How One Smile Changed the History of America
During a time of need, cries for help, and layers of hopelessness, a Democratic candidate, Franklin D. Roosevelt, stepped up and took matters into his own hands. Coming into the office with a gleaming smile, a diverse cabinet, and an assortment of principals, Roosevelt would be soon deemed a saviour during a time of desperation. Looking back at American history today, FDR’s positive mindset added significant value to the federal government. His perseverance would get civilians through the hardships until America accumulated results. Roosevelt factored in socialist values and ethics to counteract the weaknesses that stem from capitalism. Although the impact of Roosevelt’s programs was somewhat inconsistent and their effectiveness can be argued, they did react to the tremendous setback caused by the Great Depression: his administration revolutionized the former American government’s individualist agenda and introduced new philosophies, ideologies, and policies that permanently augmented the role of the government in civilian life.
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s optimism, “try anything and everything” approach, fireside chats, smile, and positive outlook were vital in the success of the New Deal and his other government programs. At the time of the New Deal’s initiation, American citizens lived a harsh life. People started feeling more desperate and frantic, and because of this, Roosevelt had noticed a downward shift in the self-esteem of America’s civilians. He needed to take action; he needed to step up and be the change America needed.
Roosevelt did just that, starting the now historic NBC Fireside Chats. These chats were between regular citizens and Roosevelt himself. Transparency was crucial in his administration and the fireside chats showed the people of America that FDR viewed himself as an equal rather than a superior figure. From day one of his presidency, Franklin Roosevelt felt the need to help the American people feel better. Whether it was his eternal buoyancy and cheer, or his use of modern technology to relate with voters by connecting with them in their living rooms, Franklin Roosevelt always valued the trust given to him by his people, and he did not harbour hostile intentions during his terms of presidency. Nevertheless, with everything in life, obstacles did present themselves in many different ways, and some of his programs were prime examples of this.
“You go out and do it. I’m ashamed.” (Clara Hancox, quoted in The Century, by Peter Jennings and Todd Brewster). During the Great Depression and the New Deal era, the common labourer would have to scavenge for the basic necessities to survive. Whether it meant waiting for the greengrocer to throw out food that was beginning to rot, or to beg for a marrow bone from the butcher, American citizens were stripped of their dignity and pride, and the mindset of America as a whole had spiralled into complete desperation. Herbert Hoover, the first president during this crisis, was mainly focused on giving indirect relief from individual states and from private sectors instead of offering solace, recovery, and reformation, as Roosevelt eventually did. Through the rough patches of Roosevelt’s sweeping administration, the singular characteristic trait that helped America triumph was his positive outlook. Franklin D. Roosevelt assured Americans that he would try anything. He succeeded in creating relationships with the people; no matter how much effort it took, Roosevelt did anything and everything in his power to see the self-confidence and pride in his people rise once again.
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s actions and initiatives fundamentally changed the federal government’s role in the lives of Americans. The Social Security Act and the Alphabet Soup of Programs are quintessential examples of the successes of his presidential term. “Nothing of the sort had ever come before the Congress of the United States” (Recalled by Frances Perkins), one of the many positive responses to the Social Security Act enforced by FDR. This program covered the well-being of children and people living with disabilities, but at the same time, gave the elderly and retired, monthly pensions, thus creating a bond between the citizens of America and the federal government once again. The people genuinely trusted the government’s responsibility to ensure the welfare of the people. The Social Security act came about in the 1930s and while it did seem to focus on fixing some problems being faced at the time, it did not fix the most significant issue at hand: the Great Depression.
As Roosevelt likes to remind us through his inaugural speech, “Restoration calls…not for changes in ethics alone. This Nation asks for action, and action now.” Franklin D. Roosevelt, a man who led America through the greatest crisis of the 20th century and the United States history, was the solution to America’s problem. Roosevelt’s programs would go on to inspire many generations to come and paved the way for American reformers. He had a “take action now!” mindset, which ultimately helped him accomplish significant success in the end. Were some of his initiatives flawed in one way or another? For some, yes. However, FDR’s flexibility and ability to gain the trust of his citizens, eventually put America back on its feet; this is what genuinely made him an exceptional President, contrary to the criticism he sometimes faces. In retrospect, Roosevelt’s administration left a mark on our modern-day world; it is clear to see that his envisioned philosophy, ethics, and ideologies of his “dreamt of” America will continue to impact our everyday lives for decades to come.