LAD #33: Roosevelt's First Inaugural

In his first inaugural address, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) admits that his presidency will be a long and arduous journey through the country's economic collapse. FDR told the American people that the crisis was not as dreary as they may have believed. Hope characterized this address and his following presidency. He recognized that the economy left in shambles left farmers without saving, industry without trade, and men with no hope in the stock market. FDR made his most memorable quote, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." He had the mentality that the nation should be focused on the good of many people, and shy away from self-achievement and personal wealth. FDR ended his address in confidence, with a pragmatic sense of optimism.