Great Depression New Deal Economic recovery—United States Federal government intervention Poverty—United States Social reform—United States
In his Second Inaugural Address on January 20, 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt reflected on the progress of the New Deal while acknowledging the continued struggles caused by the Great Depression. Roosevelt defended expanded federal involvement in economic and social policy, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to address unemployment, poverty, and inequality. The speech illustrates how the Roosevelt administration justified continued intervention during the recovery period.
Related to the New Deal; related to Roosevelt’s economic recovery policies during the Great Depression