Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Who was Franklin Delano Roosevelt?

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, known as FDR, became president in 1933, with the biggest majority ever seen in a presidential election. He remained president until his death in 1945.

What was Roosevelt's background?

Roosevelt was from a wealthy and privileged background and enjoyed early political success. However, at the age of 39, an attack of polio left him partially paralysed.

How was Roosevelt elected?

In his 1932 election campaign, Roosevelt promised Americans 'a New Deal' to solve the Depression and protect them from it. He received 23 million votes and won in 42 of 48 states.

How did Roosevelt plan to deal with the Depression?

Roosevelt planned to achieve his New Deal in a number of ways:

• ❖ To use radio broadcasts called 'fireside chats' to explain his policies and win support for them.
• ❖ To use the support he had in Congress to turn his ideas into law.
• ❖ To use federal money to fund jobs, kick-starting the cycle of prosperity and economic recovery. This was called 'priming the pump'.
• ❖ To set up new federal government agencies to solve specific problems of the Depression.