In an essay, compare Franklin Roosevelt’s “Fear Itself” speech with the 1936 Republican Party Platform, which was against Roosevelt’s New Deal.
Follow this outline for creating your response:
- Topic 1 – Describe the “Fear Itself” speech. Think about these questions as you write this paragraph:
- What did Roosevelt mean by “fear itself?” What was the fear? How was it preventing Americans from getting out of the Great Depression?
- In the speech, Roosevelt compares the New Deal to a military campaign. Why did he do this? Do you think this was effective?
- Explain what Roosevelt says about traditional governmental power. What did he say about the use of broad Executive power?
- Topic 2 – Explain the 1936 Republican Party Platform. Think about these questions as you write this paragraph:
- Describe any three complaints that the Republicans had about the New Deal.
- What did they dislike about Roosevelt’s approach?
- What did they fear with New Deal reforms?
- Topic 3 – Compare the New Deal with the 1936 Republican Party Platform. Think about these questions as you write this paragraph:
- If you were a New Deal supporter, how would you respond to the allegations in the Republican Party Platform?
- If you were a Republican voter in 1936, how would you respond to Roosevelt’s speech?