The Dynamics of Character.

Essay by Banquo7High School, 11th gradeA+, September 2003

download word file, 5 pages 3.0

Downloaded 37 times

The Dynamics of Character

It is a universally acknowledged truth that the key to attaining immortality is to achieve historical significance and forever be remembered in history. The past presidents of the United States have thus accomplished what Ponce de Leon could not, by taking part in events that have shaped history. However, many are not remembered for their character, but rather for their deeds. Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman are two such men; this is a travesty, for the differences and similarities of the two friends well portrayed the different characters that have led a great nation.

In 1933, America was in desperate need of leader. Not a leader of average constitution, or normal abilities, but one who possessed principles and instincts not seen in many decades, perhaps since the days of Lincoln. In Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the American people found such a man. In the middle of the worst economic depression the U.S.

has ever seen, Roosevelt took office with the Gross National Product at half of what it had been prior to the Stock Market Crash. Within 100 days, Roosevelt pounded out 15 major legislations in an emergency session of Congress, the period of which came to be known as the Hundred Days Congress. This event set the tone for Roosevelt's twelve years in office. Roosevelt possessed extraordinary amounts of confidence, which he gained through a loving and accepting family, and also through his bout with polio. With this infallible confidence in himself, his country, and humanity in general, Roosevelt held the belief that there was nothing he, or mankind, could not handle. He was of such strong character that the American people merely needed to observe him to regain confidence in their country. This security also gave him the confidence to instate original...