Blog #34: FDR's First Inaugural

Roosevelt begins his Address by stating that America must not shy away from the present issues that are a result of the Great Depression. He explains that just as it has done in the past, the country must face these economic problems with strength. He then goes on to list the issues, which include rising taxes, overproduction on farms, unemployment, and more. He says that although America has plenty of resources, companies have failed to use them wisely, causing the previously listed issues. He states that happiness does not come from the possession of money, but rather from the joy of achievement and creative effort. The nation requires not just moral change, but action to accomplish that change as well.
The first action that needs to be taken is that the government needs to decrease unemployment. By doing this, the economy could once again thrive, and the use of natural resources could be stimulated and reorganized. The second action that must be taken is to fix overpopulation by reducing prices of land/homes, raising prices on agricultural products, unifying relief activities, etc. Finally, to prevent further economic trouble, there must be strict supervision over economic activities, an end to speculation of other people's money, and a provision for a strong and effective currency.
To accomplish these tasks, Roosevelt states that a new Congress must be created and that he must have assistance from several states. At this point in time, American economic issues need to come before international affairs in order to keep the country strong.
At one point, Roosevelt mentions his "good neighbor policy" and says that the United States will behave like a good neighbor by respecting both itself and the other countries of the world.
He explains that the American people must be willing to sacrifice for the good of the common discipline, and that they must be willing to strike down problems that are presented.
He notes that the Constitution has always allowed America to prosper, and that because of such principles, America is the strongest nation in the world. However, he says that if the course of action he created in order to fix the current crisis fails, then he will ask Congress to establish a broad Executive power to wage war against the economic problems within the nation.
Roosevelt finishes his Address by stating that the people depend on him to fix the issues at hand, and with faith, strength, and hope, he gladly takes on that responsibility.

Roosevelt's most famous quote from his First Inaugural Address is: "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

Franklin D. Roosevelt gives his First Inaugural Address

Roosevelt's First Inaugural Address reminds me of Winston Churchill and his speeches, especially the one in which he says "we shall fight on the beaches." I find the two speeches similar, because both Roosevelt and Churchill were encouraging the American people not to fear the present issues, but rather to fight the problems with courage. The biggest difference, however, is that Roosevelt was referring to the economic issues of the Great Depression, while Churchill was referring to the issue of WWII.