Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Flexible Leadership: A Look at How He Handled the Great Depression and World War II

Riley Konrad

Background

Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) was the President of the United States from 1933 to 1945. He led the country through two major crises: the Great Depression and World War II. His ability to adapt his leadership style based on the situation is a great example of situational leadership.

The Challenges FDR Faced

1. The Great Depression

When Roosevelt became president in 1933, the country was in a severe economic downturn known as the Great Depression. To address this, he used a directive leadership style, which means he took strong, decisive actions. For example:

• Bank Reforms: Roosevelt declared a "bank holiday" to temporarily close banks and prevent further collapse. He then introduced the Emergency Banking Act to protect deposits and restore confidence in banks.
• Job Programs: He set up programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to create jobs for the unemployed.

   These actions showed he was taking control and trying to fix the economy in a timely fashion.

2. World War II

As World War II started, Roosevelt shifted to a more supportive leadership style. This meant he focused on encouraging and working with others. For instance:

• Inspiring the Nation: Roosevelt used "Fireside Chats," radio addresses that explained what was happening and boosted public morale.
• Working with Allies: He collaborated closely with leaders like Winston Churchill of Britain and Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union to plan military strategies and coordinate efforts.

   His supportive style helped keep the country united and coordinated the war effort effectively.

3. Planning for After the War

Towards the end of World War II, Roosevelt used a delegative leadership style. This means he allowed others to handle many responsibilities while he focused on big-picture issues. For example:

• Delegating Domestic Tasks: Roosevelt let his team manage many domestic matters while he concentrated more on international diplomacy.
• Creating the United Nations: He worked with other world leaders to establish the United Nations, an organization aimed at fostering global peace and cooperation.

   This style was crucial for transitioning smoothly from wartime to peacetime.

How FDR’s Leadership Helped

Roosevelt’s ability to switch his leadership style based on the situation was key to his success:

• During the Great Depression: His decisive actions helped address the economic crisis effectively.
• During World War II: His supportive approach kept the nation united and facilitated effective collaboration with allies.
• Towards the End of the War: His delegative leadership style allowed for efficient planning and preparation for the post-war world.

Long-Term Impact

In the short term, Roosevelt’s leadership helped the U.S. recover from the Great Depression and win World War II. His flexible approach to leadership also left a lasting impact on how crises can be managed effectively.

Conclusion

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s leadership during the Great Depression and World War II shows the importance of being adaptable. By changing his leadership style as needed, he effectively managed major crises and made a lasting impact on the U.S. and the world.

Discussion Questions

1. How did Roosevelt’s ability to switch between different leadership styles help him handle the Great Depression and World War II?

2. What can today’s leaders learn from Roosevelt’s approach to balancing immediate needs with long-term planning?

References

"Fireside Chats." The American Presidency Project. Accessed September 11, 2024. https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/fireside-chats.

"New Deal." History.com. Last modified August 29, 2018. Accessed September 11, 2024. https://www.history.com/topics/great-depression/new-deal.

"Roosevelt and World War II." National Archives. Accessed September 11, 2024. https://www.archives.gov/research/roosevelt/ww2.

License

This case study is licensed CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.