ediate steps to end unemployment, to aid the farmer, and to bring about national recovery. If Congress failed to act, he promised to seek abroad powers "to wage war against the emergency, as great as the power that would be given to me if we were in fact invaded by a foreign foe."This vigorous assertion of national leadership, combined with Roosevelt's forceful presentation, inspired confidence and renewed faith in the democratic system of government. Not since George Washington had a president started his term of office with such popular support.In Franklin Roosevelt's first term (1933-37) the nation saw more important legislation passed than in any other four years in American history. Roosevelt and his advisors were called the "brain trust." They believed that immediate federal action was needed to restore confidence in the economic system. Their goal was to maintain capitalism but, at the same time, to reform, not destroy, the economic system that had brought hardship to so many.Roosevelt was also strongly committed to the idea of humane government, one that would rather consider the basic needs of the people. Any dogma or rigid philosophy of government did not restrict him. Rather he was practical and experimental in trying to rebuild the shattered economy. His programs were many and varied. "Do something," he said. "If it works, do it some more. And if it doesn't work, then do something else" (Leuchtenburg,45)Roosevelt exuded confidence. His optimism and self-assurance were conveyed in a series of radio addresses, which came to be known as "the fireside chats." There were about thirty broadcasts during his 12 years in office and millions of people eagerly awaited each one. "My friends," he would begin, and then, in simple but elegant language, he would explain his New Deal. His warm personality, his sense of personal concern, and his informality combined to make these talks a success. He spoke as though he were actu...
