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What controversial decisions did Roosevelt make during his presidency, and how are they remembered today?

Hence Peyntue

Well, let me tell you, my friend, when it comes to controversial decisions, Franklin D. Roosevelt was no stranger during his presidency from 1933 to 1945. Known for leading the country through the Great Depression and World War II, Roosevelt made a series of bold moves that, to this day, continue to spark debate.

One of the biggest controversial decisions he made was the internment of Japanese Americans, following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Roosevelt signed an executive order that forced over 100,000 Japanese Americans living on the West Coast to be relocated to internment camps. This decision was met with much resistance, as many argued that it was a violation of civil liberties and racism at its worst. It was only in the 1980s that the government formally apologized for this injustice and provided reparations to those affected.

Another controversial move by Roosevelt was his attempt to pack the Supreme Court. In 1937, he proposed a plan that would seek to increase the number of justices from 9 to 15, giving him the ability to appoint several liberal judges who favored his policies. This move was met with much criticism as it was seen as an attempt to undermine the court's independence. However, Roosevelt faced opposition from both parties in Congress, and the plan never went through.

Lastly, one of the biggest decisions Roosevelt made during his presidency was the decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan, ultimately leading to their surrender and the end of World War II. While some argue that this decision was necessary to save American lives and end the war, others argue that the use of such weapons was unethical and unnecessary. The effects of these bombings are still felt to this day, and it remains a topic of much debate.

Today, Roosevelt is remembered as a great leader who made tough decisions during some of the most tumultuous times in our nation's history. However, his legacy continues to be debated due to some of his controversial actions. As we continue to strive for a more just and equitable society, it's important to learn from the past and acknowledge the mistakes made by even our greatest leaders.