Velt received more than 57 percent of the popu lar

velt received more than 57 percent of the popu-
lar vote and swept the electoral vote in all but
six states. In addition, the Democrats gained
90 seats in the House of Representatives and
13 seats in the Senate to take control of both
houses of Congress.
Making Generalizations
What was Franklin Rooseve l t's campaign strategy in
the election of 1932?
F.
D. Roosevelt
Political
Affi liat ion
Democratic
Republican
Electoral Popular
Votes Votes
472 22,821,857
59
Reg ion What region was the Repub l ican stronghold? How many elec-
toral votes went to the Republican candidate, and how many to the
Democratic candidate?
See Skills Handbook ,
p.
H21
THE NEW DEAL
347

FACES OF HISTORY ,. -. . · .··
Franklin Delano -. .. ..., .. ,
ROOSEVELT
q- •. · .
1882-1945 '
· ~
)
Raised in a wealthy New
York family, Franklin
Roosevelt had private
tutors and traveled to
Europe frequently. He
won election in 1910 to
the New York State Senate, but he resigned in 1913 to serve as Presi-
dent Wilson's assistant secretary of the navy.
Roosevelt's career seemed over when he contracted polio in 1921.
With the help of his wife, Eleanor, Roosevelt returned to public service.
In 1928 he won the race for governor of New York, serving during the
early years of the Depression. His work in easing New Yorkers' suffering
helped him win the 1932 Democratic presidential nomination.
Explain How did Roosevelt's experience in New York help him
nationally?
348
CHAPTER l 2
A Political Partnership
As a politician, Roosevelt's greatest asset may
have been his personality. He had an appeal-
ing blend of cheerfulness, optimism, and con-
fidence. These qualities were illustrated by his
response to the illness that had left him unable
to walk without assistance.
Rather than giving in to his disability, Roos-
evelt had worked tirelessly to regain strength
in his legs and to continue his public career.
In this era before television, most Americans
were unaware of Roosevelt's handicap. How-
ever, his personal struggle gave him a strength
that many found very reassuring. In this way,
Roosevelt took a personal challenge and turned
it into one of his greatest political strengths.
Roosevelt also possessed a warmth and
charm that made him an effective communi-
cator. As president, he used the radio to great
effect, particularly in his
fireside chats.
As the
name suggests, these addresses were meant to
sound as though Roosevelt were in the listen-
er's living room, speaking personally with the
family. He spoke calmly and clearly and in a
way that ordinary people could understand. He
conveyed real concern and gave reassurance to
millions of troubled Americans.
"I never saw him," recalled one Depression
survivor, "but I knew him." This ability to help
people feel better during their time of hardship
won Roosevelt lasting support with voters.
Roosevelt's philosophy
As you have read,
Roosevelt sent some unclear signals during his
1932 presidential campaign. Sometimes he
attacked Hoover for not doing enough to fight
the Depression-and sometimes for doing
too much. At heart, however, Roosevelt was a
reform-minded Democrat in the tradition of
Woodrow Wilson and