talism. And, unlike past presidents, including Wilson, FDR had the responsibility of dealing with not one, but two of the most influential eras in the 20th century. His policies and acts are still felt today, some fifty years later. More so than Taft, or Hoover, or even Theodore Roosevelt; FDR left a lasting effect on American politics, finances, military, and employment.FDR was also the first president to have a first lady who could have been a capable politician in her own right. Eleanor Roosevelt shattered the ceremonial mold in which the role of the First Lady had traditionally been fashioned, and reshaped it around her own skills and her deep commitment to social reform. She gave a voice to people who did not have access to power. She was the first woman to speak in front of a national convention, to write a syndicated column, to earn money as a lecturer, to be a radio commentator and to hold regular press conferences. In conclusion, Franklin Roosevelt was one of America's most controversial leaders. Conservatives claimed that he undermined states' rights and individual liberty. Leftists found him timid and conventional in attacking the Depression. Others thought him devious and inconsistent and uninformed about economics. Some of these claims were well founded. Though Roosevelt labored hard to end the Depression, he had limited success. It was not until 1939 and 1940, with the onset of heavy defense spending before World War II, that prosperity returned. Roosevelt also displayed limitations in his handling of foreign policy. In the 1930's he was slow to warn against the menace of fascism, and during the war he relied too heavily on his charm and personality in the conduct of diplomacy.Still, Roosevelt's historical reputation is deservedly high. In attacking the Great Depression he did much to develop a partial welfare state in the United States and to make the federal government an agent of social and economic refor...
