How FDR Changed the Presidency
Sources: New Deal || White House || Biography || Legacy
Franklin D. Roosevelt saved our country from ultimate downfall. He lifted millions of people out of the Great Depression, and successfully used economics to build our country stronger during one of the largest wars our country has been involved with: World War Two. Through it all, Franklin D. Roosevelt utilized his presidential powers of influence, foreign policy, and the press, which set precedents for future presidents to do the same.
First, Franklin D. Roosevelt used his power of influencing congress to pass legislation and implementing programs to create jobs. He strengthened America’s economy when over thirteen million people were employed and banks were closing. In fact, Roosevelt built the country up from the Great Depression through his New Deal programs. Roosevelt utilized his informal power as president to influence Congress to pass certain legislation and create governmental programs. For example, through the first New Deal, Roosevelt influenced congress to end prohibition through the ratification of the 21st amendment, the Tennessee Valley Authority Act, and National Industrial Recovery Act. Also, through the second New Deal, Roosevelt created the Works Progress Administration and passed the National Labor Relations Act. He helped stock brokers, farmers, and small business owners get back on their feet, but more importantly, he set the precedent for future presidents to follow in his footsteps. He showed future presidents how to successfully utilize the president’s influence over Congress in order to solve large economic issues. President Barack Obama followed Roosevelt’s footsteps in order to bring the United States out of the 2008 economic recession.
Second, Franklin D. Roosevelt set the precedent for future presidents to implement diplomatic relations with the world. During World War II, Roosevelt showed poise while dealing with diplomatic issues. For example, his policy of “good neighbors” highlighted his wish to mutually deal with aggressors with allies. This diplomatic move allowed for the United States to maintain neutrality with Europe until Pearl Harbor was attacked. Only then did the United States join the war. Diplomatically, Congress declared war through the advisory of Roosevelt. Not only did Roosevelt use his official power of receiving ambassadors, but he also used his informal power of dealing with foreign relations without the advisory of Congress. For example, he dedicated a lot of time towards the creation of the UN to diplomatically deal with foreign issues. For future presidents, Roosevelt began the tradition of falling back on diplomacy first in cases of international conflict. Of course, presidents like George W. Bush used military tactics strictly before diplomacy, which differs from Roosevelt’s idea, but the majority of Democratic presidents follow this ideal.
Lastly, Franklin D. Roosevelt utilized the press to it’s full extent, when the radio was developing. Roosevelt’s “fireside chats” became, as the name entails, a casual conversation from the president to the people. The causality of such allowed for the connection between the American people and the president to strengthen. Roosevelt set the precedent for future presidents to rely heavily on the press to talk directly to the citizens of the United States of America. This shaped the president into a strong figurehead for the people. Succeeding presidents wish to become the same for the sakes of reelection, integrity, and strength. Of course, presidents before Roosevelt utilized the press, but Roosevelt raised the standards. Transitioning an older president face to a new, modern style, which many support lead for the future presidency to rely on this informal power more often for reassurance and communication.
Overall, Franklin D. Roosevelt left a legacy for his successors through his powers of influence, foreign policy, and the press. Roosevelt didn’t greatly alter the president, but he set the standard for all presidents that follow. This changed the perspective on presidential powers from lesser to more often used, which can be seen today with Donald Trump’s use of appointment within the first month of assuming the Presidency. The people look for action because of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s active positive view.
