today in history FDR signed the neutrality act. for what you have learned about FDR over the years what would u say he did the best on a political stand besides stuff about the great depression?
"Fireside Chats".
FDR was the first US President to utilize the media --the radio-- to present his thoughts and programs directly to millions of listeners. Roosevelt was a gifted communicator. His "chats" redefined the relationship between the Presidency and the American people.
Dear Austin Jones,
The more I learn about FDR, yes I am stunned by his greatness. I traveled the river road along the Hudson once, stopped at his home... A museum now, where the life-and-death decisions he faced are documented. Yes signing the 1935 neutrality act was skillful political maneuvering, behind the scenes he was helping England in every way he could...his genius.
On Mt. Baker I used to give talks on the CCC roads there (Civilian Conservation Corps), and I would show a robust photo of FDR when he took office... and then this one the day before his death...someone that KNEW just how close we came to losing WWII.
Yes the diagnosis of heart disease and all, but I believe FDR gave his life for his country.
During the late 1930s FDR worked with Churchill (who was not yet the British prime minister) to try to minimise the threat from Nazi Germany. This he did in the face of much opposition for Americans, reasonably, wanted to keep out of any European war. (FDR was smart enough to know that Germany's ambitions would not be satisfied standing on the eastern shore of the Atlantic.)
Joe Kennedy (JFK's father) was at that time the US ambassador to the Court of St. James and worked against Roosevelt, to some extent sabotaging his efforts.
War broke out in Europe a couple of years before Pearl Harbor and FDR did much to assist the British with supplies they urgently needed. Without his foresight and material help it's very possible that Germany would have won the war.
