Roosevelt
So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself -- nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror, which paralyses needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.
Franklin D Roosevelt, 1933, Inaugural Address
Franklin D Roosevelt was the people's president and an extraordinary man for an extraordinary time in US history. Born 1882, he grew up in New York City, USA. As a young man, Roosevelt studied to be a lawyer, which he practiced until his interest in politics was embraced.
During his two terms that covered the depression, Roosevelt became a hero for the people, experimenting with many solutions to the countries problems. He tried things like 'Bank Holiday' where he would close all banks for four days to find that deposits surpassed withdrawals on re-opening. However it was his long-term solutions that satisfied the people greatly.
Franklin D Roosevelt (FDR)
1882 – Born in Hyde Park, New York, USA
1905 – Married Eleanor Roosevelt on St. Patrick's Day
1910 – Won election to the New York Senate
1920 – Appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy by President Wilson and was Democratic nominee for Vice President
1921 – Contracted Poliomyelitis (Polio)
1924 – Democratic Convention – appeared on crutches
1928 – Became Governor of New York
1932 – Elected President for the first of four terms
1945 – Died 12 April from a cerebral haemorrhage
To find out more about Franklin D Roosevelt try these websites:
Activities
Check out those Movies
This would be a great opportunity to explore the original musical of Annie on video – where FDR is painted in a fantastic light, such a great look alike! This movie also covers the 'wow' factor of cinema at the time and the contrast between the affluent and the working class.
Rumours
Considering the different portrayal of Herbert Hoover to FDR, constructed for political agendas throughout the US, this activity aims to encourage students to be adamant about what they are hearing and then aims to throw this idea on its head. Example: Name half the class as Red and half as Blue, giving each a sticker of identification of their applicable colours.The reds are only to support the reds and the blues only to support the blues. Both kinds must believe the other is worse than them, and avoid them at all costs. Let them play this out to see if any natural power comes into play. Then freeze. Now turn the situation on its head by stating that all the reds have contracted a disease known as 'Agent Red' and that that the only people who know the cure are the blues. How does their behaviour change?