GDND - The Roosevelts (Lesson)

The Roosevelts

Photograph of FDR Statue by http://www.cgpgrey.com, CC BY 2.0,via Wikimedia Commons

 

FDR

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a beloved and treasured figure during his time in office as president of the United States. Afflicted with polio as a young man, Roosevelt overcame many obstacles to achieve his position and influence in history. Roosevelt was the only president elected to more than two terms in office. Roosevelt was elected four times, but he only served for three full terms as president of the United States. Roosevelt led the nation through the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl and ultimately led the country through the massive undertaking of World War II before his death of a stroke at the Little White House in Warm Springs, Georgia.

The Court Packing Bill

While Roosevelt is largely considered a heroic figure in American history, he does have his detractors. Some people today consider his expansion of the American government during the New Deal and World War II to be an overstep of his presidential authority and the cause of further economic debt and Americans’ government dependency. During his time in office not all of his measures were regarded as beneficial by his contemporaries.

Both the National Industrial Recovery Act and the Agricultural Adjustment Act were struck down by the United States Supreme Court as unconstitutional. In essence, the Supreme Court ruled that both acts could not control the price or production of goods or crops. Roosevelt, displeased with the rulings, worked to push through a bill which would increase the number of Supreme Court justices. The United States Constitution provides that newly appointed Supreme Court justices are to be appointed by the president. By adding new justices, Roosevelt could then appoint individuals who sided with his policies. This plan was obvious and considered an overreach by a standing president. The “Court Packing Bill” as it became known is largely seen as the “black eye” of Roosevelt’s legacy. Ironically, being elected to four terms, Roosevelt was able to replace the majority of the Supreme Court justices during his tenure in office anyway.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt obtained the status of First Lady of the United States as the wife of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. While the title and position of First Lady had existed since Martha Washington, Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the scope of the First Lady’s responsibilities. As president, Franklin Roosevelt was politically limited in certain areas or personal concern. One of these areas was civil rights for African Americans and minorities. Eleanor Roosevelt was able to utilize her influence as First Lady to develop agendas for underserved groups or projects. The First Lady served as a national advocate for African Americans and for women’s rights. Eleanor Roosevelt served on committees and spoke publicly in favor of equal rights for all Americans. In a very famous event, singer Marian Anderson was denied the opportunity to sing at the performing hall for the Daughters of the American Revolution. The reason: Marian Anderson was African American.

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