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FDR and the Great Depression: How Hope Rebuilt a Nation

In FDR and the Great Depression: How Hope Rebuilt a Nation, host Trevor McDonald examines how Franklin D. Roosevelt inspired the American people during the Great Depression with bold policies and a message of hope. Roosevelt’s leadership redefined the role of government, introducing the New Deal, public works programs, and Social Security to address the economic crisis. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
Video Details
Location:
United States
Grades:
6-89-12
Program:
Icons
Time:
4:29
Subject:
Social Studies
Topic:
History

Lesson Express

Q: How did Franklin D. Roosevelt’s leadership help guide the nation through the Great Depression?
A: FDR offered a message of hope, introduced bold policies like the New Deal, and reassured Americans that the government could help them recover from the crisis.

Q: Why do you think Roosevelt’s New Deal programs were so important during the Great Depression?
A: The New Deal provided relief to the unemployed, reformed the financial system, and helped stimulate economic recovery, showing that government intervention could address large-scale economic problems.

Q: In what ways did FDR’s speeches inspire hope in the American public during difficult times?
A: FDR’s speeches reassured the public that the government was actively working to improve conditions and his message of "we have nothing to fear but fear itself" motivated people to persevere through hardship.

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