The Roosevelt Reconstruction: Retrospect Summary and Analysis

"In eight years, Roosevelt and the New Dealers had almost revolutionized the agenda of American politics. 'Mr. Roosevelt may have given the wrong answers to many of his problems,' concluded the editors of 'The Economist.' But he is at least the first President of modern America who has asked the right questions" (Chap. 14, p. 326). He recreated the presidency from the unprestigious and lackluster position it had been when he took over from Herbert Hoover. His policies restored the people's faith in the position.

Some people felt that Roosevelt was incompetent when it came to administration. He procrastinated about decisions at times. He wouldn't fire those who were incompetent and he confused the workload by giving conflicting assignments. He invigorated the government with his new programs. There was excitement about his programs and he...