#16 FDR Presidential Library

 Given the fact that FDR was President from March, 1933 - April, 1945, there is a lot that could be covered in his presidential library, and there is. The three main themes  are: 1) the New Deal; 2 ) World War II and post war; and 3) programs to benefit everyday Americans. 

The New Deal, which was implemented during his first 100 days of office, was a series of programs which created jobs  while building dams to supply electricity to rural areas, building new roads and bridges,  conserving public lands, etc. These jobs put money in peoples’ pockets and food on their tables as well as taught them skills while giving the country a much needed psychological boost, which was badly needed. 

After WW II broke out in September, 1939,  FDR played a pivotal role in providing the allies with much needed ships and supplies even though Americans  did not want to get involved. After we entered the war two years later, FDR worked closely with Churchill and Stalin to defeat Hitler and organize a post war Europe. One of his biggest achievements was the creation of the United Nations. Sadly he died less than a month before the end of the war in Europe and four months before end of the war in the Pacific. 

In addition the New Deal programs, some of his most noteworthy accomplishments were the Social Security Act in 1935 which for the first time gave older Americans some financial security, and the GI bill in 1944 which gave returning GI’s benefits such as  educational support, and loan guarantees. He was also instrumental in establishing the SEC and banking rules to make sure that another financial disaster such as the one  in 1929 didn’t happen 

The library is quite extensive and very well organized with exhibits dedicated to specific times of his presidency. It also contains a number of interesting displays such as his desk from the Oval Office, and  his car which was modified so he could control everything by hand. It is definitely worth the visit. 

Important Note: For FDR’s first term, he was sworn in on March 3, but the passage of the 20th  amendment  of the Constitution in 1933 moved  all future inauguration dates to January 20. This was done to decrease the length of a lame duck presidency. 








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