Franklin D. Roosevelt
Party: Democratic
Presidency: 1933 - 1945 |
FDR was born in 1882 to wealthy parents in New York. Until he was fourteen, he was educated by governesses and tutors, and he enjoyed a life of privilege. After his home schooling, Roosevelt attended the Groton School for boys in Massachusetts. While at Groton, he was exposed to his headmaster's teachings of public service. In 1900, he graduated Groton and attended Harvard University. He was a mediocre student, but graduated in three years and was the editor in chief of the Harvard Crimson. After Harvard, FDR went on to study law at Columbia University Law School and passed the bar in 1907. By then Roosevelt was married to Eleanor Roosevelt, his fifth cousin. His marriage was troubled, however, and Eleanor once threatened divorce to make him stop seeing his lifelong mistress, Lucy Mercer. After a few years FDR became bored of law practice and decided to go into politics. In 1910, he became a New York state senator on the Democratic ticket. For his support in the 1912 election, Woodrow Wilson gave Roosevelt the position of Assistant Secretary of the Navy, launching him into national politics. FDR ran for President on the Democratic ticket in 1932 and won handily. His victory came in the depths of the great depression, for which the Republicans were being blamed. He went on to become the only US president to be elected four times, leading the nation through the Great Depression and World War II(1).
Roosevelt was diagnosed with polio early in his career. Ready to give up on his political aspirations, he was convinced to continue on by his wife and friends. FDR went to great lengths to hide his weakness, using iron braces to walk in public and using his wheelchair only in private. He died of a stroke at his private abode of Warm Springs, GA, shortly into his fourth term and just before the end of World War II in Europe(1). |
The Great Depression and FDR's Inauguration (March 4, 1933)
FDR became President in the midst of the great depression. His first task was to reassure the American people that the future would bring better days in his inauguration speech. In his speech he set forth the plan for the 100 days congress that would pass the New Deal legislation that rejuvenated the economy and described the good neighbor policy that would dominate foreign policy in his first two terms.
"I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our Nation impels. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance...
"In such a spirit on my part and on yours we face our common difficulties. They concern, thank God, only material things. Values have shrunken to fantastic levels; taxes have risen; our ability to pay has fallen; government of all kinds is faced by serious curtailment of income; the means of exchange are frozen in the currents of trade; the withered leaves of industrial enterprise lie on every side; farmers find no markets for their produce; the savings of many years in thousands of families are gone.
"More important, a host of unemployed citizens face the grim problem of existence, and an equally great number toil with little return. Only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment...
"Our greatest primary task is to put people to work. This is no unsolvable problem if we face it wisely and courageously. It can be accomplished in part by direct recruiting by the Government itself, treating the task as we would treat the emergency of a war, but at the same time, through this employment, accomplishing greatly needed projects to stimulate and reorganize the use of our natural resources...
"Finally, in our progress toward a resumption of work we require two safeguards against a return of the evils of the old order; there must be a strict supervision of all banking and credits and investments; there must be an end to speculation with other people's money, and there must be provision for an adequate but sound currency...
"In the field of world policy I would dedicate this Nation to the policy of the good neighbor—the neighbor who resolutely respects himself and, because he does so, respects the rights of others—the neighbor who respects his obligations and respects the sanctity of his agreements in and with a world of neighbors(2)."
"I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our Nation impels. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance...
"In such a spirit on my part and on yours we face our common difficulties. They concern, thank God, only material things. Values have shrunken to fantastic levels; taxes have risen; our ability to pay has fallen; government of all kinds is faced by serious curtailment of income; the means of exchange are frozen in the currents of trade; the withered leaves of industrial enterprise lie on every side; farmers find no markets for their produce; the savings of many years in thousands of families are gone.
"More important, a host of unemployed citizens face the grim problem of existence, and an equally great number toil with little return. Only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment...
"Our greatest primary task is to put people to work. This is no unsolvable problem if we face it wisely and courageously. It can be accomplished in part by direct recruiting by the Government itself, treating the task as we would treat the emergency of a war, but at the same time, through this employment, accomplishing greatly needed projects to stimulate and reorganize the use of our natural resources...
"Finally, in our progress toward a resumption of work we require two safeguards against a return of the evils of the old order; there must be a strict supervision of all banking and credits and investments; there must be an end to speculation with other people's money, and there must be provision for an adequate but sound currency...
"In the field of world policy I would dedicate this Nation to the policy of the good neighbor—the neighbor who resolutely respects himself and, because he does so, respects the rights of others—the neighbor who respects his obligations and respects the sanctity of his agreements in and with a world of neighbors(2)."
FDR's Court Packing Plan (1937)
Court Packing Committee, photograph.
Despite Congress eagerly passing any and all New Deal legislation Roosevelt set before it, the Supreme Court was more critical of his programs. After the Court ruled the National Industrial Recovery, Railroad Retirement, and Agricultural Adjustment Acts unconstitutional, FDR was eager to make the conservative court more favorable towards his policies. His solution, the Judiciary Reorganization Bill of 1937, proposed to allow the President to appoint a new justice to the Supreme Court for every justice of at least seventy years of age. The proposed legislation shocked the nation, and the Senate Judiciary Committee, shown looking over the bill on the left, voted to report the legislation "adversely" to the Senate(3).
The End of Isolationism (1939-1941)
In December 1940, Roosevelt gave a speech entitled The Great Arsenal of Democracy, encouraging the American public to give up their isolationist ways and commit their support to the Allied resistance of the Axis powers. He argued that if Britain fell to Nazi Germany the US would not be safe. He promised that the government would send no troops to war, but urged factory owners and workers across the nation to devote themselves wholeheartedly to manufacturing the implements of war as speedily as possible.
"The Nazi masters of Germany have made it clear that they intend not only to dominate all life and thought in their own country, but also to enslave the whole of Europe, and then to use the resources of Europe to dominate the rest of the world...
"Some of us like to believe that even if Britain falls, we are still safe, because of the broad expanse of the Atlantic and of the Pacific. But the width of those oceans is not what it was in the days of clipper ships. At one point between Africa and Brazil the distance is less than it is from Washington to Denver, Colorado, five hours for the latest type of bomber. And at the north end of the Pacific Ocean, America and Asia almost touch each other. Why, even today we have planes that could fly from the British Isles to New England and back again without refueling. And remember that the range of the modern bomber is ever being increased...
"The experience of the past two years has proven beyond doubt that no nation can appease the Nazis. No man can tame a tiger into a kitten by stroking it. There can be no appeasement with ruthlessness. There can be no reasoning with an incendiary bomb. We know now that a nation can have peace with the Nazis only at the price of total surrender. Even the people of Italy have been forced to become accomplices of the Nazis; but at this moment they do not know how soon they will be embraced to death by their allies.
"The people of Europe who are defending themselves do not ask us to do their fighting. They ask us for the implements of war, the planes, the tanks, the guns, the freighters which will enable them to fight for their liberty and for our security. Emphatically, we must get these weapons to them, get them to them in sufficient volume and quickly enough so that we and our children will be saved the agony and suffering of war which others have had to endure...
"I am confident that if and when production of consumer or luxury goods in certain industries requires the use of machines and raw materials that are essential for defense purposes, then such production must yield, and will gladly yield, to our primary and compelling purpose...
"We must be the great arsenal of democracy(4)."
The previous year, Roosevelt had pushed the Neutrality Act of 1939 through Congress, ending the arms embargo and implementing a "Cash and Carry" policy, in which the Allies could buy supplies provided that they paid in cash and provided their own transport. In 1940, the debate between the interventionists and the isolationists wore on, but Roosevelt continued to take action. In a deal trading 50 old US destroyers to Britain in return for western naval bases, FDR stretched the definition of neutrality to its limits. The next year, Roosevelt passed his Lend-Lease Act, which allowed the lending of $50 billion in aid and supplies to the Allies. Hitler saw this Act as equivalent to a declaration of war started attacking American ships. The pinnacle of the US policy of giving everything but troops to the Allies was the Atlantic Charter, a 1941 document written by Roosevelt and Churchill describing the postwar aims of the US and Britain(5).
"The Nazi masters of Germany have made it clear that they intend not only to dominate all life and thought in their own country, but also to enslave the whole of Europe, and then to use the resources of Europe to dominate the rest of the world...
"Some of us like to believe that even if Britain falls, we are still safe, because of the broad expanse of the Atlantic and of the Pacific. But the width of those oceans is not what it was in the days of clipper ships. At one point between Africa and Brazil the distance is less than it is from Washington to Denver, Colorado, five hours for the latest type of bomber. And at the north end of the Pacific Ocean, America and Asia almost touch each other. Why, even today we have planes that could fly from the British Isles to New England and back again without refueling. And remember that the range of the modern bomber is ever being increased...
"The experience of the past two years has proven beyond doubt that no nation can appease the Nazis. No man can tame a tiger into a kitten by stroking it. There can be no appeasement with ruthlessness. There can be no reasoning with an incendiary bomb. We know now that a nation can have peace with the Nazis only at the price of total surrender. Even the people of Italy have been forced to become accomplices of the Nazis; but at this moment they do not know how soon they will be embraced to death by their allies.
"The people of Europe who are defending themselves do not ask us to do their fighting. They ask us for the implements of war, the planes, the tanks, the guns, the freighters which will enable them to fight for their liberty and for our security. Emphatically, we must get these weapons to them, get them to them in sufficient volume and quickly enough so that we and our children will be saved the agony and suffering of war which others have had to endure...
"I am confident that if and when production of consumer or luxury goods in certain industries requires the use of machines and raw materials that are essential for defense purposes, then such production must yield, and will gladly yield, to our primary and compelling purpose...
"We must be the great arsenal of democracy(4)."
The previous year, Roosevelt had pushed the Neutrality Act of 1939 through Congress, ending the arms embargo and implementing a "Cash and Carry" policy, in which the Allies could buy supplies provided that they paid in cash and provided their own transport. In 1940, the debate between the interventionists and the isolationists wore on, but Roosevelt continued to take action. In a deal trading 50 old US destroyers to Britain in return for western naval bases, FDR stretched the definition of neutrality to its limits. The next year, Roosevelt passed his Lend-Lease Act, which allowed the lending of $50 billion in aid and supplies to the Allies. Hitler saw this Act as equivalent to a declaration of war started attacking American ships. The pinnacle of the US policy of giving everything but troops to the Allies was the Atlantic Charter, a 1941 document written by Roosevelt and Churchill describing the postwar aims of the US and Britain(5).
Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941)
On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, a naval base in Hawaii. The next day, President Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war.
"Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives:
"Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
"The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
"Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And, while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
"It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
"The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
"Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
"Japan has therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
"As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, that always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
"No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.
"I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
"Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
"With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph. So help us God.
"I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire(6)."
"Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives:
"Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
"The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
"Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And, while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
"It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
"The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
"Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
"Japan has therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
"As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, that always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
"No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.
"I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
"Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
"With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph. So help us God.
"I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire(6)."
Japanese-American Internment (1942)
In one of the darkest moments of American policy during the War, Roosevelt signed an executive order in February 1942 that would forcibly relocate more than 127,000 Japanese-Americans, many of whom had been born in America and never been to Japan, to concentration camps in the arid midwest. The children at the camps attended school, and the adults had the option of working for five dollars per day. Many families had hastily sold their homes and businesses at drastically reduced prices, and most had no home to return to when the war ended. The US government did not apologize to the interns until 1988, when it awarded each survivor $20,000(7).
1. "Franklin D. Roosevelt," Bio.com, accessed April 21, 2013, http://www.biography.com/people/franklin-d-roosevelt-9463381.
2. Roosevelt, "First Inaugural Address," speech, Bartleby.com.
3. "Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 'Court," United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
4. Roosevelt, "The Great Arsenal of Democracy," speech, American Rhetoric.
5. "The Arsenal of Democracy," U.S. History.
6. Roosevelt, "For a Declaration of War," speech, The History Place.
7. "Japanese-American Internment," U.S. History.
2. Roosevelt, "First Inaugural Address," speech, Bartleby.com.
3. "Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 'Court," United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
4. Roosevelt, "The Great Arsenal of Democracy," speech, American Rhetoric.
5. "The Arsenal of Democracy," U.S. History.
6. Roosevelt, "For a Declaration of War," speech, The History Place.
7. "Japanese-American Internment," U.S. History.