In 1932, Franklin Delano Roosevelt won the Presidency of the United States and changed the path of the nation. Roosevelt changed the economy, set new precedents, and became one of the most prominent presidents in American history. The influence that Roosevelt has on modern America is not only a testament to his successful political policies, but also his intelligence, grace, and leadership that steered the nation through two of the twentieth century’s most severe crises. For his actions as the thirty-second president of the United States, he should be recognized as the most influential person since 1900. While he presided over the office of the presidency, Franklin Delano Roosevelt made many changes to the rapidly deteriorating economy and
…show more content…
Unknown to the public at the time, Roosevelt suffered from Polio, which he contracted in 1921 as an adult. The Secret Service went to great lengths to hide his illness, and the most people, including the press, who worked in the White House knew about his illness, but it was still kept a secret (Pressman). Even though it did not become public knowledge until after his death, FDR’s strength and determination still stands testament to all people with disabilities, proving that anyone can do anything if they have determination and courage. During his presidency he also helped those with disabilities, especially polio, in a more direct way. Roosevelt’s Social Security Administration created the SSDI, or Disability Insurance in 1936, and Roosevelt personally created the March of Dimes (American Bar; History) . The non-profit, non-partisan organization gathered donations from around the nation, which helped facilitate advancements in the Iron Lung machine and lead to the eventual vaccine by Jonas Saulk -- but Roosevelt did not live to see it (Berish). President Roosevelt’s impact on both America’s view on disability and the life of the disabled can still be felt today. He showed everyone that one should not fear illness, for it will not define us, because as he said in 1933, “the only thing we have to fear is …show more content…
FDR crafted his public image to both radiate power, yet appear friendly and approachable (Trohan). By the time he ran for president, he was known by the public because he was once a vice presidential candidate, Governor of New York, and member of a powerful family. When he took office, he shed this elitist image, while simultaneously retaining its power. To both comfort the public and humanize himself, FDR started presidential addresses over a new medium, one that could reach most of the public. In these addresses that became known as Fireside Chats, FDR focused on inclusion with vernacular and starting with “My Friends,” (Latson). Now politicians and presidents alike use technology like Roosevelt did to connect with the public. President Roosevelt also changed the role of the First Lady. He vaulted his wife Eleanor into the spotlight, and they became the first political power couple. In an effort to make the administration more transparent, FDR encouraged Eleanor have a platform and to hold the first First Lady Press conference, and between 1938-45 she held 348 of them (History). His use of his wife proved beneficial both for his reelection, and for Eleanor and women’s rights. Because of Franklin and his encouragement, Eleanor broke gender barriers as a spokeswoman and an ambassador for the UN (WH). FDR monumentally changed the presidency in his
Unknown to the public at the time, Roosevelt suffered from Polio, which he contracted in 1921 as an adult. The Secret Service went to great lengths to hide his illness, and the most people, including the press, who worked in the White House knew about his illness, but it was still kept a secret (Pressman). Even though it did not become public knowledge until after his death, FDR’s strength and determination still stands testament to all people with disabilities, proving that anyone can do anything if they have determination and courage. During his presidency he also helped those with disabilities, especially polio, in a more direct way. Roosevelt’s Social Security Administration created the SSDI, or Disability Insurance in 1936, and Roosevelt personally created the March of Dimes (American Bar; History) . The non-profit, non-partisan organization gathered donations from around the nation, which helped facilitate advancements in the Iron Lung machine and lead to the eventual vaccine by Jonas Saulk -- but Roosevelt did not live to see it (Berish). President Roosevelt’s impact on both America’s view on disability and the life of the disabled can still be felt today. He showed everyone that one should not fear illness, for it will not define us, because as he said in 1933, “the only thing we have to fear is …show more content…
FDR crafted his public image to both radiate power, yet appear friendly and approachable (Trohan). By the time he ran for president, he was known by the public because he was once a vice presidential candidate, Governor of New York, and member of a powerful family. When he took office, he shed this elitist image, while simultaneously retaining its power. To both comfort the public and humanize himself, FDR started presidential addresses over a new medium, one that could reach most of the public. In these addresses that became known as Fireside Chats, FDR focused on inclusion with vernacular and starting with “My Friends,” (Latson). Now politicians and presidents alike use technology like Roosevelt did to connect with the public. President Roosevelt also changed the role of the First Lady. He vaulted his wife Eleanor into the spotlight, and they became the first political power couple. In an effort to make the administration more transparent, FDR encouraged Eleanor have a platform and to hold the first First Lady Press conference, and between 1938-45 she held 348 of them (History). His use of his wife proved beneficial both for his reelection, and for Eleanor and women’s rights. Because of Franklin and his encouragement, Eleanor broke gender barriers as a spokeswoman and an ambassador for the UN (WH). FDR monumentally changed the presidency in his