As a result of the Wall Street Crash of October 1929, the American economy fell into a state of chaos, leading to the Great Depression. Various economic problems ensued: from 1929 to 1933 unemployment rose by 12.4%, many Americans faced debt and were unable to pay their mortgages, and 5,000 banks declared bankruptcy. With increasing unemployment and dropping wages, people suddenly faced homelessness, especially farmers. Roosevelt attempted to address these issues though he was not always fully successful. I will assess the extent to which Roosevelt understood the concerns and fears of ordinary Americans due to his character and background.
While Roosevelt’s privileged formative years may have presented a hindrance in relating to the concerns of average Americans, he nonetheless managed to overcome this barrier. Raised in one of the wealthiest families in New York, Roosevelt’s life contrasted sharply with that of many members of the American public. Being homeschooled by a private tutor, receiving an expensive education at Groton School, and often pampered by his mother, Roosevelt did not initially fully understand the struggle endured by the majority of Americans. However, Roosevelt was made aware of how privileged he was and was taught to give back to the less fortunate, the poor and the homeless. Thus, Roosevelt’s upbringing did not become a permanent obstacle, but rather afforded him the power and position to understand and assist struggling citizens.
