Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Response To The Great Depression

729 Words3 Pages
Newly-elected president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt had set the tone in America when in his inaugural speech he said, “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.” Seeing as the United States was in a depression, this statement seemed absurd and foolish. He may have done more during his twelve years to change American society and politics than any of his predecessors. Some of this was the product of circumstances; the Great Depression and the rise of Germany and Japan were beyond Roosevelt’s control, but his responses to the challenges he faced made him a defining figure in American history. What did Roosevelt mean by saying all Americans had to fear, was fear? He was saying that as long as the American citizens remained immobile…show more content…
Americans wanted to save that very exceptional and desired “American Dream,” and the Depression was keeping thousands of Americans from doing that. So, did Americans change their values and dreams to end the Depression, or did they still want that sweet taste of their very own American Dream? Americans saw capitalism as a safe haven for this dream and with the end of the Depression, opportunities would come knocking. Roosevelt’s New Deal had attempted to save capitalism and essentially failed in the big picture, so was capitalism saving the American Dream, or was welfare state? Ultimately, Roosevelt changed the relationship between the capitalist market and the…show more content…
Welfare state was primarily where the government played a key role in promoting economic well-being and protects its citizens. Therefore, what was the New Deal really trying to save? The American Dream? Capitalism? Welfare of the American citizens? The answer is all the above. Roosevelt’s New Deal ventured to save what Americans already knew and that was Capitalism, but he also intended to give Americans hope and confidence to keep that American Dream in reach, whatever that may be. Because of the Depression, he now had to devise a plan that would help protect American citizens and their dreams for a better
Open Document