FDR

FDR(Franklin Delano Roosevelt)

• 32nd President of the United States

• Sometimes called the beginning of the “Modern Presidency”

Background• Franklin Roosevelt was a distant cousin to

Theodore Roosevelt.

• From a very wealthy NY family.

• Grew up in an atmosphere of privilege.

• Harvard Graduate-Columbia Law

• Very competitive.

• Married his 5th cousin, Eleanor.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Political Career

• Went into politics right after Law School to win a seat in the NY State Senate.– Paid for his own campaign– Thought to be a “Paper Candidate”.

• Immediately became known as a progressive reformer- stood up to party bosses (Tammany Hall). – Similar to his cousin’s shaking up the

Republicans.

FDR: Polio

POLIO

• Few people knew at the time he was elected President, that FDR had contracted polio in 1921 and was paralyzed at the legs.

• During the time he was ill, Eleanor overcame her shyness and spoke publicly for Franklin.

The Depression in the US

Governor Roosevelt of NY(with former Gov. Al Smith)

• Cut taxes for farmers

• Reduced electric, gas and water rates.

• Started relief to poor New Yorkers without Federal help.

Supported Wilson in 1912• Was rewarded with an appointment as

Undersecretary of the Navy• Expanded the Navy and

created the Navy Reserve.

Ran for US Senate in 1914 but

Was not supported by Wilson.

Wilson supported the Tammany

Candidate.

Ran for Vice President in 1920.(with Cox)

John Maynard Keynes: Modern Liberalism

FDR’s New Deal• FDR Inaugural Speech (text) (audio of

oath of office and inaugural speech)

• Fireside Chats

Electoral Realignment

• 1860-1932 (72 years)– 56 years Republican; – 16 years Democratic

• 1932-1980 (48 years)– 32 years Democratic; – 16 years Republican

Atlas of Presidential elections