Ah, the f-word: possibly the most powerful force during the Great Depression.
Fear didn't discriminate—you were afraid if you were poor (that you'd never get out of poverty), and you were afraid if you were rich (that you'd lose your money). A major reason for FDR's speech was to calm the feelings of fear in the country, and he did this through intelligent word choice and his ability to connect to the average American citizen.
Questions About Fear
- Is it really possible for one man to convince a fearful nation that everything is going to be okay?
- What did it take for Americans to trust their president and lose their fear during the Great Depression?
- How might fear have influenced and affected the behaviors of everyday Americans during the Great Depression?
Chew on This
Check out some potential thesis statements about First Fireside Chat.
Fear was the most powerful motivator of the Great Depression, causing people to panic and make bank runs, hoard their money, and even steal from their neighbors.
A single influential leader can make the fear of the people disappear through confidence, a sense of connection, and empathy.