When asked which president’s legacy was most impactful, an easy answer would be the great Franklin D. Roosevelt. FDR was America’s 32nd president and was able to courageously conquer the two looming events of the Great Depression and the second World War. FDR was an idol to the American people, and having served 4 terms in the white house, he was the only president for a whole generation of people as they grew. FDR’s social programs lit the flame that was a dead and declining United States economy while his leadership during World War II showed the United State’s grit on a worldwide stage.
The Great Depression in the United States began on October 29th, 1929, which is now known in history as Black Tuesday. The American Stock Market took a major crash, as it had been increasing heavily for almost a decade. This crash caused the most severe economic dive in American history. 4 years later, the country was still heavily impacted as President Hoover thought the issue would resolve itself, and at this point in time the American people wanted a new face with new ideas in office. Upon election day, FDR emerged victorious and eager to turn around the United States and bring the people back into prosperity. Roosevelt implemented a series of projects and programs over the next eight years which was known as the New Deal. These projects were put in place to restore the pride and dignity of the broken down people of America. With Roosevelt’s powerful words that have etched themselves into history, he was able to deliver a degree of hope into the people, assuring them that “the only thing you have to fear is fear itself.” To further his economic improvement, in 1935, Roosevelt launched his second set of federal programs and with this he created the WPA, which served the purpose of providing jobs to those in need. These jobs consisted of tasks such as building bridges, highways, and schools. His New Deals did not completely resolve the issues that the economic crash brought with it, however a further economic growth came with a horrific event on the Morning of December 7th, 1941.
FDR had always been wary and alert of the dangers to the world imposed by the forces of Germany, Italy, and Japan. Upon the breakout of the second world war in the year of 1939, Roosevelt took action and was able to persuade congress to allow the United States to sell American arms. This action taken by Roosevelt was a huge step in rebuilding our economy and was a much needed step towards improvement. During a stressful time of war, Roosevelt decided to pass the Lend- Lease act in March of 1941 which provided military aid to foreign nations like Great Britain during the war. The Axis powers response to this was the bombing of Pearl Harbor, one of America’s greatest tragedies. After this event, the people of the United States were anxiously waiting on word from their president, the man who seemed to always have the answer, and what they heard was that war was declared on Japan for their gruesome act of violence. In war time, Roosevelt took action by creating a friendly alliance between The U.S, Great Britain, And Russia. During all of this, Roosevelt kept his country sane and informed with his Fireside Chats, which was FDR’s radio show in which he talked about the current events of the country, but made it personal for the countless American listeners. Actions like this made it easy for FDR to win his record breaking 4th election in 1944, a year before the conclusion of the war. The following February, as the war was wrapping up in favor of the Allied powers, FDR met with Stalin and Churchill at what was named the Yalta Conference. FDR was never able to see the conclusion of all his hard work during the war as he passed away from polio, as his 4 terms as president had taken a toll on him both mentally and physically. The country was devastated with this loss as every American citizen mourned for their fearless, compassionate, and fallen leader.
Franklin D. Roosevelt is the only president to have served 4 terms as President of the United States of America, and with his time he lead his country out of the darkness of a frightening economic depression, and a horrific World War. His presidency would change the meaning of the job, and our country for the end of time, and his legacy shall never be tarnished or forgotten.