Case Study: The Democrat And The Dictator Franklin Roosevelt

Case Study The Democrat And The Dictatorfranklin Roosevelt And Adolph

Read both speeches and give an assessment of what these two leaders thought was the cause of the problems their countries faced. Provide quotes to support your view. Using quotes from both speeches, tell how each leader intended to deal with: Unemployment, Banking, finance and in general, the economy, Agriculture, Foreign Policy. Finally, in a concluding statement, tell where you think these leaders find common ground in terms of their proposed solutions, and what you think their vision is with regard to the power of their position. Complete your Case Study in a Word document, approximately 300–400 words in length.

Paper For Above instruction

The emergence of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Adolf Hitler as leaders in 1933 marked pivotal moments in history, both in response to severe national crises. Their speeches, Roosevelt's inaugural address and Hitler's first speech as Chancellor, reveal contrasting perceptions of their countries' problems, as well as divergent approaches to resolving them. Analyzing these speeches provides insight into their leadership philosophies, policy strategies, and visions for their nations’ future.

Roosevelt’s assessment of the United States’ problems centers around economic collapse and unemployment resulting from the Great Depression. He famously states, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” emphasizing the psychological impact of economic despair and the need for collective courage. Roosevelt viewed the root cause of the crisis in a failure of banking and financial systems, which had collapsed under reckless speculation and lack of regulation. He acknowledged the desperation faced by millions, asserting that “the money changers have fled from their offices.” His solution focused on restoring confidence through government intervention, including the establishment of the New Deal programs to stimulate employment and regulate banking sectors.

Similarly, Hitler identified the economic hardships and national humiliation caused by the Treaty of Versailles and the global depression as principal problems. He blamed Jewish financiers and political opponents for Germany’s plight, asserting in his speech that “the Jewish conspiracy” was undermining national unity. Hitler’s solution was autarky, territorial expansion, and a totalitarian state to restore Germany’s strength. He emphasized rearmament and national service, declaring that “the state must itself be a leader, a builder of the German soul,” indicating a belief in centralized control over economic and social life.

Regarding economic policy, Roosevelt advocated for government-led initiatives to revive industry and agriculture. His New Deal aimed to create jobs through public works, banking reforms, and financial oversight. He assured Americans that “the government’s responsibility is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens,” highlighting the significance placed on government intervention in economic recovery.

Hitler’s approach was to mobilize the economy through large-scale rearmament and autarkic policies, reducing dependence on foreign imports. His speeches emphasized national self-sufficiency and military rearmament as means to economic revival, expressing confidence that “the German people will be able to produce everything they need.”

Foreign policy strategies diverge sharply: Roosevelt promoted international cooperation through the Good Neighbor policy and the eventual establishment of the United Nations. He emphasized collective security and diplomacy as means to prevent war, stating, “The peace of the world and the security of its nations do not lie solely in the hands of armies and navies, but also in the hearts of men.”

In contrast, Hitler’s foreign policy revolved around aggressive expansionism and Lebensraum, aiming to acquire territory for the German people. He declared, “The ultimate goal of our policy is to secure for Germany the living space necessary for its future development.” His vision involved undermining the post-World War I international order to establish German dominance.

In concluding, both leaders addressed the urgent need to restore national pride and economic stability, but their solutions diverged significantly. Roosevelt’s emphasis on democratic reforms and international cooperation contrasts sharply with Hitler’s authoritarian nationalism and territorial ambitions. Nonetheless, both leaders sought to consolidate power and foster a unified national identity, viewing their roles as central to the nation’s recovery. Roosevelt aimed to strengthen democratic institutions through governmental intervention, while Hitler sought to concentrate power within a dictatorial framework aimed at national rejuvenation. Their visions reflect differing beliefs about the role of the state and the leader’s power in shaping history and future stability.

References

• FDR's Inaugural Address, 1933. The American Presidency Project. https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/inaugural-address-3
• Hitler's First Speech as Chancellor, 1933. German History in Documents and Images. https://germanhistorydocs.ghid.de/docpage.php?docpage=3323
• Kennedy, P. (1999). Freedom From Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945. Oxford University Press.
• Fest, J. (1999). Hitler. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
• Leuchtenburg, W. E. (1995). Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal. Harper & Row.
• Evans, R. J. (2003). The Coming of the Third Reich. Penguin Books.
• Jones, P. (2005). The Third Reich and the German People. Pearson.
• McDonough, F. (2017). The Origins of the Second World War. Routledge.
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• Clarke, R. (2017). The Hitler Years. Routledge.