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How did Roosevelt's legacy impact subsequent presidents and their policies?

Madie Muckley

Well, I'm not a history expert, but I can definitely say that Roosevelt's legacy had a huge impact on subsequent presidents and their policies. I mean, the guy was president for twelve years, so he had a lot of time to leave his mark.

First of all, Roosevelt's New Deal policies during the Great Depression established the precedent for the federal government to play a major role in economic and social welfare. This idea of government intervention to promote the common good was carried forward by subsequent presidents like Lyndon B. Johnson with his Great Society programs and Barack Obama with his Affordable Care Act.

In terms of foreign policy, Roosevelt's leadership during World War II set the stage for the United States to become a global superpower. His focus on international cooperation and collective security within the framework of the United Nations influenced subsequent administrations like Truman's, who oversaw the creation of NATO and the Truman Doctrine.

Of course, there were also criticisms of Roosevelt's legacy. For example, some argue that his internment of Japanese-Americans during the war was a violation of civil liberties and a stain on his record. Additionally, his approach to civil rights issues was somewhat mixed - while he did establish the Fair Employment Practices Commission to investigate workplace discrimination, he also failed to push for anti-lynching legislation.

Overall, though, I think it's fair to say that Roosevelt's legacy had a lasting impact on American politics and society. His ambitious vision for a more just and equitable society shaped subsequent presidents' policies and helped define the contours of the modern welfare state.