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| 1st Inauguration of Four Presidential
Terms |
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Franklin D. Roosevelt won his first
of four terms in 1932 at the height of the Great
Depression.
In his first inaugural address he spoke to raise the
spirits and hopes of suffering Americans with the words,
“...the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
 Complete text of Franklin D. Roosevelt's
first inaugural address
 Historian
David Kennedy discusses the election of 1932 (1 min 38 sec)
Clip
from FDR's first inaugural address: “...the only thing we have
to fear is fear itself” (1 min 34 sec)
Entire
inaugural address (18 min 37 sec)
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| Discussion
Questions |
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Historical
Significance: Consider the state
of the country in March of 1933. As a primary source
document, how does Franklin D. Roosevelt’s address help
us understand this period of history?
Language:
Using specific language from his address, what was the
tone? Consider his words and his delivery.
Audience: Was he
successful in conveying his message? Did he inspire hope
of returning the nation to economic
stability?
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