The Road to Election and Initial Impact of FDR Kiana Frederick Leading up to the Election of 1932

The Road to Election and Initial Impact of FDR Kiana Frederick Leading Up to the Election of 1932 ● FDR’s main campaign strategy was to focus the public’s attention on Hoover’s inadequacies and the Nation’s troubles. ● His strategy allowed for him to put down Hoover while promising better days ahead if he was president. ● This promise was NOT backed up with any specific policies or programs that he would change or create. Lead up to the Election of 1932 ● Herbert Hoover was the president prior to the election of 1932 ● Prior to the election, five thousand banks had failed, and by the end of 1932, one third of the nation’s workforce was unemployed. ● Farm income had declined from 12 million dollars in 1929 to 5 million dollars by the end of 1932. ● Herbert Hoover’s popularity decreased significantly because of his inability to reverse the economic collapse. Map of the Election of 1932 The Election of 1932 ● Democrats had only elected one president since 1896 ● Franklin D. Roosevelt v.s Herbert Hoover ● FDR would be a shoo-in for the election ● FDR would promise a “New Deal” for the American people ● The election marked the end of the “Fourth Party System” and would commence the “Fifth Party System” Fourth Party System and Fifth Party System The Fourth party System marks the period in political history that was dominated by the republican party, also known as the “Progressive Era.” The Great Depression served as the springboard. The election in 1932 would be a realigning election giving way to the Fifth Party System. The Fifth Party System emerged from growing support of the democratic party after FDR and the “New Deal.” Following the Election FDR would serve a total of 4 terms, however would not take office until March 4th 1933. Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor Roosevelt was involved in a number of social reforms prior to the election. ● Through the 20’s she worked with the Women’s Trade Union League (WTUL) to raise funds to support the Union’s goals. Her Impact Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the conventional role of the first lady from a “social hostess” to a more active participant in the political sphere. ● She was an active advocate for civil rights for both African American and women. ● She supported many government funded programs to give artists and writers ● She encouraged her husband to appoint more women in federal positions Her Impact Eleanor Roosevelt wrote a syndicated newspaper column called “My Day” starting from December 1935 until shortly before her death. The newspaper served as a way for her to communicate her position on a ride range of social and political issues. FDR’s Strengths FDR as a Quick Study ● He was a naturally curious president who possessed natural curiosity and was on a search for knowledge ● He was able to retain information and facts quickly from conversations FDR’s Strengths FDR had charisma to connect to large groups of Americans ● FDR was a tall good looking man, who had a deep and stern voice, making him one of the most powerful leaders of the 20th century. ● FDR had the opportunity to reach millions of people with his voice, more than other presidents, as he utilized the used the radio and formed his fireside chats. FDR’s Fireside Chats ● A short time after his inaugural address FDR would do the first fireside chat. ● In this first chat he explained his decision about closing the nation’s banks in order to stop a surge of investors from withdrawing. ● The Fireside Chats became a method to ease the fear of Americans and create a sense of confidence in them about his leadership. FDR’s Fireside Chats ● The term “Fireside Chats” was coined by journalist Robert Trout. ● The image invoked the president sitting by the fire, talking earnestly to the American people about his hopes and dreams for the nation. ● His Fireside Chats were easily accessible and understandable for Americans. ● As the Great Depression continued he would use these to put momentum behind the New Deal. OPVCL OPVCL ORIGIN: Radio Address from President FDR on Monday, July 24th 1933 at 9:30 pm PURPOSE: To talk about and inform the nation about the fundamentals of planning for the national recovery. ● “I think it will interest you if I set forth the fundamentals of this planning for national recovery…” OPVCL VALUE: The value of this piece is that it gives direct insight into FDR’s early look at the situation of the Great Depression and how he’d go about fixing it. “Long before inauguration day I became convinced that individual effort and local effort and even disjointed in that crisis….” LIMITATION: As a president, he had to assure the public that he had a plan to fix it. This was also given early during his presidency, at a time where he was less experienced. FDR’s weaknesses FDR would be the first president to serve with a physical disability. He was diagnosed with polio at age 39. FDR’s Weaknesses ● FDR was a very liberal president in comparison to those before him. ● For those who were set in stone conservatives, they greatly opposed, and to this day, still oppose his tactics to ending the great depression. Bibliography www.archives.gov/files/education/lessons/fdr-fireside/images/chat-02.gif. History.com Staff. “Eleanor Roosevelt.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2009, www.history.com/topics/first-ladies/eleanor-roosevelt. History.com Staff. “The Fireside Chats.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2010, www.history.com/topics/fireside-chats. “Fourth Party System.” Fourth Party System - Conservapedia, www.conservapedia.com/Fourth_Party_System. Shmoop Editorial Team. “The Fifth Party System.” Shmoop, Shmoop University, 11 Nov. 2008, www.shmoop.com/political-parties/the-fifth- party-system.html. .

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