Franklin Delano Roosevelt: One of America’s Greatest Presidents
1. Introduction
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was one of the greatest American presidents because he helped the nation go through the great depression, and then led it to victory in World War II. He is often remembered for his famous “New Deal” policies that helped bring America out of the Great Depression, as well as his leadership during World War II. He is also remembered for his “Four Freedoms” speech, in which he outlined his vision for a future world without tyranny and oppression.
2. Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s early life
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born on January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York. He came from a wealthy family, and his parents were supportive of his education. He attended Groton School, an elite private school in Massachusetts, and then went on to Harvard University. After graduating from college, he studied law at Columbia University.
In 1905, Roosevelt married Eleanor Roosevelt, who would later become a very active First Lady. The couple had six children together. In 1921, Roosevelt contracted polio, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. Despite this setback, he continued to lead an active life, including serving as governor of New York from 1929 to 1932.
3. Roosevelt as president during the Great Depression
In 1932, Roosevelt was elected President of the United States on a platform of “New Deal” policies to help address the problems of the Great Depression. He immediately set to work implementing these policies, which included creating new government agencies to help with job creation and relief efforts, as well as enacting regulations on the banking and stock market industries. These policies helped bring America out of the Great Depression and put people back to work.
4. Roosevelt as president during World War II
In 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, and America entered World War II. Roosevelt committed the nation’s resources to the war effort, and he also worked closely with Allied leaders like Winston Churchill to plan strategy. He famously declared that the goal of the war was “to make the world safe for democracy.”
Under Roosevelt’s leadership, America emerged victorious from World War II. In 1945, he made the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan, which led to their surrender and brought an end to the war.
5. Roosevelt’s legacy
Roosevelt served as president for 12 years, longer than any other president in American history up to that time. He remains one of the most iconic and revered presidents in American history. His legacy includes not only his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II, but also his vision for a future world without tyranny and oppression.
6. Conclusion
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was one of America’s greatest presidents because of his leadership during both the Great Depression and World War II. His legacy continues to inspire Americans today