“Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Leader of the Free World”Few presidents live up to the name “Leader of the Free World.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt embodied that title, both in actions and beliefs. Roosevelt's work to heal the economy, provide jobs for young people, and his involvement in World War II transformed the United States into what it is today. The 1920s, called the “Roaring Twenties,” were a time of prolonged economic prosperity. It all ended in 1929, with the stock market crash. This collapse effectively ended the prosperity we experienced and began a decade of high unemployment, poverty, deflation, and declining incomes at all levels. These circumstances have led the American people to become distrustful and generally disillusioned with the United States government. These negative feelings focused on the most visible government official, who at the time was the 31st president, Herbert Hoover. Although he had no direct role in the Great Depression, Hoover's policies of raising taxes and increasing spending were seen as extravagant at the time and were widely ridiculed for being reckless. By raising taxes during a time of economic hardship, Hoover made it nearly impossible for the poor to rise out of poverty. As Congress passed budgets aimed at raising taxes at all levels and deregulating businesses, the economic recovery was slowed to a near standstill. Meanwhile, Hoover tried to implement multiple emergency relief acts, but it was too little, too late. President Hoover was seen as a weak president and the American people were tired of weak politicians. In the words of his opponent in the 1932 presidential election, "There's nothing in that man but jelly!", and "[He's] a fat, shy capon" (Gibbs 111). This opponent would continue… middle of paper… hard evidence everywhere, and most of the information I used was common knowledge or material I learned from studying my favorite president. they believe that Roosevelt truly embodied the American spirit, and his shrewd politics, his policy of promoting intellectual cabinet members, and his work to recover the economy shaped the United States in countless ways. I truly believe that Roosevelt was the definition of “president” and “leader of the free world.” Works Cited Ermentrout, Robert Allen. Forgotten Men: The Civilian Conservation Corps. Smithtown, NY: Exposition, 1982. Print.Fried, Albert. FDR and his enemies. New York: St. Martin's, 1999. Print.Gibbs, Nancy. “When the new president meets the old, it's not always pretty.” Time. Time Inc., November 10, 2008. Web. April 20, 2014. Public Opinion, 1935-1946 ed. by Hadley Cantril and Mildred Strunk 1951. p. 111