The Words That Reshaped America

A brilliant collection of memorable quotations from inaugural addresses, messages to Congress, speeches, and press conferences given by President Franklin D. Roosevelt

"This great nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper...let me assert my belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." —From FDR's Inaugural address, March 1933

Franklin Delano Roosevelt came into office when the country and its millions of people, from the heartlands to the big cities, were in the grip of the Great Depression. Roosevelt promised hope and his New Deal brought the relief so desperately needed, forever changing the face of America.

In the following decade, America and the president faced another monumental challenge.

"December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. I ask that the Congress declare...a state of war." —From FDR's address to Congress, December 8, 1941

Now Roosevelt prepared the nation for war—with Germany and Italy as well as Japan, With his legendary Fireside Chats, the president informed and educated the people, soothed their fears, and inspired America to get behind the fight for freedom.

Roosevelt's candor and confidence, his faith in the people, his swift and decisive actions that time and again proved his words true were, in the end, why Roosevelt's message had such a profound and permanent effect on America.