With the economy in ruins, Roosevelt had to deliver on his campaign promises. The stakes were high. If his leadership failed, the U.S. would sink even deeper into misery and he would fail to meet the standards set by past presidents who had led the country through crises.
"Roosevelt created the New Deal in 1933 as a group of programs and policies . . . designed to improve the conditions for people suffering in the Great Depression."
-U.S. History Collaboration
-U.S. History Collaboration
"The country needs and . . . demands bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it: If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. The millions who are in want will not stand by silently forever while the things to satisfy their needs are within easy reach." |
Goals of the New Deal
"Relief: Assistance, especially in the form of food, clothing, or money, given to those in special need or difficulty."
-Oxford Dictionary "Recovery: A return to a normal state of ... health or strength." -Oxford Dictionary "Reform: Changes in (something, typically a social, political, or economic institution or practice) made in order to improve it." -Oxford Dictionary |
16 Bills in 100 Days
"Progress occurs when courageous leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better."
-Harry S. Truman
Roosevelt learned from the mistakes of the Hoover Administration and recognized that greater government intervention was required. He demonstrated confidence and courage by passing sixteen New Deal bills within the first 100 days of his presidency. His actions validated Americans' belief that he would quickly work to counteract the effects of the Great Depression. These bills considerably improved the lives of many (see New Deal programs).
"During the first 100 days of his presidency, Roosevelt passed a never-ending stream of bills to relieve poverty, reduce unemployment, and speed economic recovery, including 16 major bills."
-PBS film: Surviving the Dust Bowl
-PBS film: Surviving the Dust Bowl
"When Roosevelt came in, it was as though a door had been opened . . . He proved that it was possible to try to do something about conditions . . . It gave us life, a collective life which had been paralysed by the doctrines and policies of the past. By putting himself and his office at the service of the public will, Roosevelt entered the ranks of the political prophets." |
"The admirable trait in Roosevelt is that he has the guts to try . . . Where there were hesitation and vacillation, weighing always the personal political consequences, feebleness, timidity, and duplicity, there are now courage and boldness and real action. His fearlessness with the New Deal saved America." |
"FDR's confidence with the New Deal programs made a powerful impression on the public. The cartoon [to the right] illustrates the perception of him as an exceptionally strong and active leader. This image became firmly fixed at the very start of his presidency. It also rose America's confidence in their government and its leadership." |
Legacy: First 100 Days
"Every journey starts with a single step, and every presidency begins with the First 100 Days. Ever since 1933, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt used his first three months in office to lay the foundations of the New Deal, the First 100 Days have been seen as a unique moment--the new president's first and perhaps best chance to reshape the nation according to his own agenda and vision."
-William Lasser, Houghton-Mifflin