Mrs. Ruland's U.S. History Class Project
FDR'S FireSide Chats and the American's Response
In the turmoil and chaos following the Great Crash and the subsequent depression, FDR stood as a symbol of hope. One third of the nation was unemployed, banks closed and people could not deposit or withdraw. In the despair following the depression, people began searching for someone who would represent them and pull the nation out of the economic hole it was in. In the 1932 presidential elections, Americans elected a man whom they trusted would solve the nation's problems. This man was Franklin D Roosevelt. Following the bank crisis, FDR began talking to the American people to assure them that there was still hope. FDR's fireside chats were a way in which to actively engage the American public, and let the average citizen know that the government was making ground in its fight against unemployment and economic decline that plagued the American people during the Great Depression. The fireside chats let the public know what its leaders were planning to do, and were a proactive way in which to let the public feel involved in the economic recovery, and to revitalize hope in the economy and government. To the average person, FDR represented a new politician, one who cared for the poor and tried to reach out to the ordinary people. He used language that any man or woman could understand, and tried to understand the people for whom he tried to serve. FDR used jokes to talk to the nation, and in effect endeared himself to the public, and spread hope that the depression could not last forever. The fireside chats built up a sense of unity for the American people, and helped build confidence in the New Deal Programs. This feeling of security and confidence in America's leaders, inspired by FDR and his fireside chats, helped pull the Nation out of the grasps of the depression, and onto the road of economic security.
Fireside Chats of Franklin D. Roosevelt This is a great site for viewing the full text of all 30 of FDR's fireside chats. The Fireside chats were provided by the FDR presidential library, and are therefore very reliable. Also, the webpage is part of the Mid Hudson Regional Information Center, which is a respected organization.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum This page gives a brief introduction about FDR's fireside chats, and gives links to read them online.It uses very clear, understandable language, so the message of the fireside chats are understood. The information laid out in this site is from the FDR presidential library, so the authors of the site would likely be experts on this topic and would be very reliable.
75th Anniversary Salute to FDR This site also contains text of the fireside chats, but has them on real player. The site basically gives a play by play of select fireside chats, and explains the impact they had on the American psyche. This site lets the reader know the effect of FDR's fireside chats, and shows how FDR helped calm the nation during the Great Depression.
Today in History This site provides general information on President Roosevelt's first fireside chat, and explains how the fireside chats were a way in which to actively engage with the public. This site is good for the average person because the language is concise, and the information is all laid out in a simple format. The site is commercial, but the creators of Today in history are very knowledgeable, and do good research.
Biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt This page is from the official White House website, so the information would be very reliable, and the writers of the site would likely be experts on this topic, or would have access to good records.. The site gives an overview of Franklin D. Roosevelt's life, and analyzes his presidency and role in pulling the nation out of the grips of the Great Depression.
The Great Depression and the New Deal This site was created by the Bergen organization, and provides an overview of the circumstances that led the United States into the Great Depression. The site has an overview of both Hoover and FDR's philosophies, and also provides basic information on the agencies and acts created to pull the nation out of the depression, and also shows the successes and failures of the New Deal.
Social Security This site was found on Mrs Ruland's list of recommended sites for FDR and the New Deal, and has been pre-reviewed. The site was created by Brian Trumbore, president of StocksandNews.com. Brian Trumbore is and expert on investing and social security. This site gives an overview on Social Security, and the circumstances that led to the passing of the Social Security Act. The site uses very clear language, and is easy for the average reader to understand.
American Experience-The Presidents This site was pre-reviewed by Mrs Ruland, and was done by the PBS organization, which is very well known and respected. The site provides a basic overview of FDR's life, and gives links to learn about FDR's life in detail. The site explains how FDR stood as a figure of truth in the white house, and gave hope to the nation.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the New Deal This site is a government site, so the information in it is very reliable. Also, the site provides a lot of information on FDR and his role in making the new deal work.. The site has very clear language, and the information is laid out in an understandable way.
This site was created by Jason T., a student in Mrs Ruland's period 5 US History GT class.
Last updated March 28, 2007
© Marcella Ruland 1998-2008, All rights reserved
