Franklin Delano Roosevelt essays

Franklin Delano Roosevelt essays Throughout history, many men and women have been recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty to serve their country, whether civilian or military. For some that is not enough. It is these people that are remembered for generations by their extraordinary actions. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the most important figure in American history because he guided America through its darkest moments. During the extent of his Presidential career, FDR wittily captured the hearts of the American people and used his power to lead the United States out of the Great Depression, guided the United States and Allies to victory in WWII and he established the United Nations. What makes his accomplishments all the more remarkable is that he did it all while fighting polio. In 1929 the stock market crashed, resulting in the Great Depression, AmericaÕs worst economic catastrophe. ÒBy 1932, national income had plunged by more than half, and unemployment had soared to include one-quarter of the entire work forceÓ (1,25). It was estimated that 27.5 million Americans had no regular income, and more than 1 million roamed the country as hoboes due to unemployment (1,25). At the time, Roosevelt was chief executive of New York and he watched as Hoover did nothing to rescue the United States out of depression (1,25). But he was not to sit idly. FDR chose to follow in the footsteps of his uncle, President Theodore Roosevelt, and ran on the democratic ballot for the presidency. In 1933, he overthrew the incumbent, Hoover, and was elected President . Unlike Hoover, FDR was a servant of the people. People of the time only saw,Ó the radiant smile, the eyes flashing with good humor, the cigarette holder held at a jaunty angle, the good nature d toss of the head, the buoyant optimism, [and] the serene confidence with which he met economic catastrophe and international crisisÓ (7, 98). By the time Roosevelt entered office, America was ...