American Experience

Read Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his own words, in this collection of writings and speeches. Also, browse letters, propaganda posters and access oral histories from 1938-1939.

Contents:  Speeches  |  Writings  |  Letters  |  Oral Histories  |  Miscellaneous

Speeches

• First Inaugural Address, 1933
  FDR tells Americans the only thing they have to fear is fear itself.
• Second Inaugural Address, 1937
  Roosevelt rejects comfort, opportunism and timidity, and calls on Americans to embrace progress.
• Third Inaugural Address, 1941
  Looking toward the rise of fascism worldwide, the president cites Washington's "sacred fire of liberty" and urges Americans to protect democracy.
• Fourth Inaugural Address, 1945
  In the midst of war, Roosevelt calls on the nation to seek a lasting peace.
• Fireside Chat, May 7, 1933
  The president explains to the American people how his administration will end the banking crisis.
• Extemporaneous Address Before the Conference on Mobilization for Human Needs, 1933
  FDR asks for community cooperation to help the needy.
• Three Essentials for Unemployment Relief, 1933
  Roosevelt asks Congress for measures to help people out of work.
• Extemporaneous Address on A.A.A. to Farm Groups, 1935
  FDR boasts of the government's effectiveness in improving the lot of America's farmers.
• A Message to the Congress on Social Security, 1935
  A recommendation for legislation to help protect Americans from the hazards of life.
• A Radio Address to the C.C.C., 1936
  Roosevelt congratulates the million and a half workers of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
• Pearl Harbor Speech, December 8, 1941
  FDR's famous request for Congress to declare war following the Japanese attacks of December 7th -- the "day that will live in infamy."

Writings

• Greetings to the C.C.C., 1933
  The president hails the workers of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
• The Neutrality Act 1937
  The law defining rules for exports, financial transactions, and other interactions under the banner of wartime neutrality.

Letters

• Joseph C. Grew, Ambassador to Japan, to Cordell Hull, 1933
  A letter to Roosevelt's secretary of state describes the Japanese military.
• Hugh R. Wilson, Ambassador to Germany, to the President, 1938
  A letter to FDR describing a meeting with Adolf Hitler.

Oral Histories
Sample some questions and answers collected by the Works Progress Administration's Federal Writers Project as part of the New Deal employment programs.

• Housewife, 1938
• Iron Worker, 1938
• Maid 1939
• Man at Eddie's Bar, 1939
• Mill Worker, 1938
• Packing House Worker, 1939
• Stonecutter, 1936
• Woman, 1938

Miscellaneous

• Propaganda Posters
  Browse a collection of World War-II era posters.
• The Atlantic Charter
  FDR and Churchill spell out the Anglo-American pact of 1941.
• This Business of Relief
  The Nation discusses unemployment relief and the WPA.
• An Emergency is On!
  An African American journal, Opportunity, calls for equal wages for black workers.
• Will the New Deal Be A Square Deal For the Negro?
  An African American journal, Opportunity, examines New Deal policies and calls for fair treatment for blacks.
• Take the Army Out of the CCC
  An editorial from The Nation presents a scheme for improving "the bright jewel of the New Deal."