts known as the Fireside chats allowed people to bring the voice of the president into their homes. This contributed to the belief that FDR was an honest and trusted leader.
ReplyDeleteFDR is remembered as a great President for reasons including that his administration oversaw America being lifted out of the Great Depression. These tough years destroyed the political career of the previous President Herbert Hoover. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 was disastrous decision for Hoover’s popularity at home and abroad, which FDR was seen to have corrected through the New Deal and tariff reductions on the advice of secretary of state Cordell Hull.
ReplyDeleteObviously FDR’s role stimulating economic growth and increasing employment make him popular with the general American population. However perhaps this President who freed up trade and increased fiscal spending to increase growth, led to strong popularity with the majority of academia where neoliberal economic ideology is dominant.
The American public and numerous scholars remember FDR as one of the greatest American presidents due to his New Deal policies and the way he transformed the role of the government during a time of great economic crisis. The reforms implemented by FDR helped to restore confidence in the banking system, reduce unemployment and develop a welfare state to prevent another Depression. The Social Security Act (1935) provided assistance to everyday people, created unemployment benefits and pension schemes to protect those most vulnerable, policies unprecedented in the US. FDR’s fireside chats and charismatic nature resulted in widespread support, as communication opened and people felt a more personal connection to the president. His development of the welfare state and willingness to help those in need contributed to FDR’s reputation as one of the greatest presidents.
ReplyDeleteFDR is remembered as a great president because of his confident leadership, his intelligence, his integrity, and for acting for the common good of the nation. He was an astute politician who restored confidence in America. Roosevelt avoided a sudden economic collapse by stabilising the banking system when it was in crisis. He organised government jobs in reforestation projects, flood control and soil conservation for unemployed men, giving them a belief in themselves. Under Roosevelt, the TVA built more dams, generating low cost hydro-electricity which assisted farmers and stimulated industrial development. He organised means-tested social welfare for the unemployed, who were required to work on relief projects, giving them a sense of purpose and self worth. Roosevelt was accessible to the people because he welcomed their letters and organised for replies to be written by his staff. He also demonstrated his accessibility by connecting with the public through weekly radio broadcasts.
ReplyDeleteDespite high unemployment in America throughout the 1930s, scholars and the American public consider FDR as one of the greatest presidents due to his ability to inspire Americans and to reshape the role of government. His ‘fireside chats’ created the impression of a connection between him and the people, and his leadership in what became a victorious war coincided with domestic prosperity. Furthermore, his New Deal programmes henceforth increased the responsibility of the federal government for the economic security of the people.
ReplyDelete