This book examines Franklin D. Roosevelt and his development since being a young politician in Albany, how he created the modern welfare state, and how he made the presidency the focal point of American national government.

Riccards and Flagg examine in detail the development of Franklin Delano Roosevelt from a young politician in Albany to assistant secretary of the Navy to governor of the state of New York. The volume shows how Roosevelt developed his rhetorical skills, his art of manipulation and coalition building, and his incredible bond to the American people through the Depression and World War II. As commander in chief, he mastered the leadership skills that made him a great military leader and a political leader who established himself as a paramount figure using control of the Democratic party. In the process, he solidified the party as a long-lasting coalition that set the United States as a world empire.

Introduction

Chapter One: The Roosevelt before FDR

Chapter Two: The Young Franklin

Chapter Three: Roosevelt in Office

Chapter Four: Mr. Assistant Secretary

Chapter Five: The Years the Locust Ate: The Democratic Party, 1920–1932

Chapter Six: The Curse of Polio

Chapter Seven: Eleanor: FDR’s Eyes, Ears, and Legs

Chapter Eight: Governor Roosevelt

Chapter Nine: The Great Depression and Herbert Hoover

Chapter Ten: The Election of 1932 and the Interregnum

Chapter Eleven: The One Hundred Days

Chapter Twelve: The Early Vote of Confidence

Chapter Thirteen: The Party Splits Asunder

Chapter Fourteen: The Purge

Chapter Fifteen: The New Deal outside the South

Chapter Sixteen: FDR and the Urban Bosses

Chapter Seventeen: The Fight over Neutrality

Chapter Eighteen: The Election of 1940

Chapter Nineteen: The Road to War

Chapter Twenty: FDR as Commander in Chief, 1942

Chapter Twenty-One: FDR as Commander in Chief, 1943

Chapter Twenty-Two: FDR as Commander in Chief, 1944

Conclusion

Appendix One: Fireside Chats

Appendix Two: New Deal Agencies and Program

Appendix Three: FDR’s Decisions over or against those of Military Advisors

Appendix Four: Important Events, World War II, 1939–45

Selected Bibliography

About the Authors