Essay on Franklin D. Roosevelt. Literature & Language Essay

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Franklin D. Roosevelt
After FDR united the Democrats behind Alfred Smith in 1924, Smith urged him to run for the governorship of New York. FDR had taken an interest in politics, and his speech in 1924 had already shown that he was ready to bask in the political sunlight. At the time, FDR was crippled from poliomyelitis, but his run for governorship showed that he could run a successful campaign. He did win the election and became the governor of New York. While serving as governor, his desire to become the president of the United States was conceived and by 1930, it was clear that he would run for office.
Before he became president, FDR had had some experience that prepared him for the job. First of all, he was a cousin of Theodore Roosevelt, a man he deeply admired and respected. Theodore Roosevelt had already become president, and this was not only a sort of motivation for FDR but also a way for him to learn how he could be president someday. Additionally, Leuchtenburg notes that FDR had “acquired an admirable political education: state senator, junior cabinet, his party’s vice-presidential nominee, two-term governor of the largest state in the Union.” His political career helped him understand what it would take to become president. It prepared him for more, and he thus aspired for more. One may also not be faulted to say that his sickness prepared him as well because it helped him gain some endurance as well as develop a ‘thick skin.’ Even as a disabled person, FDR managed to beat the odds and pursue his goals. At a personal level, this prepared him to challenge the status quo and to go for what he wanted.
However, all the above happened while the United States was experiencing economic growth. The country had not had any major setback, but as the 1920s came to a close, there were signs that the country may end up in economic upheaval. In 1929, the stock market crashed, and the Great Depression started. During this time, people lost millions of dollars, the number of investors and investment opportunities dropped, and consumer spending dropped as well. FDR had taken a strong stance against the government at the time. Essentially, him voicing his displeasure at what was happening was earning him some points. As governor of New York he preached togetherness, and during the presidential campaigns, Leuchtenburg (np) confirms that he advocated for togetherness.
On the other hand, this message was in “in sharp contrast to Hoover’s paeans to American individualism in the face of depression.” Hoover saw the American individualism as a good thing, but FDR used this as an opportunity to show Americans how individualism was not working. He believed the government could play a bigger role in ensuring that every American was catered for. In a way, the Great Depression did prepare him as it helped him see the need for a more united America instead of the America that Hoover was preaching.
FDR was a unique leader, and in the eyes of the public, he never wanted to show any weakness. As a president, he believed that he had to show strength and that the public should not see his weak side. His political nemeses from the Republican side ...