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FDR: The First Hundred Days (Critical Issue)

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This is a great little analysis of the Hundred Days of FDR by a famous New Deal/Great Depression historian, Anthony Badger. Even though this book is fairly short (you can read it in one day), it contains a great deal of information for the reader. There is a bibliography at the end so if the reader wants to look at the sources Mr. Badger used or wants to learn more on the subject the resources are there.

I absolutely loved this book. I read it cover to cover in less than a day. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Franklin D. Roosevelt, the New Deal, or the infamous Hundred Days.

FDR faced enormous problems, both the dreadful financial crisis in the U.S. as well as politicians of both parties that opposed his initiatives. The book speaks clearly of four appointees and advisors that helped FDR formulate his agenda, sometimes even if he wasn't enthusiastic about some of it. For me, the book's greater value is providing a context to view President Obama's problems. There is one major difference. FDR did not inherit two on-going conflicts and the associated political issues and costs. It is an easy read, but very informative. The background on Harry Hopkins and Francis Perkins is especially interesting.

Conservatives denounce the 'First Hundred days' as a plot against capitalism. Socialists lament the lost opportunities resulting from an alleged failure of liberal nerve. Badger sets the record straight in a brilliant fashion, bringing to bear his deep knowledge of congressional politics and his sophisticated grasp of the political forces at play within and outside Washington. Badger's command of the voluminous scholarship on FDR and the New Deal is flawless. No book packs more insight about the early New Deal into fewer pages. Like Patrick J. Maney's "The Roosevelt Presence," Badger's work dispels many myths surrounding the formulation of public policy during the 1930s.The Roosevelt Presence: The Life and Legacy of FDR

This lively, terse, yet balanced account of FDR's first 100 days actually relates the story of his whole life with all its up and downs, his polio, his infidelity, his ultimate rise to power which hung by a thread at the 1932 Democratic convention.

But most interesting to me was the author's finding an overlooked draft section of his famous first inaugural address ("We have nothing to fear but fear itself") which called for him to assume the powers of a dictator. Advice from many including the most powerful editorial voice of this time, Walter Lippman, was that doing so was the only way to save the country.

FDR decided NOT to do so and with programs like the Citizen Conservation Corps, which ultimately gave jobs and dignity to millions of men and their families, he guided a faltering republic through the difficult economic times of the 1930's.

As we now realize, real recovery had to await WWII, followed by post war years of prosperity, but the republic survived. However, Roosevelt to his everlasting credit was wise enough not to trust even himself with the Emperor's scepter.

The book is excellent in presenting the many good things done by President Roosevelt, and also points out some mistakes that were made. On the whole, it was a realistic appraisal of what took place. Many of the things that took place in the first 100 days are being repeated today. Due to the mismanagement of the last eight years and our involvement in a costly and unnecessary war in Iraq, will make it much more difficult for the new President to solve not only our economic probelms, but also our world problems.

The beginning of big (US) government. Pluses: neutral, balanced, reasonable. Minuses: dry, academic, not for casual history fans. History or Economics majors will like it more.

This is a detailed, informative look at a period in history; a period with many uncomfortable parallels to our own. I don't have anything negative to say about the book.

Unfortunately, it was published not long after a superb book that covered the same subject. If you want to read about FDR's first 100 days, go to Jonathan Alter's "The Defining Moment". It is, pun intended, the defining book on the topic.

Details the early years of FDR's Administration from a journalist's perspective. Easy to read and very informative.