LAD #33 Franklin D. Roosevelt's First Inaugural

Summary of FDR's First Inaugural Address, March 4th, 1933:

FDR opens by stating that "...the only thing we have to fear is fear itself...", asserting that the unjustifiable terror of the economic times has been preventing the "retreat" from converting into an "advance". He states that in tough times, the nation will be led out by the people's support of a frank and vigorous leader. He then briefly mentions the economic woes confronting the nation at the time, and he states that America has confronted difficult times before.

He then declares that, "This Nation asks for action, and action now." His first objective is to put people to work. In his own words, this, "...can be accomplished in part by direct recruiting by the Government itself, treating the task as we would treat the emergency of a war, but at the same time, through this employment, accomplishing greatly needed projects to stimulate and reorganize the use of our natural resources."


FDR also recommends the re-distribution of land, to shift the load slightly from the terribly overburdened urban centers. This task would be helped by efforts to raise the value of agricultural products, prevent the foreclosure of farms, and government initiatives to supervise the construction of transportation, communications, and utilities to these areas.


FDR necessitates the supervision of banking , and also the end of "...speculation with other people's money...". He also states that he will impress his agenda upon a special session of Congress. Furthermore, he declares that the re-establishment of foreign trade is of secondary importance to re-establishing the American economy at home. Nevertheless, he stresses the importance of establishing a "good neighbor" policy with foreign nations. He also states that during this time, there may be need for a "temporary departure from that normal balance of public procedure", meaning he may need to bend the powers of the Constitution briefly to help fix America's woes.


He ends with the appeal, "In this dedication of a Nation we humbly ask the blessing of God. May He protect each and every one of us. May He guide me in the days to come."