Franklin D. Roosevelt: An Influential LeaderFranklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) was a man of unusual charm and great optimism, who was able to communicate to others. He had a broad smile and was a charismatic optimist whose confidence helped carry the nation through its darkest moments during crises such as the Great Depression and World War II. He became one of the most beloved four-term presidents of the United States. But behind his outward friendliness there was an inner reserve and an iron will. His admirers highlighted the way he addressed the nation's problems. They praised him for insisting that the federal government must help the less privileged and that the United States must share the responsibility for preserving world peace. Franklin Roosevelt had a profound and very important impact on his time and his policies exerted a great influence on the future (Freidel). By assuming the presidency in 1932, at the height of the Great Depression, Roosevelt helped the American people regain self-confidence. He brought hope to the people by promising swift and vigorous action and stating in his inaugural address, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself” (The White House). FDR's first hundred days in office were known as "The Hundred Days" (The Great Depression). The main focus of the Roosevelt administration was towards the balance of economic interests. He believed he should represent all people: farmers, factory workers, white collar workers, and businessmen (The Great Depression). With this in mind, he introduced a wide variety of laws to Congress, which brought relief to the needy and helped improve the economy. This legislation authorized a vast program designed to bring reform, business and agricultural revival, and relief to the unemployed and those at risk of losing farms or homes. “The Hundred Days” set a new standard for presidents and congressmen who followed Roosevelt (the Great Depression). The first order of business FDR addressed was the banking crisis. Since the start of the Depression, Americans had lost their life savings. Roosevelt recognized that if he kept the banks open, depositors would panic and withdraw their money and other banks would fail. FDR declared a “banking holiday” during which a hastily prepared emergency banking bill gave the Secretary…half the paper…he needed to revive himself through swift and vigorous action. Roosevelt remained in office during two of the greatest crises the United States ever faced: the Great Depression of the 1930s, followed by World War II. His domestic program, known as the New Deal, introduced far-reaching reforms to the free enterprise system and gave people a new perspective on government. FDR rallied the country after the near-disaster of Pearl Harbor, mobilizing over ten million troops. His military and diplomatic prowess as commander in chief during World War II earned him a prize in the hearts of many Americans. In both peacetime and war, his impact on the office of president was enormous, making him one of the most influential leaders in United States history. Works CitedAmerican Experience: The Presidents. September 7, 2004, Boorstin, D.J., Kelley, B.M., and Boorstein, R.F., A History of the United States. Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2003. 624, 659-60.Freidel, Frank. "Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the New Deal." The new book of knowledge. 2004 ed. September 7, 2004, The Great Depression: FDR and the Depression. September 7, 2004, The White House. September 7, 2004,