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Fdr Fireside Chat Analysis

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FDR’s approach to the Great Depression as Pertains in the Fireside Chats
The Great Depression of 1933 was a terrifying economic slump for Americans. A quarter of the nation’s workforce were unemployed. Banks could not get enough currency to meet the enormous scale of cash withdrawal by means of the general public. Stocks went down 75% from 1929. It was under these circumstances that President Roosevelt took office and soon broadcasted the first of his 30 “fireside chats” on March 12. His intentions were to ease the economic fears of Americans and evoke the support of the people for his New Deal reform program. These chats were proven effective because they were conveyed to the American people via radio, during which the president himself exercised …show more content…

FDR began many of the chats with the greeting “My friends,” and introduced himself as “I” and referred to the American people as “you” as if addressing the people directly and personally. Labor Secretary Frances Perkins described how he envisioned the president spoke while sit in a cozy chair in the living room by an imaginary fireside: "His face would smile and light up as though he were actually sitting on the front porch or in the parlor with them. People felt this, and it bound them to him in affection. " In many of the conversations, Roosevelt aroused memories of the Founding Fathers, Abraham Lincoln or other inspirational figures from America’s past. “The Star Spangled Banner” was played after each conversation ended, emphasizing patriotism. Finally, the president appealed to God at the end of every conversation, telling the American people to face the crises with composure, determination and fortitude, as if the president himself is praying to God at everyone’s dinner table holding their hands. Through presenting himself as a friend and not a ruler, the reassuring nature of President Roosevelt’s fireside chats boosted the public’s confidence and won their approval and

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