Fdr's Influence as President
By: Tommy • Research Paper • 6,828 Words • February 16, 2009 • 1,661 Views
Essay title: Fdr's Influence as President
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FDR's Influence as president
Some have called him the best president yet. Others have even claimed that he was the
world's most influential and successful leader of the twentieth century. Those
claims can be backed up by the overwhelming support that he received from his citizens
throughout his four terms in office. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt began a new
era in American history by ending the Great Depression that the country had fallen into in
1929. His social reforms gave people a new perspective on government. Government
was not only expected to protect the people from foreign invaders, but to protect against
poverty and joblessness. Roosevelt had shown his military and diplomatic skill as the
Commander in Chief during World War II. This wartime leadership and international
relations policy won him an award in the hearts of many Americans.
Roosevelt threw his hat in the ring in 1931 in order to prepare for the
election of 1932. Democratic Party chairman James A Farley directed his campaign.
He
started a nationwide radio address, outlining a program to meet the economic problems
of the nation. He coined the term "forgotten man" to mean all of those who had been
hard hit by the evils of the depression. These radio addresses were the start to what he
called the "fireside chats". Overall, Roosevelt was the most energetic and dynamic
candidate, and he was nominated by the party on the fourth ballot. Although he
displayed excellent characteristics, his competition was fairly tough. He was up against
John Nance Garner of Texas (who would be his Vice Presidential running mate);
Newton
D. Baker of Ohio, who was former Secretary of War; and former Governor Alfred E.
Smith of New York. For three ballots, Roosevelt held a large lead, but lacked the two-
thirds margin necessary for victory. Farley then promised John Garner the vice
presidential nomination, which he accepted grudgingly. Then FDR took the presidential
nomination on the fourth ballot.
One of the purposes of the national convention is to bring the party together in a
movement of support behind the nominated candidate. Although there was rough
competition during the choosing process, most party leaders were happy with the
Roosevelt choice. It would help pull votes from the urban-Eastern region of the country.
Also, Roosevelt made a dashing