FDR's First Inaugural
Summary: FDR begins his address by frankly admitting to the many material problems the people are facing. However, after discussing the material crisis of the Great Depression, the President called for the people to once again trust in their leadership, and in their President, to guide the nation through it. He made his famous "nothing to fear but fear itself" statement, a reference to the biggest danger facing the people being the disorder and panic of a fearful populace. He then chastised the bankers and financiers who he blamed for the nation's economic collapse, and called for the people and their leaders to once again put morals ahead of profits. Finally, the President began explaining his plans to revitalize the economy using the Federal Government. He discussed using the government to mobilize workers as though the nation were in wartime, redistributing people from high population centers to lower ones, and focusing on peace abroad. To close the speech FDR made a call for the people to remain strong and wilful, knowing the great nation would heal in time.
(Similarly to FDR, President Obama inherited an economic meltdown, and much of his first inaugural focused on addressing and fixing the economy).
No comments:
Post a Comment