LAD/Blog #34: FDR's First Inaugural

LAD/Blog #34: FDR’S First Inaugural

FDR delivered his First Inaugural Address on March 4th, 1933. He begins his speech by saying he will speak the truth, and says the US will revive and succeed. He famously says, “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself…” He is trying to rally the American people following the Great Depression. He says they face difficulties, but only material ones (except for those struggling to survive being unemployed, which he calls the “dark realities of the moment”). But, he urges, the struggle is not as bad as what their forefathers went through, they just need to build America back up again. He says nature is still there, but the management of goods has broken down. He says that those who control the supply of money have fled, and lost their vision. He tells the American people that happiness isn’t found in money, and this struggle will be worth it if people can be taught to determine their own destiny. He says that this applies for people in public office: they can’t just be there for the position; they must be there for the right moral reasons. He demands action, and says people must be put to work to rebuild America. He addresses the overpopulation of the cities, and says people must be redistributed, and farms need to stop closing down. He says it can be helped with “unifying relief activities,” and planning for new transportation and communication systems. He also says there must be two safeguards to prevent another depression such as the one they just experienced: a supervision of banking and ensuring sound currency. He then says that international trade is secondary to the issues at home, and he must focus on what is most important. He asserts the “good neighbor” policy, and says America will respect other nations. He says all aspects of the US must work together, and says that he will try to do the same with Congress (although he asks for executive power to start war in an emergency, saying he is looking out for the country’s best interests). He ends his speech by saying, “In this dedication of a Nation we humbly ask the blessing of God. May He protect each and every one of us. May He guide me in the days to come.”



FDR's First Inaugural Address


 
Teddy Roosevelt (synthesis):
Teddy Roosevelt and FDR both had to deal with problems in America, being over powerful big businessmen/trusts and the Great Depression, respectively, but both dealt with their issues in a similar way. After previous presidents had not done much (those before Teddy were laissez-faire and even pro business, and Hoover didn't really do anything to help America), both Teddy and FDR stepped up and used government intervention to solve problems (Teddy the "Trust Buster" and FDR's "New Deal").