Franklin D. Roosevelt is remembered as one of the greatest leaders of the United States, and is often cited as being a leader who effectively led the country through one of the most crucial points in its history: the Second World War. He held office from 1933-1945, the longest of any president in US history, and is remembered for his courageous and unwavering leadership. Roosevelt’s leadership during World War II had a great impact, not just to the US, but to the world.
The Rise of Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt was born in 1882 in New York. He was the descendent of a wealthy and influential family from the North and was raised in an environment of privilege and power. Roosevelt attended Harvard, then attended Columbia Law School before being elected as the 33rd president of the United States of America in 1932. Before his election, Roosevelt had long been involved in politics and at the time, the US was in the midst of a great economic depression. Roosevelt and his Democratic Party won in a landslide victory and he began his presidency in early 1933.
Leadership of Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression of the 1930s
When Roosevelt took office, the US was in the midst of a great economic depression. Roosevelt responded with a series of bold and progressive policies, nicknamed the “New Deal,” that sought to promote economic recovery. Roosevelt sought to create federal jobs, repair infrastructure, and build public works, such as dams and bridges. He provided relief for the poor and unemployed, and invested heavily in the country’s education and culture. The Great Depression ravaged the country from the 1930s-1940s, but thanks to Roosevelt’s leadership and policies, the worst of the Depression was over by 1939.
Rise of Fascism and Entry of the United States into World War II
In 1939, fascism began to take hold in Europe and by 1940, both Germany and Italy had declared war on several of their neighboring countries. In 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and the United States officially entered the war. It was at this point that Roosevelt’s leadership began to shine. He quickly set to work leveraging the full power of the US economy to support the war effort. He increased taxes, created federal jobs and encouraged citizens to purchase war bonds to fund the war effort.
The US Allies and Key Members of the Leadership Team
As the US ramped up its war effort, Roosevelt gathered a team of some of the country’s most prominent leaders. This “pillars of power,” included Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall, Navy Chief Harold R. Stark, Secretary of State Cordell Hull, and later on, Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Roosevelt also had the support and cooperation of other allied nations, such as Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union.
Impact of Roosevelt’s Leadership During the War
Roosevelt’s leadership during World War II had a profound impact on both the US and the world. Here are just a few of the impacts:
• The US was able to successfully repel Japanese and German forces.
• The Soviet Union was able to remain neutral for much longer, keeping them from taking losses in a much more devastating European fight.
• The US economy was able to make a smooth transition from a consumer-based economy to a war-oriented economy. This allowed the economy to remain relatively stable through tough economic times.
• Roosevelt was able to provide was moral and emotional support to the US citizens during the war, giving them courage and hope in the face of adversity.
• Roosevelt was able to create an atmosphere of international collaboration and cooperation amongst allied forces, bringing together the best minds and resources of all nations.
The Homefront, Foreign Policy Initiatives, and Other Leadership Accomplishments
In addition to leading the US through the war effort, Roosevelt was also responsible for managing the homefront. He encouraged citizens to ration food, clothes, and other goods in order to conserve resources, and allowed the government to influence wage regulations, prices, and labor organization for the war effort. Roosevelt, through his policies and initiatives, sought to keep the American home, both materially and emotionally, safe.
Roosevelt also launched several foreign policy initiatives during his tenure as president that left a lasting impact on the world. These initiatives seek to promote world peace, nuclear disarmament, and self-rule for former colonies around the world. One of the most prominent initiatives, the United Nations Charter, still stands in effect.
Franklin D. Roosevelt is remembered as an accomplished president, whose leadership during the US’s greatest challenges had a fantastic impact on the US and the world. During World War II, his courage and unwavering dedication, combined with his perfect team of trusted leaders, took the US through the war successfully and efficiently. His continued leadership and foreign policy accomplishments set a lasting standard for the rest of the world, and his legacy still prevails to this day.
