LAD #33: FDR's First Inaugural Address

Ronald Reagan's First Inaugural Address relates to FDR's First Inaugural Address as both were taking office in times of economic hardship and their speeches both focused on the economy quite a bit.



FDR's First Inaugural Address Summary: FDR begins his speech with the famous quote "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself". With FDR coming into the Presidency with the in a depression, he made it his main goal to boost moral and to get the country back on their feet. In hopes that he would encouraged those who were at the time discouraged, he focuses on social aspects rather than economic turmoil and claims happiness does not lie in "the mere possession of money". FDR insured the public not to worry and suggests several solutions to the ever growing problem. One being the strict regulation of banks, jump start spending, investments, establishing a sound basis of currency, and ending the speculation. It was important for the banks to regain trust of the citizens if the economy was ever going to jump start itself. FDR urged people to use the banks and spend even amidst the depression because that is the only way that it would ever get better. Again focusing on the economy, he passes the "Good Neighbor Policy" meaning that America will respect the rights of other countries and devote their efforts to rebuilding the American economy.