Franklin d. Roosevelt Essay

Mina Kaji
Franklin D. Roosevelt Economics Term Paper

Franklin D. Roosevelt, America’s thirty-second president, transformed America’s government system, and somewhat defined fiscal policy. His optimism sparked hope in the American people during The Great Depression, and he transformed a nation that allowed them to win a world war. Franklin Roosevelt allowed America to survive through the two worst crisis of the century, and brought the country together at the worst of times. But most importantly, Roosevelt changed the role of government involvement in the economy, and through his pragmatist theories, showed the American people that the government could impose a change.
Franklin Roosevelt’s presidential term lasted from 1932 to mid-1945. He was the only president in history to be elected for four consecutive terms. Roosevelt was an idealistic and spirited, liberal president wanting America to remain a place where freedom and democracy lived on. He believed in a larger government and was an advocate for aiding the less fortunate. During his time as president, the Democrats held majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. President Roosevelt appointed Marriner Stoddard Eccles as the Chair of the Federal Reserve, a supporter of Keynesian theories, who served as the Chairman from 1934 to 1948. With strong Democratic support from both the houses, and a newly appointed Chair, Roosevelt was on his way to making the impact he wanted.
Prior to becoming President, Roosevelt had a lot of political and overall life experience that shaped his policy- making. Originally he had intended a degree in law, but became very bored with it, and wanted to go somewhere else with his positivity and high-energy personality. Throughout his life, he had idolized his wife Eleanor’s uncle, Teddy Roosevelt. Teddy became almost an obsession for Franklin, he was fascinated by his energy, and wanted to do good for the country just like him. He eventually laid out a plan to blaze that Teddy had followed, and in 1910, Roosevelt started his political career by running as the Democratic candidate for the state senate seat from Duchess County, New York. Although most of his family had been Republicans, including his idol, he thought, “there was just not enough room for another Republican Roosevelt.” Roosevelt’s experience with the senate allowed him to gain national exposure and he gained valuable experience in political tactics that would aid him later in his political career. He served as the chair of the agricultural committee, and was very successful in passing farm, labor, and social welfare program bills.
In 1913, Roosevelt left the senate, and was appointed as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy by President Woodrow Wilson. During this time, the Navy began to prepare for the First World War. Roosevelt specialized in businesses operations due to his educational background and worked with Congress to approve budgets, and eventually founded the United States Naval Reserve. Roosevelt loved the Navy, and pushed for the biggest fleet in history. Due to his experience with the Navy, he built an enthusiastic, hard-working reputation. He was thriving professionally and made many personal relationships with the respected people of Washington D.C. He had successfully learned to deal with Congress, labor, and businessmen. He was doing so well in fact, he was chosen as the Democrat vice-presidential candidate in 1920, one of the youngest in American history. He held a party rally in his Hyde Park home and led a grueling campaign. He barnstormed more than 8,000 miles and 28 states in just 18 days. During this time, he really got to know the country and its people, but eventually he lost the election. This election was still a triumph in Roosevelt’s career, however, because he gained national exposure and had won the good will of thousands of party leaders.
In 1921, Roosevelt’s health took a turn for the worse and he began to feel weak,

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Franklin D Roosevelt Dbq