Leaving Cert History EUROPE (6) - The United States and the world: How did the US Presidency develo

Question

How did the US Presidency develop from Roosevelt to Reagan?

The US presidency underwent significant changes from the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt to that of Ronald Reagan, reflecting shifts in both domestic and international policy.

1. **Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945)**: Roosevelt expanded the role of the federal government through the New Deal, which aimed to recover the economy from the Great Depression. His leadership style was characterized by a strong executive approach, being a direct communicator with the public through his fireside chats.

2. **Harry S. Truman (1945-1953)**: After Roosevelt's death, Truman continued some New Deal policies but shifted focus to foreign affairs during the early Cold War. His decision to authorize the use of atomic bombs and the implementation of the Truman Doctrine marked the presidency as a platform for international engagement.

3. **Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961)**: Eisenhower emphasized a more cautious approach to the Cold War, balancing military spending with economic stability. His administration is noted for the development of the interstate highway system and the concept of 'dynamic conservatism'—conservatism in fiscal policy, but liberal in social matters.

4. **John F. Kennedy (1961-1963)**: Kennedy's presidency was marked by a youthful vigor and the promotion of civil rights, the space race, and foreign confrontations, notably the Cuban Missile Crisis, highlighting a shift to a more assertive foreign policy.

5. **Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969)**: Johnson’s Great Society programs expanded the social safety net and civil rights initiatives, further increasing the power of the presidency in domestic affairs while continuing the Vietnam War, which became increasingly controversial.

6. **Richard Nixon (1969-1974)**: Nixon’s presidency brought a foreign policy of détente, yet his administration was marred by the Watergate scandal, leading to his resignation. This event significantly impacted public trust in government and the presidency.

7. **Gerald Ford (1974-1977)**: Ford faced the challenge of restoring credibility to the presidency after Watergate, emphasizing healing and pardon for Nixon.

8. **Jimmy Carter (1977-1981)**: Carter promoted human rights and sought to refocus the presidency on moral leadership but struggled with economic crises and the Iran hostage crisis.

9. **Ronald Reagan (1981-1989)**: Reagan’s presidency signified a shift toward conservatism, advocating for limited government, tax cuts, and a strong military. His charismatic leadership helped to reshape the political landscape, promoting the idea of a ‘new conservatism’ and the revitalization of American optimism.

How did the US Presidency develop from Roosevelt to Reagan? The US presidency underwent significant changes from the administration of Franklin D - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2011

Worked Solution & Example Answer:How did the US Presidency develop from Roosevelt to Reagan? The US presidency underwent significant changes from the administration of Franklin D - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2011

FDR’s New Deal and Leadership Style

Truman and Cold War Policies

Eisenhower’s Dynamic Conservatism

Kennedy's New Frontier

Johnson and the Great Society

Nixon's Détente and Watergate

Ford's Restoration Efforts

Carter’s Humanitarian Focus

Reagan's Conservative Revolution

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