Contrary to popular belief, the notions of good, bad, and ugly are often thought to be completely objective. Nevertheless, opinions regarding good and bad can vary among people, but the determination of someone being considered as ugly is an indisputable truth. Franklin Delano Roosevelt serves as a prime example in this regard as he was anything but unattractive. Measuring at 6 feet 2 inches tall, with brown hair and gray-blue eyes, he had an imposing physical presence. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that Roosevelt possessed exceptional qualities that went beyond his appealing looks.
Having held various government positions, Roosevelt gained political experience at both grassroots and central levels. He served as the assistant secretary of the navy under President Woodrow Wilson from 1913 to 1920 and concurrently held the position of Governor of New York from 1928 to 1932. With an extensive range of experience and significant tenure in each role, Roosevelt possessed formidable qualifications for pursuing a career in politics.
Franklin D. Roosevelt is famous for his proactive approach in addressing the Great Depression, a crisis that holds great historical significance in America since the Civil War. Despite the demanding nature of his work, Roosevelt displayed his intelligence by implementing measures to help Americans during his time as Governor of New York. Unlike other presidents who shy away from such endeavors, Roosevelt embraced the responsibility of the government to directly assist and support its citizens when needed.
Roosevelt recognized the necessity of prompt and efficient assistance to the American population. He addressed this by introducing his “New Deal” Program, which entailed the establishment of different agencies and initiatives to revive the country. In his initial 100 days in office, he collaborated with a special congress session to enact recovery laws, resulting in the creation of alphabet agencies like the AAA (Agricultural Adjustment Administration), supporting agricultural prices, and the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), offering employment opportunities for young men.
According to the FDR library, various other agencies provided insurance for bank deposits, regulated the stock market, and assisted those who were unemployed. These measures were part of FDR’s New Deal policies, which played a critical role in initiating America’s recovery from the depression. However, FDR believed that more actions were necessary. In 1937, he proposed adding additional justices to the Supreme Court with the aim of eliminating any opposition to his policies. Critics argued that this move was an effort to “pack” the Court and undermine the separation of powers. By 1939, as Europe entered World War II, Roosevelt shifted his focus from recovery to preparedness.
FDR initiated aid to France, Great Britain, and China while also bolstering the military. He recognized the inevitability of war and opposed isolationists in order to ready the nation. The fall of France in 1940 fundamentally changed perspectives, prompting FDR to enact lend-lease policy and back the preservation of European democracies. America’s formal entry into the war arose from a tragic event – the unexpected bombings at Pearl Harbor.
Roosevelt served as Commander-in-Chief with utmost excellence, guiding America to victory. His unwavering dedication in both domestic affairs and times of conflict surpassed that of any other president. After dedicating fourteen years to his beloved country, Franklin Delano Roosevelt ultimately exhausted himself and made the ultimate sacrifice. On April 12, 1945, he passed away in Warm Springs, Georgia after suffering a stroke.
Works Cited
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Biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt. ” Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. National Archives. Web. 15 Nov. 2009.
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“Franklin D. Roosevelt . ” The White House. The White House. Web. 16 Nov. 2009.
- Rozell, Mark J. , and William D. Pederson, eds. FDR and the modern presidency leadership and legacy. Westport, Conn: Praeger, 1997. Print.
