Roosevelt and the New Deal

Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) was elected President in November 1932, promising a New Deal for the American people. His programme of government intervention represented a dramatic change from the laissez-faire approach of the Republican Presidents who preceded him. This lesson covers FDR's election, the key measures of the New Deal, and the debate over its success.

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The 1932 Election

Candidate	Party	Approach
Herbert Hoover	Republican	Continued to advocate rugged individualism and limited government intervention
Franklin D. Roosevelt	Democrat	Promised a "New Deal" — active government intervention to tackle the Depression

FDR won a landslide victory, carrying 42 of 48 states. His campaign was optimistic and energetic, in stark contrast to Hoover's gloomy reputation.

Exam Tip: In his inauguration speech (March 1933), FDR said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." This quotation is worth learning — it encapsulates his approach of restoring confidence.

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The First Hundred Days