Franklin D. Roosevelt

On March 4, one of the greatest leaders the world has ever seen said, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Through these words and many others, along with actions, this leader established himself as an inspirational hero to citizens across America and even the rest of the world. Franklin D. Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was born into a family of tremendous wealth and opportunity. He was able to receive any education he dreamed of and pursued, and chose Harvard University to study history and political science before attending Columbia Law School. He was elected President during one of the worst times to be elected; the start of the Great Depression. Throughout his four terms as President FDR used his position and ability to turn a country close to ruin into the greatest and most powerful in the world again. Although he experienced life changing setbacks, FDR was determined to guide his country through a grief-stricken time and see his work through. Franklin D. Roosevelt was a true hero for he was a voice for the common man, made creative and intelligent decisions regarding the well being of the American public, and set an example for future politicians.

Franklin D. Roosevelt was a hero to many of the poor, common people of America, for they felt like he was a voice for them. According to the Gale Biography in Context, "Roosevelt's death triggered among many Americans a deep sense of personal loss. For many, he was the only president they had ever known, a 'benevolent father figure' - appealing to the common man"(Gale Biography in Context). FDR was the first  President who really knew how to talk directly to America. He knew what they wanted to hear and for many his words soothed their distress and worry in the times of the Great Depression and World War II.  Since he was President for twelve years, many people only remembered FDR as President, not anyone previous to him. They felt like he was their inherent leader and couldn't imagine a world without him. FDR additionally appealed to Americans during the time of the Great Depression because "his plans offered relief, recovery, and reform. Even more, he gave America courage and hope during its darkest periods"(Gale Research in Context). One of the reasons why Roosevelt was liked by so many was because he legitimately cared about the welfare of the people and America was positively altered by his actions as President. The people were able to settle down and restart a better life in the face of the Great Depression, all whilst believing something good could come of the future. Lastly, FDR was popular with the people because every now and then he would sit down and start "speaking directly to the public in a series of radio broadcasts or 'fireside chats'" (history.com). His efforts and contributions to society led the people to feel like FDR knew exactly how they were feeling and doing something to help fix whatever problems they faced. Feeling secure and better about their situation, the common, poor people of America looked up to FDR with immense respect and thankfulness. Roosevelt was a hero and an inspirational figure to many people growing up and living across the United states for he was a voice for the common man.

FDR was also a hero because he made creative and intelligent decisions regarding the welfare of the American people. First off, "As the 1940 election drew near, Roosevelt decided to run for an unprecedented third term believing he had an obligation to remain in office at such a critical time" (Gale Biography in Context). FDR is the only President ever to serve more than two terms as President. He only did this because he knew the nation needed support and someone who would lead them, so he stepped up once again. If FDR had chosen not to run, the country would certainly be different, for under his leadership the people felt safe and protected as though  he had them under his wing. FDR, from the moment he was elected, seeked to make America a better place. For example, "immediately after his inauguration on March 4, 1933, Roosevelt put his New Deal program into action. His first move was to gain power over the nation's banks and money system. He then flooded Congress with legislation to provide relief and reform for American workers"(Gale Research in Context). Roosevelt had precise visions of what he wanted to do for America, but one of his mains concerns was relief for all those who were unemployed.  By setting up several programs, he was able to get millions of people back on their feet, and they felt like they owed everything to him. Those benefited were forever grateful to FDR and his actions, which saved many people from complete poverty and disparity.  A true hero, he made decisions that benefited them, even though they were sometimes unpopular.

Lastly, FDR was a hero because he set an example for future politicians. This is portrayed in ways such as when, "In early April 1945, he left Washington and traveled to his cottage in Warm Springs, Georgia, where he had long before established a nonprofit foundation to aid polio patients" (History.com). Through small acts of kindness, FDR demonstrated to future politicians how to fulfill their jobs while not being completely shut away from the public. By setting a good example, FDR made sure the future of America was in good hands. FDR also was always striving for change and challenged to put more people in the Supreme Court, but "Roosevelt lost the Supreme Court battle, but a revolution in constitutional law took place. Thereafter the Government could legally regulate the economy"(thewhitehouse.com). FDR was denied by the Supreme Court on his effort to enlarge the Supreme Court itself, but changed the Government's ability to regulate the economy. This essentially allowed them to fix the interest rates of American citizens. The rest of the White House members learned to pursue anything  they believe is the right thing to do. All in all Roosevelt set a valuable example for future politicians to follow for numerous years to come.

Franklin D Roosevelt was an inspiration hero to everyone who was assured by his soothing words, for he was a voice for the common man, made visionary and productive decisions regarding the people's welfare, and set an example to all future politicians. During his Presidency, FDR eased America out of the Great Depression and World War II. He was exceptionally well liked by most and always put a smile on their faces, even when times looked grim. Nowadays, America still feels the impact he made through the  welfare system, which without, many Americans would be in worse situations. Although he died of Polio, FDR always had a smile on his face and never let his disease hold him back from leading his country. Because of FDr's capability and understanding of the nation, he embodies a true, inspirational hero.

Works Consulted

"Franklin Delano Roosevelt." Contemporary Heroes and Heroines. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale, 1992.

Biography in Context. Web. 29 Jan. 2016.

"Franklin D. Roosevelt." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2009. Web. 04 Feb. 2016.

"Franklin D. Roosevelt." UXL Biographies. Detroit: UXL, 2003. Research in Context. Web. 29 Jan. 2016.

"Franklin D. Roosevelt." The White House. The White House, 2015. Web. 04 Feb. 2016. 

Matthias Rascher. "Rare Footage: Home Movie of FDR's 1941 Inauguration." Open Culture. Open Culture, 16 Apr. 2011. Web. 04 Feb. 2016.