First Fireside Chat Themes

FDR knew the country's economy was in really bad shape—that was kind of an open secret—so perhaps the most important aspect of his "First Fireside Chat" was to remind Americans of their duty to...

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...

There are several moments in FDR's speech where he encourages the public to be patient and push through. Roosevelt knows the Depression was, well, depressing for most Americans, so it makes sense t...

Got to hand it to FDR: that guy knew how to choose a word.Another word for patriotism is loyalty, but "loyalty" might imply passivity, while "patriotism" implies active admiration. Franklin Rooseve...

Sometimes it's necessary for a leader to act like a caring parent, and treat his subjects like his children. Especially when the proverbial kitty litter is hitting the proverbial fan.Roosevelt smar...