Presidential Greatness: An Analysis of FDR’s Presidency
The ability to provide effective, inspiring, visionary, and transformational leadership during times of challenge and crisis is the definition of presidential greatness. While some presidents have achieved success and effectiveness, only a few have truly reached greatness. It should be emphasized that success and effectiveness alone do not make a president great.
The distinction between presidential effectiveness and presidential greatness is that the latter can only be attained when a president’s extraordinary leadership, innovative concepts, and transformative achievements have a enduring and favorable influence that changes the course of American history. Franklin D. Roosevelt serves as an embodiment of presidential greatness as he skillfully steered the United States through the Great Depression and led them to triumph in World War II.
President FDR had a profound impact on American history with his significant achievements during his four terms in office. He successfully revitalized the struggling economy and banking systems, leading to decades of prosperity. Furthermore, his leadership during World War II transformed the United States from an isolationist nation into a dominant global superpower. The presidency of FDR is widely recognized as exceptional for various other reasons.
He was the first and only president to serve four unprecedented terms in office, with some speculating that he might have even achieved a fifth term if not for his untimely death. He transferred the presidency to Harry Truman and displayed remarkable courage in response to the national emergency of Pearl Harbor, leading the country into World War II. As mentioned before, he successfully revived the nation from the Great Depression and remains the sole disabled president in history. His tenure yielded significant achievements, as many of the programs he established during his presidency persist until today.
Franklin Roosevelt was born on January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York. His parents were James Roosevelt and Sara Delanor Roosevelt. Franklin was an only child from his father’s second marriage (although he did have an older brother who passed away in 1927). Instead of going to traditional schools, Franklin received education from tutors and his parents until he went to preparatory school. His parents were part of the American “aristocracy” and very wealthy. According to a biographer, Franklin had a privileged upbringing with frequent trips to Europe starting at the age of two. When he was 14 years old, he started attending Groton School before going to Harvard College four years later where he earned a BA degree in history within three years (from 1900 to 1903). Although he studied law at Columbia University without completing a degree program, he successfully passed the bar exam in 1907.
After practicing law in New York City for three years, he decided to enter politics in 1910 and successfully won the election for the New York State Senate. From that point on, his focus shifted towards a career in politics and public service (Biography 2007). In 1905, he married Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, who was not only his distant cousin but also the niece of former president Teddy Roosevelt. Their marriage resulted in six children; however, tragically one of them died during infancy. The surviving children are Anna (born in 1906), James (born in 1907), Elliott (born in 1910), Franklin Jr. (born in 1914), and John(born in 1916).
Eleanor, Roosevelt’s wife, played a crucial role in his political comeback after he contracted polio in 1921 (Abbott 1990). In 1912, Roosevelt was re-elected to the New York Senate and gained national recognition from the Democratic Party. As a token of gratitude for supporting him in the 1912 presidential election, Wilson appointed Roosevelt as Assistant Secretary of the Navy from 1913 to 1920 (Abbott 1990).
During World War I, Roosevelt gained valuable knowledge that would later prove useful when he became president during World War II. In 1920, the Democratic Party offered him the chance to be Vice-President on their ticket, but his foreign policies were not popular and Warren G. Harding won the election instead. This was the first time since his Senate election that Roosevelt went back to living a private life (Biography 2007). This period was significant and challenging for Roosevelt because before 1921, he was an active and healthy person who enjoyed sports and intellectual activities.
During his vacation in Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Roosevelt fell ill and caught polio, which resulted in the paralysis of his legs. This led to his reliance on canes or crutches for support and he spent a majority of his life bound to a wheelchair. Despite being just thirty-nine years old when he became sick, Roosevelt received assistance from his wife and friends that helped him recover and reenter politics (Abbott 1990). In 1924, he nominated Governor Alfred E. Smith of New York as a presidential candidate.
Smith was defeated in the 1928 nomination, but Roosevelt ran for governor and proposed replacing Smith. In that year, Roosevelt became the elected New York Governor and was re-elected in 1930. By 1932, he became the Democratic candidate for President and defeated Herbert Hoover to win the election. One factor that contributed to Roosevelt’s victory was his direct strategy in addressing the Great Depression that had engulfed the nation after the stock market crash of 1929. Despite their uniqueness, his solutions have endured as evidence of his visionary and problem-solving approach.
Roosevelt comprehended the desire of the American populace for a resolution to the dire era of the Great Depression. In his capacity as president, he took immediate action by calling for a special session of Congress known as “The First Hundred Days.” During this critical phase of his presidency, he steadfastly worked towards implementing extensive reforms with the goal of mitigating the depression and rejuvenating employment opportunities for Americans (Biography 2007). These initial hundred days of his administration effectively accomplished multiple aims and objectives, alongside establishing several fresh government agencies committed to addressing economic, employment, and agricultural issues.
Some of the agencies created by him in the first hundred days include:
– The Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) to support farm prices and revive farming and agriculture.
– The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that employed young men in forests and other natural areas.
– The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to ensure bank funds and prevent future bank failures.
– The National Recovery Act (NRA) that encouraged industry to increase wages, regulate working hours, and generate employment (Biography 2007).
Roosevelt tackled the Great Depression by implementing various measures aimed at boosting employment and stabilizing the economy. Unemployment was a significant problem during the depression, so Roosevelt established government agencies to create job opportunities. Additionally, the widespread bank failures resulting from people withdrawing all their money at once posed another challenge. Consequently, upon his inauguration on March 4, 1933, Roosevelt promptly shut down all banks in America on March 6 to restore their stability and funding. These banks remained closed for a month. In a national address in July 1933, he stated that within one month, 90% of national bank deposits had become accessible to depositors. Currently, only around 5% of national bank deposits remain tied up. To prevent future crises or panics, Roosevelt also introduced the FDIC, which still exists today. This measure aimed to safeguard deposits in all banks in case of disasters or panics, recognizing it as a vital priority within the first hundred days.
In his 1946 inaugural address, Roosevelt stressed the importance of two safeguards to prevent a repeat of past issues. Firstly, there must be strict supervision of banking, credit activities, and investments to eradicate speculation with others’ money. Secondly, provision should be made for a currency that is both sufficient and stable. While banking was a primary concern during the first hundred days of his presidency, Roosevelt had many other priorities as well.
In addition to shutting down the banks and establishing numerous new federal agencies within the initial hundred days, the president and Congress collaborated on legislation pertaining to mortgages and loans. They formulated the Home Loan Act, Farm Loan Act, and Bankruptcy Act, which collectively aimed to safeguard property owners and unemployed workers. Furthermore, they implemented stricter regulations for the stock market, which had been primarily responsible for triggering the Great Depression with its crash in October 1929. Additionally, the president established the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), for which Congress allocated significant funding to provide assistance for those in dire need throughout the nation (Biography 2007).
However, Roosevelt did not rest after the initial one hundred days in office. The Great Depression persisted throughout the 1930s until World War II commenced. Consequently, Roosevelt persisted in establishing programs and agencies aimed at aiding the country in its recovery throughout his administrations. Recognizing that one hundred days would not suffice to remedy the nation’s problems, Roosevelt implemented new policies throughout his first term. These policies, collectively known as the New Deal, extended until 1936 and the subsequent presidential election.
The Works Projects Administration (WPA) was a significant legislation during the New Deal that aimed to create employment opportunities for Americans through an extensive building program. This program included the construction of dams, highways, public buildings, and monuments nationwide. The WPA sought to support blue-collar workers as well as individuals in creative fields such as artists, photographers, writers, and others looking for jobs (Abbott 1990).
The New Deal, initiated by President Roosevelt, introduced social programs to help people find jobs and ensure the welfare of society. In 1935, Roosevelt enacted the Social Security Act, which provided monthly payments for individuals aged 65 and above, support for widows/widowers, and aid for those with disabilities. Today, the Social Security Act remains a significant and ongoing source of income and assistance for countless Americans, showcasing it as one of Roosevelt’s enduring legacies.
Walker (2003) states that Social Security, established by Roosevelt, was a pivotal moment in the federal government’s endeavors to redistribute income and support the welfare of older individuals. This achievement is considered one of Roosevelt’s enduring legacies. Initially, Roosevelt and his advisors proposed multiple programs before presenting them to Congress. Furthermore, Congress autonomously passed and modified numerous acts.
Roosevelt relied on his close cooperation with Congress and ability to persuade the American people of his policies to successfully overcome the depression. His regular radio broadcasts, known as “Fireside Chats”, played a crucial role in achieving this. Numerous recordings and written transcripts of these chats demonstrate Roosevelt’s unwavering determination to eliminate the depression and restore employment in America, despite the challenges and expenses involved. However, critics contended that Roosevelt’s policies were overly liberal or socialistic and contributed to the country’s deficit spending.
During the Great Depression, the country gradually recovered through increased production and job opportunities. However, it was the war in Europe that ultimately pulled the nation out of the depression. President Roosevelt had to address foreign policies and rising global tensions as World War II approached. To understand the controversies surrounding his presidency, it is important to comprehend how a president handles these issues and presents them to gain public support while undermining political opponents. For instance, there was extensive debate over government intervention in the economy, but FDR depicted it as a crucial measure with positive long-term effects. Through his effective and inspirational leadership during the 1930s Great Depression, FDR restored confidence in the government and economic system among American citizens.
Neustadt (1991) employed a range of techniques to instill self-belief, reestablish trust in the government, and demonstrate the essential qualities of confidence, bravery, and resolve that presidents require in times of peril jeopardizing the nation’s existence. These methods encompassed fireside chats, speeches, and face-to-face engagements with Americans throughout his nationwide travels.
During the Great Depression, FDR faced various challenges including high unemployment rates, failing banks, decreasing public trust in the government, and the potential rise of fascism or communism within the United States (Rothbard 2000). FDR’s goal was to restore economic stability and implement extensive changes in banking and the economy. These actions were mainly driven by the belief that greed and corruption within these systems had caused the 1929 stock market crash, which triggered the Great Depression.
When evaluating the success or failure of presidents and their leadership, it is important to examine whether they were able to achieve their goals and if their accomplishments had a lasting positive impact. The significant achievements of FDR during his first two terms serve as an example of how determining the greatness or effectiveness of a president depends on the scale and historical significance of what they were able to accomplish.
FDR’s comprehensive economic and banking reforms had both short-term and long-term positive impacts on the nation (Landy and Milkis 2001). If his actions as president had only had a short-term positive impact, he would have been considered effective but not great. However, his transformational effect on American government indicates that leadership qualities like a visionary approach to governance are crucial in determining a president’s greatness versus short-term effectiveness. FDR governed during the worst depression in American history, with one out of every three Americans unemployed and the threat of economic collapse looming. In such dire conditions, frustration and anger can escalate, leading to societal violence and chaos. Economic collapse often results in the breakdown of political systems and can lead to revolution or dictatorship.
Fortunately, FDR was able to avoid this disastrous situation by demonstrating great effectiveness during his first one-hundred days in office (Neustadt 1991). Congress passed important laws and his leadership inspired millions of Americans to believe that bravery, perseverance, and diligent effort would lead America out of the depths of the Great Depression. His effectiveness continued throughout the rest of his first term as he directed the American economy away from complete collapse and generated job opportunities through programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration.
According to the scholarly literature, historians and political scientists generally concur that FDR was a remarkable president. This consensus stems from his leadership style, which was both inspiring and marked by charisma, transformation, and adaptability. Moreover, Erwin Hargrove’s book The Effective Presidency highlights the significance of moral political leadership that aligns with American cultural ideals for true effectiveness (Hargrove 2008).
FDR’s New Deal policies were a manifestation of the traditional American principles of fairness and equality. These policies, which aimed to transform the political and economic landscape, were in direct opposition to Hoover’s unsuccessful approach to the Great Depression. FDR was determined to restore fairness and equality to America’s economic system (Rothbard 2000). As stated in Chapter 12 of Debating the Presidency, being a great leader entails being an agent of democratic change (Ellis and Nelson 2009).
FDR was an agent of democratic change during the Great Depression and achieved this change through effective communication. He successfully generated and maintained public support for his transformational New Deal policies. His fireside chats and public speeches were instrumental in restoring the faith of American citizens in their government. The New Deal Programs implemented by Roosevelt were crucial for economic recovery. Additionally, Roosevelt ran for the presidency again during the New Deal and was re-elected by an overwhelming majority in 1936. He continued his domestic work but also started expanding his foreign perspective.
He was re-elected in 1940 amidst Germany’s invasion of Poland, which marked the beginning of World War II in Europe. Running as a peace candidate, Roosevelt promised to keep the country out of the war (Biography 2007). However, everything changed at the end of 1941. Roosevelt’s foreign policies played a crucial role for the nation and were intricate. In response to trade difficulties with Central and South America in 1933, Roosevelt introduced the Good Neighbor Policy, focusing on cooperation and trade rather than military force to maintain stability in the hemisphere (Good Neighbor Policy 2003).
In the early 1930s, Roosevelt stressed the significance of peaceful international relations and avoiding unilateral intervention. The concept of the good neighbor policy was introduced by Roosevelt in his inaugural address, demonstrating its existence prior to the deteriorating situation in Europe. In this speech, he expressed his vision of a nation committed to being a good neighbor – valuing its own sovereignty and respecting others’ rights. This idea was further highlighted in another speech delivered by Roosevelt in 1935.
In 1946, Roosevelt stated that the United States’ primary objective was to prevent getting involved in war. Although some critics considered this stance as isolationist and believed it hindered engagement with European nations during a crucial period, the majority of people supported it and desired to avoid involvement in the European conflict. Nonetheless, Roosevelt recognized the threat Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party posed to Europe and democracy, leading to a departure from neutrality in the early stages of World War II.
According to Abbott (1990), in May 1941, he voiced his opinion on Hitler, claiming that Hitler’s aim was not only to dominate Europe but also to conquer other continents. If Hitler’s progress is not stopped forcefully, the Western Hemisphere will eventually be exposed to Nazi weapons of destruction. Despite recognizing the immense danger posed by Hitler, he maintained confidence in Europe’s ability to deal with him without intervention from the United States.
To thwart Hitler’s quest for worldwide control, he aided Great Britain by offering naval escorts to protect supply shipments and providing weapons and ammunition (Abbott 1990). Moreover, during a speech in October 1941, he disclosed the presence of a secret map crafted by the German government under Hitler’s rule. The map detailed their intentions to restructure South and Central America as part of a fresh global arrangement (Roosevelt 1946).
Roosevelt was aware of the threat posed by Hitler, but it was the Japanese who put the United States at risk in Europe and Asia. On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese, leading to America’s participation in World War II. Roosevelt famously referred to this attack as “a day which will live in infamy” (Roosevelt 1946), making it one of the darkest moments in American history, second only to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
After the attack, Roosevelt wasted no time in urging Congress to declare war on Japan and Germany because of their alliance. As a result, the United States fully joined World War II. In his speech, Roosevelt specifically mentioned Japan’s coordinated assaults on different Pacific countries such as Hong Kong and Midway Island. He stressed that “Japan has launched an unexpected offensive in the Pacific area. Yesterday’s events confirm this.”
According to Roosevelt (1946), the American people have already formed their opinions and comprehend the consequences for our nation’s life and safety. In addition, Roosevelt did not merely request Congress to declare war and then neglect any further support. As anticipated, Roosevelt promptly devised a comprehensive strategy to guarantee American dominance in technology and manpower. During a national address on December 9, he announced that he was urging any industry engaged in manufacturing or producing machinery for warfare to increase their production by operating seven days a week.
According to Abbott (1990), President Roosevelt emphasized the need for companies to expedite the construction of new plants to increase production of essential military supplies such as planes, ships, ammunition, and transportation. Initially, rationing was not implemented, but as the war progressed, Roosevelt introduced rationing for food and certain materials like gas and rubber to prioritize the supply of raw materials to the armed forces. By early 1942, rationing was fully implemented, leading the American people to adjust to a scarcity of various goods ranging from sugar to butter and nylon stockings.
Following the Pearl Harbor attacks, Roosevelt acted swiftly, displaying his resolve to address the damage done to the American population. As a precaution, he engaged the nation in the war and ensured that American industries were ready for the challenge. He regularly met with allied leaders in pursuit of peace, although he did not live to see it achieved. Ultimately, the United States emerged triumphant from the war, commemorating “V-E Day” upon securing victory in Europe. Later on, Germany surrendered in Berlin.
Victory in the Pacific, also known as V-J Day, was achieved on August 15, 1945 when Japanese Emperor Hirohito signed the articles of surrender aboard a U.S. ship near the coast of Japan. However, this victory was bittersweet as President Roosevelt, who played a crucial role in leading the war efforts, sadly passed away in April 1945. FDR’s effectiveness as a president during World War II can be attributed to his ability to inspire unity, demonstrate unwavering determination, and instill nationwide confidence by showcasing his own belief in victory.
FDR’s determination and confidence were crucial during the early stages of the war, when Allied defeats in Europe and the Pacific were frequent. His display of these qualities reassured the American people that victory was achievable. Throughout his first two terms as president, FDR consistently demonstrated determination, confidence, and inspirational leadership. These qualities laid the groundwork for his effectiveness and success in leading the nation during the Second World War.
Amidst the Great Depression, FDR’s leadership and actions fostered a profound trust among Americans, inspiring them to endure substantial sacrifices in their battle against fascism and Nazism across the globe. However, the unexpected assault on Pearl Harbor dealt a severe blow to the nation, confronting it with unprecedented adversaries. Consequently, FDR had to exhibit resolute determination and unwavering confidence (Schoenberg 2009).
Understanding the psychological aspects of leadership is crucial and distinguishes effective presidents from great presidents. Simply implementing good policies and making good decisions is insufficient for achieving presidential greatness. True excellence requires combining these elements with visionary leadership and a profound understanding of history (Gergen 2001).
FDR understood the importance of these elements and the essential requirement to build trust and confidence in the government and the president. Successful presidents achieve this by reassuring the public that they can conquer even the toughest obstacles. The development of the presidency in the United States is closely tied to the history of democracy. Presidents who have been ineffective have weakened public belief in democracy, while exceptional presidents have nurtured it.
As presidents fulfill their constitutional role as chief executives, democracy evolves. Presidents such as Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, FDR, and Lyndon Johnson, who are strong, decisive, and assertive, expand the powers of the presidency and reduce Congress’s political influence and importance. Contrastingly, weaker presidents decrease these powers, leading to Congressional dominance over the federal government and policy making.
According to historical and political analysis, FDR’s presidency has been a topic of debate regarding its effectiveness. Scholars have concluded that his success as a president was built upon his bravery and persistence in battling polio (Schoenberg 2009). These personal qualities allowed him to conquer major political and economic obstacles, ultimately establishing him as one of the notable American presidents who achieved significant accomplishments throughout his twelve-year tenure.
Despite the severe impact of polio, which would have likely deterred most individuals from pursuing political office, he successfully campaigned and became President of the United States. Throughout his tenure, he accomplished notable accomplishments such as navigating the nation through the Great Depression, rallying it for war after the Pearl Harbor attack, and establishing influential laws and government organizations that remain significant in presidential history.
Roosevelt’s lasting impact is permanent and cannot be erased. Following his death, Congress enacted a legislation barring any president from serving more than two terms. Roosevelt remains the sole person elected for four terms, and unless the law is modified by Congress, he will always maintain this unique distinction (Walker 2003). His courage and determination, developed through overcoming the physical challenges of polio, allowed him to have a remarkably significant presidency.
FDR served as an agent of democratic change and offered inspiring, confidence-building, and transformational leadership during his first two terms as president, aiding the United States in overcoming the devastating effects of the Great Depression (Ellis and Nelson 2009). In his subsequent two terms as president, he continued to provide the necessary inspiring, confidence-building, and transformational leadership. However, this time it was to guide the United States in its transformation from an isolationist nation into a global superpower capable of defeating the Axis powers in World War II.
He will always be remembered for proclaiming, “We have nothing to fear, but fear itself” during his first Inaugural Address in 1933 (Roosevelt 1946). These words epitomized how Americans must respond to great challenges, especially in times of crisis. These dramatic words inspired the entire nation and clarified the importance of courage and determination in overcoming great challenges. The great president who proclaimed them provided not only a positive example for every American during his first months in office, he provided an inspiring example for them to emulate throughout his entire presidency.
The following works are cited in this text:
– Abbott, Philip. “Franklin D. Roosevelt and the American Political Tradition. ” Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press, 1990. Retrieved on 7 Dec. 2009.
– Gergen, David. “Eyewitness to Power: The Essence of Leadership Nixon to Clinton. ” New York: Simon and Schuster, 2001. Retrieved on 10 Dec. 2009.
– Editors. “Good Neighbor Policy: 1933. ” U. S. Department of State. 2007. Retrieved on 7 Dec. 2009.
