“[We] had forgotten to be Republicans or Democrats. We were just a bunch of men trying to save the banking system.”

This is the story of FDR’s first 100 days in office.

In early 1933, banks foreclose on thousands upon thousands of homes and farms every month. The banks have little choice–they too are failing! Meanwhile, unemployment is hovering near 25%. It’s a catastrophe. Capitalism itself and the American way of life appears to be on the precipice.

Enter President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who calls an immediate “banking holiday” and an emergency session of Congress to face the hydra of crises sweeping the nation. During this 99-day congressional session that runs almost analogous to FDR’s first 100 days in the White House, they’ll pass 15 major pieces of legislation that create new organizations, regulations, and more with the hopes of getting the American people back on their feet.

But how exactly, does Franklin navigate the divergent views, difficult personalities, and competing priorities to get this mountain of legislation through? That is precisely our story.

_____

Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and

go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations
join discussions in our Facebook community
get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette
come see a live show
get HTDS merch
or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks.

HTDS is part of Audacy media network.

Interested in advertising on the History That Doesn't Suck? Contact Audacyinc.com

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#194: The Moral Teachings of Jesus with Lisa Sharon Harper, Adam Ericksen, and Doug Pagitt