FDR’s First Inaugural Address

1933

Question 1

(a) FDR’s audience was the American people(b) FDR was delivering this speech because he was just elected president, and he was telling the American people how he would govern the nation

Question 2

FDR told the people that he would be honest with them about the challenges faced by the countryBy facing problems directly, this will ensure that solutions are foundFDR knows that the USA will survive this crisis!

The Only Thing We Have to Fear

is Fear Itself• Living in fear prevents

one from taking action & trying to solve problems

• He wants to encourage people to act!!

Question 3

Question 4

(a) Difficulties are only with material things: stock values have fallen; taxes have increased; industry, farming, trade have all suffered; families face unemployment and lost savings(b) & (c) Answers vary

Question 5

The government must put people to work: treating this task like we would treat a national emergency such as a war!

(a) FDR is willing to expand presidential power (executive) if Congress (legislature) will not act.

As Commander in Chief, he has war powers and this is like a war!

(b) Also FDR says the American people support this, because of his recent overwhelming victory in the election

Question 6