Prof. Kesler: https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/presidential-academy/Session+27+Kesler.mp3 | Open Player in New Window

Focus

The political and constitutional legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt is impressive. What was his extraordinary achievement? In what ways did he improve upon Jefferson’s, Lincoln’s, and the Progressives’ understanding of democratic life and political structures? How did his New Deal envision a powerful, active, and programmatically ambitious national government? How was this related to the possibility of self-government? What is his legacy?

Readings:

John Dewey, Liberalism and Social Action (1935), Excerpts

FDR, “Commonwealth Club Address” (September 23, 1932)

FDR, “First Inaugural” (March 4, 1933)

FDR, “Second Inaugural” (January 20, 1937)

FDR, “State of the Union Address” (January 11, 1944)

LBJ, “Remarks at the University of Michigan Commencement” (“Great Society” speech) (May 22, 1964)