Franklin Delano Roosevelt Ideology

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Historians have portrayed various events or historical figures from ultimately different perspectives across the world. Franklin Delano Roosevelt for example, can be viewed in various ways, from being too ignorant, prideful, weak, or even inexperienced. Others may certainly view him as legendary, intelligent, and maybe even extremely courageous. The question, though, that poses significant discussion between historians is was Franklin Delano Roosevelt revolutionary? Did the ideological beliefs of governmental involvement in American lives change?
Historians such as Roy Jenkins, Douglas Brinkley, Jean Edward Smith, Nigel Hamilton, Alan Brinkley, and Frances Perkins show signs of significant disparity between their interpretations of Roosevelt. …show more content…

In his book, he covers the whole spectrum of Roosevelt’s life and how he came to be President of the United States. Brinkley understood the impact Roosevelt had not just on domestic policy, but as well as global. Brinkley went into more detail than previous authors by adding the fact that Roosevelt as well changed the American party system. Brinkley, though, did have one certain difference than the previous authors, and that was that he believed it may change the way citizens view the government. In better terms, people would come to depend more on the government than previously before. Brinkley, though, was critical on the fact that the New Deal was not as special as it was believed to be. He parted in a different direction than previous authors and stated, “It did not end Great Depression and the massive unemployment that accompanied it.” Brinkley’s argument, though, was that FDR did change the scope of government, but with it came consequences and benefits for the American …show more content…

Nigel Hamilton’s book “The Mantle of Command” focuses strongly on how FDR coped with the military struggles in World War II. Hamilton explains the decisions made by FDR, and why at time he was reluctant in making consequential decisions. Jean Edward Smith’s book “FDR” as well focuses on why Roosevelt did what he did. Smith explains throughout the book the pure necessity of some of these decisions, rather than the revolutionary change FDR was supposed to want to

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