Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32^nd President of the United States, exemplifies numerous qualities and characteristics pertinent to the representation of the quintessential leader. First of all, FDR aided in the dissolution of the Great Depression that befell the world during the twenties, thirties, and early forties. He convinced the U.S. Congress with his powerful persuasion to pass the New Deal which provided jobs to millions of unemployed Americans and supplied relief programs to millions more needy citizens around the country. This legislation proposed by Roosevelt made the government more responsible and much more friendly to the struggling populace of the time. Two, FDR guided the U.S. to victory and success during the Second World War. He was a tremendous voice of confidence during the entire global conflict by declaring courageously that the U.S. would continue to wage incessant battle until her enemies in both Europe and Asia collapsed completely. Not only did Roosevelt help defeat one of the most abhorrent alliances in history, he also established a U.S. war machine on the home front where every citizen collaborated together and contributed to the cause in some manner whether it was building aircrafts in factories or sewing uniforms for soldiers. Third, FDR was a polio patient since the year 1921. Having a disability, such as polio, was considered by many individuals of the time to be an inferiority and inadequacy. The fact that Roosevelt accomplished so much in the face of his subordinate medical condition demonstrates the extreme fortitude that he possessed and thus instilled in his fellow Americans. Four, FDR united both Republicans and Democrats on many concerns and doubts confronting the nation. He also appealed to adverse groups of individuals, such as union workers and businessmen, who held different beliefs concerning relevant topics to their prosperity. Five, FDR was a wonderful decision-maker throughout his presidency. He refused to make a final decision on any political, social, or economical issue until he had received all the necessary advice from the experts and the specialists surrounding him. Six, FDR truly cared about the well-being of the U.S. populace. He employed fireside chats to not only attain the trust and dependence of the citizenry, but also to enter the homes of a multitude of ordinary Americans as a friend who genuinely cared and supported them. His election to more than two presidential terms and the despondency felt amongst the masses upon his death attest to the certitude and the adoration that the American public held for him during his life. FDR is consistently regarded as one of most admired individuals of the 20^th century due to the optimism that he implanted, the honesty that he propagated, the charisma that he possessed, and the arduous conflicts that he conquered. All in all, Franklin D. Roosevelt saved our country and revived its national spirit during one of the bleakest and most dismal moments that history has ever experienced.

“He lifted himself from a wheelchair to lift the nation from its knees.” – Jean Edward Smith