Franklin Roosevelt: Powerful (Part 2)
2023-10-08
LRC
TXT
大字
小字
滚动
全页
1VOA Learning English presents America's Presidents.
2Today we are talking about Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
3Earlier we told about his rise to power, and his health problems.
4When he was 39 years old, FDR - as he was often called - became paralyzed from the waist down.
5He was never able to walk independently again.
6But that did not prevent him from becoming one of the country's most powerful presidents.
7When FDR took office, the United States was in a severe economic depression.
8Many farmers were not able to sell their crops for profit.
9Banks across the country had failed.
10A number of Americans lost their savings and their homes.
11And more than 25% of the workforce did not have a job.
12Yet when FDR took office in 1933, he told people, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
13When Americans think of FDR, they often think of that statement.
14It showed his spirit of hope and confidence for which he became known.
15Americans also remember FDR for the way he began his presidency.
16In his first 100 days, he signed more than 70 bills into law.
17Some led to major changes in the country.
18They helped calm the country's banking industry, provided federal aid directly to farmers and the unemployed, and created public works programs.
19The acts formed the base of what FDR and others called the New Deal.
20Some New Deal programs - including the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Tennessee Valley Authority - created government-funded jobs.
21In addition to providing a paycheck for workers, the programs were meant to improve and care for the country's natural resources.
22For example, workers planted trees, made roads, and built dams and power plants.
23Americans continue to experience the effects of these programs today.
24FDR is also remembered for the way he communicated with the public.
25At that time, as many as 90% of Americans owned a radio.
26So, from time to time, FDR spoke to the public on radio broadcasts that became known as "fireside chats."
27The term created an image of the president sitting comfortably near a fireplace, talking informally with a few close friends.
28In fact, FDR gave these talks from his office in the White House.
29But his voice was warm, and he spoke in an easy, conversational way to listeners, whom he called "my friends."
30The combination of FDR's hope, energy, and affectionate concern for everyday Americans made him popular with many voters.
31He was re-elected easily in 1936.
32But FDR had critics, too. Some pointed out that many of his programs failed.
33They cost a lot of money or were simply not effective.
34Others said that FDR's policy of massive government intervention was not American.
35It restricted capitalism and the free market.
36Still others observed that FDR's programs did not help everyone equally.
37Many New Deal programs aimed to put young, white American men to work.
38Women, racial minorities, and older Americans were often overlooked.
39Critics and supporters alike also noted that FDR greatly expanded the power of the presidency.
40He added a number of full-time positions to the executive branch of government.
41And he took on the power of Congress to make laws.
42Even the Supreme Court found that FDR had, in some cases, gone too far.
43It ruled that some of his actions were illegal.
44FDR worried that the Supreme Court would block many of his other New Deal programs, too.
45So he proposed a rule. It would give the president power to appoint six new members to the nine-member court.
46His appointments would almost certainly make sure that his New Deal programs could continue.
47Many historians point to FDR's efforts at "court-packing" as one of the most extreme examples of his attempts to expand presidential power.
48But Congress did not accept FDR's proposal.
49Nine justices remained on the Supreme Court.
50However, those justices went on to approve FDR's actions anyway.
51They supported programs such as Social Security, which was set up to help older adults, disabled people, and others who needed support; and the Wagner Act, which permitted workers to organize in a trade union.
52While these efforts and other programs were important parts of FDR's reform efforts, they did not stop the Great Depression.
53None of the New Deal programs really did. The economy continued to struggle.
54For several years, the president had been warning lawmakers and other Americans about the political forces in Japan, Germany, and Italy.
55Leaders in those countries supported nationalist movements and had already invaded or taken control of other areas.
56By 1941, more than 30 countries were involved in the conflict.
57Many Americans had wanted the U.S. to remain neutral.
58They regretted becoming involved in World War I.
59For years, they had taken steps to prevent another major international conflict.
60Lawmakers had even banned the U.S. government from selling or giving weapons to warring countries.
61But FDR believed World War II was different.
62He believed that Germany was the clear aggressor and needed to be stopped.
63So, in the 1930s, FDR received permission from Congress to provide weapons to the countries opposing Germany.
64After Germany took control of France, FDR received permission to give direct military aid to Britain.
65In addition, FDR began preparing the U.S. military for war.
66On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces bombed American ships at the U.S. Navy base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
67More than 2,400 Americans died at Pearl Harbor, and more than 1,700 were wounded.
68The day after Pearl Harbor was attacked, Congress quickly approved FDR's request to declare war against Japan.
69Three days later, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States.
70American lawmakers responded in kind.
71The U.S., which had remained neutral for many years, was now completely involved in World War II.
72During the war, FDR directed much of his attention to what would happen after the fighting stopped.
73He wanted to create an international order that would improve peace and cooperation.
74To that end, he helped organize 26 countries into a group he called the United Nations.
75FDR also believed that the world's future security depended, in large part, on cooperation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
76He worked hard to create friendly relations with the Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin.
77Stalin, FDR, and British prime minister Winston Churchill all famously met at the Russian town of Yalta.
78There, the three men discussed plans to bring World War II to an end.
79They decided to demand that Germany surrender unconditionally.
80They also talked about diplomatic relations after the war ended.
81At the time, many Americans believed the Yalta conference was a success.
82Soviet officials agreed to enter the war against Japan.
83In return, U.S. officials said the Soviet government could re-gain control over parts of Northeastern China.
84Soviet officials also agreed to let countries in Eastern Europe hold free elections, and to share rights to veto U.N. decisions.
85In the eyes of many Americans, the Yalta agreement showed that the United States and the Soviet Union would be able to cooperate.
86FDR did not live to see the effects of the Yalta agreement, or even the end of the conflict.
87He had been president for 12 years.
88A few weeks before the Yalta Conference, he had been sworn-in yet again.
89FDR had already served longer than any U.S. president.
90All others before him had followed the custom set by the first president, George Washington.
91They had served no more than two terms.
92In the winter of 1944, FDR was beginning his fourth term.
93But people close to him said he did not look well.
94Doctors also warned Roosevelt that his health was suffering.
95So, in April, FDR went to a warm water resort in Georgia where he often rested and recovered his strength.
96There, he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage.
97In other words, his brain began to bleed.
98World leaders, including Stalin and Churchill, said they were shocked he had died.
99Many Americans felt the same.
100They stood alongside train tracks as his body was carried from Georgia to his childhood home in New York.
101He is buried there, at Hyde Park. In 1962, his wife Eleanor died and was buried next to him.
102Today, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt are important figures in U.S. history.
103Many programs from the New Deal are still in effect now.
104FDR also changed the position of president into an active, powerful leader who legally intervenes in the economy and seems to have a personal relationship with Americans.
105And Eleanor Roosevelt developed a strong voice of her own.
106Her humanitarian efforts and work on behalf of civil rights and women's rights have given her a legacy independent from her husband.
107Both admirers and critics point to the Roosevelts' influence as evidence of their strong feelings about the couple.
108I'm Kelly Jean Kelly.
1VOA Learning English presents America's Presidents. 2Today we are talking about Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Earlier we told about his rise to power, and his health problems. When he was 39 years old, FDR - as he was often called - became paralyzed from the waist down. He was never able to walk independently again. 3But that did not prevent him from becoming one of the country's most powerful presidents. 4Presidency: The Great Depression and the New Deal 5When FDR took office, the United States was in a severe economic depression. Many farmers were not able to sell their crops for profit. Banks across the country had failed. A number of Americans lost their savings and their homes. And more than 25% of the workforce did not have a job. 6Yet when FDR took office in 1933, he told people, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." 7When Americans think of FDR, they often think of that statement. It showed his spirit of hope and confidence for which he became known. 8Americans also remember FDR for the way he began his presidency. In his first 100 days, he signed more than 70 bills into law. Some led to major changes in the country. They helped calm the country's banking industry, provided federal aid directly to farmers and the unemployed, and created public works programs. 9The acts formed the base of what FDR and others called the New Deal. 10Some New Deal programs - including the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Tennessee Valley Authority - created government-funded jobs. In addition to providing a paycheck for workers, the programs were meant to improve and care for the country's natural resources. For example, workers planted trees, made roads, and built dams and power plants. 11Americans continue to experience the effects of these programs today. 12FDR is also remembered for the way he communicated with the public. At that time, as many as 90% of Americans owned a radio. So, from time to time, FDR spoke to the public on radio broadcasts that became known as "fireside chats." 13The term created an image of the president sitting comfortably near a fireplace, talking informally with a few close friends. In fact, FDR gave these talks from his office in the White House. But his voice was warm, and he spoke in an easy, conversational way to listeners, whom he called "my friends." 14The combination of FDR's hope, energy, and affectionate concern for everyday Americans made him popular with many voters. He was re-elected easily in 1936. 15But FDR had critics, too. Some pointed out that many of his programs failed. They cost a lot of money or were simply not effective. 16Others said that FDR's policy of massive government intervention was not American. It restricted capitalism and the free market. 17Still others observed that FDR's programs did not help everyone equally. Many New Deal programs aimed to put young, white American men to work. Women, racial minorities, and older Americans were often overlooked. 18Critics and supporters alike also noted that FDR greatly expanded the power of the presidency. He added a number of full-time positions to the executive branch of government. And he took on the power of Congress to make laws. 19Even the Supreme Court found that FDR had, in some cases, gone too far. It ruled that some of his actions were illegal. 20FDR worried that the Supreme Court would block many of his other New Deal programs, too. So he proposed a rule. It would give the president power to appoint six new members to the nine-member court. His appointments would almost certainly make sure that his New Deal programs could continue. 21Many historians point to FDR's efforts at "court-packing" as one of the most extreme examples of his attempts to expand presidential power. 22But Congress did not accept FDR's proposal. Nine justices remained on the Supreme Court. 23However, those justices went on to approve FDR's actions anyway. They supported programs such as Social Security, which was set up to help older adults, disabled people, and others who needed support; and the Wagner Act, which permitted workers to organize in a trade union. 24While these efforts and other programs were important parts of FDR's reform efforts, they did not stop the Great Depression. None of the New Deal programs really did. The economy continued to struggle. 25Presidency: Declaration of war 26For several years, the president had been warning lawmakers and other Americans about the political forces in Japan, Germany, and Italy. Leaders in those countries supported nationalist movements and had already invaded or taken control of other areas. 27By 1941, more than 30 countries were involved in the conflict. 28Many Americans had wanted the U.S. to remain neutral. They regretted becoming involved in World War I. For years, they had taken steps to prevent another major international conflict. Lawmakers had even banned the U.S. government from selling or giving weapons to warring countries. 29But FDR believed World War II was different. He believed that Germany was the clear aggressor and needed to be stopped. 30So, in the 1930s, FDR received permission from Congress to provide weapons to the countries opposing Germany. After Germany took control of France, FDR received permission to give direct military aid to Britain. 31In addition, FDR began preparing the U.S. military for war. 32On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces bombed American ships at the U.S. Navy base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. More than 2,400 Americans died at Pearl Harbor, and more than 1,700 were wounded. 33The day after Pearl Harbor was attacked, Congress quickly approved FDR's request to declare war against Japan. 34Three days later, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States. American lawmakers responded in kind. The U.S., which had remained neutral for many years, was now completely involved in World War II. 35Presidency: World War II 36During the war, FDR directed much of his attention to what would happen after the fighting stopped. He wanted to create an international order that would improve peace and cooperation. To that end, he helped organize 26 countries into a group he called the United Nations. 37FDR also believed that the world's future security depended, in large part, on cooperation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. He worked hard to create friendly relations with the Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin. 38Stalin, FDR, and British prime minister Winston Churchill all famously met at the Russian town of Yalta. 39There, the three men discussed plans to bring World War II to an end. They decided to demand that Germany surrender unconditionally. They also talked about diplomatic relations after the war ended. 40At the time, many Americans believed the Yalta conference was a success. Soviet officials agreed to enter the war against Japan. In return, U.S. officials said the Soviet government could re-gain control over parts of Northeastern China. Soviet officials also agreed to let countries in Eastern Europe hold free elections, and to share rights to veto U.N. decisions. 41In the eyes of many Americans, the Yalta agreement showed that the United States and the Soviet Union would be able to cooperate. 42Legacy 43FDR did not live to see the effects of the Yalta agreement, or even the end of the conflict. 44He had been president for 12 years. A few weeks before the Yalta Conference, he had been sworn-in yet again. 45FDR had already served longer than any U.S. president. All others before him had followed the custom set by the first president, George Washington. They had served no more than two terms. 46In the winter of 1944, FDR was beginning his fourth term. But people close to him said he did not look well. Doctors also warned Roosevelt that his health was suffering. 47So, in April, FDR went to a warm water resort in Georgia where he often rested and recovered his strength. There, he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. In other words, his brain began to bleed. 48World leaders, including Stalin and Churchill, said they were shocked he had died. Many Americans felt the same. They stood alongside train tracks as his body was carried from Georgia to his childhood home in New York. 49He is buried there, at Hyde Park. In 1962, his wife Eleanor died and was buried next to him. 50Today, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt are important figures in U.S. history. Many programs from the New Deal are still in effect now. FDR also changed the position of president into an active, powerful leader who legally intervenes in the economy and seems to have a personal relationship with Americans. 51And Eleanor Roosevelt developed a strong voice of her own. Her humanitarian efforts and work on behalf of civil rights and women's rights have given her a legacy independent from her husband. 52Both admirers and critics point to the Roosevelts' influence as evidence of their strong feelings about the couple. 53I'm Kelly Jean Kelly. 54Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. 55________________________________________________________ 56Words in This Story 57paralyzed - adj. unable to move or feel all or part of the body 58comfortably - adv. in a relaxed and easy way 59executive - n. the executive branch of a government (related to the presidency) 60in kind - phrase in a way that is equal or very similar to what someone else has done for you 61resort - n. a place where people go for vacations 62figures - n. people who have a specified status or who are regarded in a specified way 63legacy - n. something that happened in the past or that comes from someone in the past