Leadership - FDR

Essay by EssaySwap ContributorHigh School, 11th grade February 2008

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Franklin Delano Roosevelt What makes them great leaders is a jambalaya of things. They follow their promises, and have the ability to motivate people at all times. When referring to groups, individuals feel as if he/she is talking directly to them. There are many other qualities needed in a great leader, but it's not just their personality traits but their actions too.

Franklin D Roosevelt is possibly the greatest leader America has ever had. He was such a powerful man with incredible determination. In 1921 he contracted Polio while on vacation at Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada. In only 3 years he is able to return to public life, when he shows up at the Democratic convention to nominate Alfred E. Smith, governor of New York, as the party's presidential candidate.

In 1928 he runs for governor of New York and wins. As governor Roosevelt introduces various social reforms, including tax relief for farmers and public development of electric power.

As 1929 comes around, The Great Depression begins, with the collapse of prices on the New York stock exchange in October, ushering in a 10-year economic slump in North America, Europe, and other industrialized regions. Banks close, manufacturing output falls and unemployment rises dramatically. By 1932 US manufacturing output has fallen to 54% of its 1929 level and unemployment has risen to between 12 and 15 million workers, or 25-30% of the workforce. As governor of New York, Roosevelt responds by introducing state government welfare, establishing the temporary emergency relief administration to provided unemployment assistance to New York's poor.

The 1932 election, Democratic candidate FDR wins while promising "a new deal for the American people." During his campaigns he outlined his "New Deal"; promising aid to farmers, public development of electric power, a balanced budget and government controls on private...