Paul Cooney
AP American
Mr. DeCarlo
6 March 2007

LAD 28- FDR’s First Inaugural Address

When FDR was inaugurated on March 4, 1933, it seemed as if the American economic system was about to collapse. This was a real fear for all Americans, and FDR addressed the nation in his first inaugural on this issue. The new President proclaimed that the only thing people had to fear was fear itself, and that the primary task at hand was to put people to work. This was to be accomplished by the direct employment of citizens by the government, acting quickly, and the collaboration of relief programs nation wide. Banks were also subject to FDR’s new plans, and two days after his first inaugural he closed all banks, restricting the export of gold or the redemption of currency in gold. He called upon the nation to stick together, reminding them that they had not failed; simply “They have asked for discipline and direction under leadership,” which is what FDR was planning to provide.