Contextualization

Franklin D. Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States. He served four terms in office, making him the longest-serving President in American history. Born into a wealthy New York family in 1882, Roosevelt was educated at prestigious schools before attending Harvard University and Columbia Law School. However, his privileged upbringing didn't shield him from tragedy. In 1921, at the age of 39, he contracted polio, which permanently paralyzed his legs.

This devastating event, though, didn't deter Roosevelt. In fact, it seemed to ignite a fire within him to help others who were struggling. He believed that the government had a responsibility to help its citizens, especially during times of economic hardship. This belief became the cornerstone of his presidency, particularly during the Great Depression and World War II, when his leadership style and policies earned him both praise and criticism.

Roosevelt's presidency was marked by a series of bold and revolutionary policies known as the New Deal. These policies aimed to combat the economic and social devastation caused by the Great Depression. They included the establishment of several government agencies to provide jobs and economic support, the introduction of social security, and the implementation of various regulations on banks and stock markets.

The New Deal not only helped lift the country out of the Depression but also fundamentally changed the role of the federal government. It expanded the government's power and influence in the economy and society, setting a precedent that would shape American politics and policy for decades to come.

Roosevelt's presidency also coincided with one of the darkest periods in world history: World War II. His leadership during this time, both domestically and internationally, was crucial in shaping the outcome of the war and the post-war world. His policy of lend-lease, for example, helped provide crucial aid to the Allies, while his role in the creation of the United Nations laid the foundation for the post-war international order.

The impact of FDR's presidency is still felt today. Many of the programs and policies he implemented, such as social security and federal regulation of the economy, are still in place. His approach to leadership, characterized by optimism, empathy, and a willingness to experiment, also continues to influence political leaders.

These are just a few aspects of FDR's life and presidency. His story is one of resilience, leadership, and the power of government to affect change. By studying FDR, we can gain a deeper understanding of American history, the role of the President, and the challenges and opportunities of leadership.

Reliable Sources

1. Miller Center: A comprehensive resource on FDR's life, presidency, and legacy.
2. National Archives: Provides primary source documents and educational resources about FDR's inaugural address.
3. Library of Congress: Offers a collection of FDR's papers, including his correspondence, speeches, and other documents.
4. BBC History: A concise overview of FDR's life and presidency.
5. American Experience: A detailed biography of FDR, with a focus on his major achievements and challenges.
6. The New York Times: An article discussing the lasting impact of FDR's New Deal policies.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "The FDR Chronicle: Unveiling the Life and Legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt"

Objective of the Project

The main objective of this group project is to explore the life, presidency, and legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt, using a variety of sources and perspectives. The students will delve into key topics such as FDR's response to the Great Depression, his leadership during World War II, and the lasting impact of his policies. The project will culminate in the creation of a "FDR Chronicle," a comprehensive timeline and overview of FDR's life and presidency, along with an analysis of his key policies and their impact.

Detailed Description of the Project

The project will be divided into three main tasks:

1. Research: Each group will conduct in-depth research on FDR's life, presidency, and legacy using the provided sources and any additional resources they may find. They should focus on key themes such as the New Deal, FDR's response to the Great Depression, his leadership during World War II, and the lasting impact of his policies.

2. Timeline Creation: Based on their research, each group will create a timeline of FDR's life and presidency. The timeline should include key events, policies, and decisions, along with their corresponding dates.

3. Policy Analysis: Each group will select two of FDR's key policies and conduct a detailed analysis. The analysis should cover the policy's purpose, its implementation, its impact, and its legacy.

Necessary Materials

• Access to the internet for research
• Art supplies for the timeline creation (poster board, markers, etc.)
• Writing materials for the policy analysis and final report

Detailed Step-by-step for Carrying Out the Activity

1. Group Formation and Research (1 hour): Form groups of 3 to 5 students. Each group should begin by conducting research on FDR's life, presidency, and legacy.

2. Timeline Creation (1 hour): Based on their research, each group should create a timeline of FDR's life and presidency. The timeline should include key events, policies, and decisions, along with their corresponding dates.

3. Policy Selection and Analysis (1 hour): Each group should select two of FDR's key policies and conduct a detailed analysis. The analysis should cover the policy's purpose, its implementation, its impact, and its legacy.

4. Chronicle Compilation (1 hour): Based on their research, timeline, and policy analysis, each group should compile their findings into a comprehensive "FDR Chronicle."

5. Report Writing (2 hours): Each group should write a report detailing their research, timeline creation, policy analysis, and "FDR Chronicle" compilation. The report should be structured as follows:

• Introduction: The students should contextualize the project, its relevance, and real-world application, as well as the objective of this project.

• Development: This section should be divided into four subsections:

  1. Theory: The students should explain the main aspects of FDR's life and presidency that they researched. They should also explain the New Deal and its significance.

  2. Activity: The students should detail the steps they took to conduct their research, create their timeline, and analyze FDR's policies. They should also present their "FDR Chronicle" and explain its content.

  3. Results: The students should present and discuss the findings of their research and policy analysis. They should also reflect on the process of creating the "FDR Chronicle" and what they learned from it.

  4. Conclusion: The students should revisit the main points of their research, discuss the insights they gained into FDR's life and presidency, and draw conclusions about the project.

  5. Bibliography: The students should list the sources they used for their research.

Project Deliveries

• The "FDR Chronicle": A comprehensive timeline and overview of FDR's life and presidency, along with an analysis of two of his key policies and their impact.

• A written report detailing the students' research, timeline creation, policy analysis, and "FDR Chronicle" compilation.

This project should take a total of six hours to complete, including research, timeline creation, policy analysis, "FDR Chronicle" compilation, and report writing. It is designed to be completed by groups of 3 to 5 students, promoting collaboration, division of labor, and communication skills.