Franklin found his cousin’s governmental style highly appealing, as it played a significant role in Franklin’s own political journey. However, things took a turn when he crossed paths with Eleanor Roosevelt in 1903. Eleanor, who happened to be Theodore’s niece, soon became Franklin’s future wife, igniting a romantic relationship between them. While studying law at Columbia University, Roosevelt didn’t complete the degree. Nevertheless, he got involved in the field by working at Ledyard and Milburn, a reputable Wall Street firm, where he gained expertise in corporate law. Despite his successful stint, Roosevelt decided to leave behind this profession after several years, as he felt a strong calling to pursue his passion for politics.
Franklin was associated with the Democratic Party and won a seat in the Senate in 1911. Later, he served as the Governor of New York in 1928, focusing his political efforts on combating poverty. Unfortunately, his political career was interrupted due to partial paralysis. Many believed he would never return to the political stage, considering him as the last hope of the Roosevelt Dynasty. However, he surprised everyone by making a comeback and running for the position of Governor of New York. Despite skepticism, he triumphed in the election, reigniting his passion for political activism.
Using his remarkable skills, he successfully put forth his candidacy for the presidency, representing the Democratic party. In a groundbreaking turn of events, Roosevelt emerged victorious in the 1932 presidential election, outshining his competitor Herbert Hoover. His approach to eradicate poverty struck a chord with the American population, making it a pivotal moment in history. Notably, this triumph marked the first Democratic win since Woodrow Wilson’s presidency. Despite facing criticism from businessmen, Roosevelt’s progressive policies proved to be effective, significantly ameliorating the economic landscape during the challenging times of the Great Depression. Consequently, he served as the nation’s president for more than 12 years.
It’s worth highlighting that the major milestone of his presidency occurred in 1936 when he drove forward the constitutional amendment that barred presidents from serving more than two terms, making him the only US president to lead for four consecutive terms. Speaking of his most notable undertaking, the New Deal, it was crafted in collaboration with forward-thinking intellectuals and technicians. This program effectively applied the economic policies advocated by John M. Keynes and tactfully endorsed State intervention as a means to rejuvenate the economy and address the social repercussions of the crisis. However, it required increasing the national deficit and challenging the notion of unfettered market freedom. This marked the inception of the Welfare State in the United States.
During his initial term as president, he implemented several transformative policies aimed at benefitting the American population, particularly those most vulnerable. Among his notable accomplishments were the introduction of an agrarian reform, the enactment of the Industrial Reconstruction Law, and the establishment of the Tennessee Valley Authority. These initiatives formed part of an extensive public works program that aimed to stimulate economic growth and development.
In addition to these endeavors, he worked towards improving labor conditions by regulating labor relations in favor of workers. This entailed guaranteeing freedom of association, implementing pension schemes for unemployment, retirement, and disability, and instituting a standardized workweek of forty hours along with a minimum wage. These progressive actions not only garnered significant appreciation, credibility, and popularity among the American populace but also ensured the well-being of those who were most marginalized.
However, as with any profound transformation, there were challenges and opposition. The Supreme Court declared some of his measures unconstitutional, sparking controversy and further fueling the opposition. Yet, despite these obstacles, his commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Americans remained unwavering.
Roosevelt, the renowned president, played a crucial role in reshaping American society and revitalizing its economy. Through his innovative social security system and progressive approach to capitalism, he instilled a fresh sense of confidence and hope in the nation. However, his ambitions extended beyond national boundaries as he sought to establish America’s dominance on the global stage. Recognizing the importance of international diplomacy, he forged diplomatic ties with the Soviet Union and fostered friendly relations with neighboring nations like Cuba, the Philippines, and Haiti. Nevertheless, when confronted with the rise of Nazi Germany, Roosevelt confronted significant opposition from Congress, which advocated for isolationism. Overcoming these challenges, Roosevelt embarked on a path of rearmament in 1938 and ultimately allied the United States with the forces of freedom in defense against the Nazi threat. Through his unwavering determination, Roosevelt propelled his nation towards a brighter future, both domestically and internationally, safeguarding the principles that Americans hold dear.