Franklin D. Roosevelt Speeches: The Forgotten Man

The New Deal

Franklin D. Roosevelt gave many speeches to help Americans during hard times.

In his speech on April 7, 1932, he talked about the problems facing the country.

He said he was not just speaking as a Democrat but for all Americans.

Roosevelt believed that the problems were too serious to be seen as just political fights.

He remembered his role in World War I, showing he cared about the whole country.

His words aimed to bring hope and leadership to people during tough times.

This speech helps us understand how leaders try to unite people and solve big problems.

Building from the Bottom

A great plan involves many people working together.

Instead of just leaders deciding, everyone contributes.

This plan gathered all resources: money, tools, and people.

Strength in Numbers

The plan aimed to mobilize ten million men.

Behind them were 110 million people supporting.

This shows how a united country can face big problems.

Comparing Emergencies

The speaker believes today's problem is even more serious than in 1917.

A strong nation can overcome tough times when everyone works together.

Key idea: When a country unites and works as one, it becomes very powerful and can solve big challenges

The Lesson from History

Napoleon lost the battle of Waterloo because he relied too much on cavalry, which is flashy but less important.

The same idea applies to our economy today.

The 'infantry' of the economy, like small workers and businesses, are often overlooked but are essential.

The Importance of the 'Forgotten Man'

Building plans that focus on the small, unorganized units can create a stronger economy.

Like in 1917, starting from the bottom helps create a solid foundation.

Trusting and supporting the small workers at the bottom of the economic pyramid is crucial for success.

Key Objectives of a Plan

A plan should have clear goals to help people find jobs during tough times.

It is important to focus on real solutions, not just illusions of quick fixes.

Spending a lot of money alone cannot fix unemployment for millions of people.

Public works projects can create some jobs, but not enough for everyone out of work.

A good plan needs to include different ideas, like training and new industries.

Why Money Alone Isn't Enough

Even billions of dollars spent on public projects won't give jobs to all unemployed people.

It is important to think about long-term solutions, not just quick spending.

Helping people learn new skills can lead to more jobs in the future.

A successful plan combines spending, training, and new opportunities.

This helps us understand that solving unemployment needs careful planning, not just spending money.

Stopgap Measures

These are temporary fixes to fix problems quickly.

They do not solve the root cause.

The Need for a Real Cure

A true solution must address the main problem.

In economics, this means fixing the underlying issues causing the crisis.

The Metaphor of 'Killing'