1932 Presidential Election Franklin D. Roosevelt was perceived as a man of action. Hoover was viewed as a “do nothing president.” Results – A landslide for Democrats.

Map of Electoral College Votes

Situation when FDR took office By March 1933, the country was virtually leaderless and the banking system had collapsed.

FDR Restores Confidence In his inaugural address, he said: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself…” FDR was a charismatic person who exhibited warmth and understanding of people

FDR introduces the New Deal The 3 Rs RELIEF: Immediate action taken to stop the economy from getting worse. To provide jobs for the unemployed and to protect farmers from foreclosures.

RECOVERY: To get the economy back into high gear, “priming the pump” Temporary programs to restart the flow of consumer demand – get people spending money again.

REFORM: Permanent programs to avoid another depression and protect citizens from more economic problems. To regulate banks, to abolish child labor, and to conserve farm lands.

Sources of the New Deal Ideas Brain Trusts – specialists and experts, mostly college professors, idea men. New Economists –gov’t spending and public works should prime the pump. Roosevelt’s Cabinet – included democrats and republicans blending ideas.

Fireside Chats Roosevelt’s fireside chats were radio broadcasts in which he reached out to the American people.