1944 U.S. Presidential Election.

Essay by hdogHigh School, 11th gradeA+, November 2003

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Franklin D. Roosevelt had won the past three presidential elections and he wasn't going to stop there. For the previous twelve years of his presidency, Roosevelt had worked hard to lead Americans out of the Depression and reconstruct the economy. He helped citizens to rebuild confidence in them and in their country. He focused upon concern, attempting to balance taxes and moderate prices of food, even instituting farm price controls.

In his 1932 inaugural address he stated, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," and FDR carried out this promise of timely and strong action for his people. Thomas Dewey ran against Roosevelt in the election as the Republican candidate, however Dewey had no real platform supporting his candidacy other than attacking his opponent's campaign.

The election of 1944 is not really Roosevelt vs. Dewey, but rather Roosevelt vs. Roosevelt: those who supported him and those who did not.

Roosevelt was inducted for his first term as president of the United States in March of 1933, at the core of the Great Depression. The very next day, he declared a "bank holiday" to prevent a run on banks, and closed all banks indefinitely until they were checked and approved to be efficient and solvent. The Emergency Banking Bill restructured and reopened the approved banks within eight days. The "bank holiday" secured Roosevelt's political standing, as well as the trust of both Congress and the public in his plans for rebuilding the nation.

Roosevelt got right to work with his "New Deal" plan, pressing bill after bill with congress, in what was known as the first 100 days. First on his list of bills was the economy bill, which would reduce government salaries up to 15% as well as the veteran's pensions, followed by the cancellation of prohibition.