The wasteland that the Great War left the United states was devastating. Although soon after, the nation would face a new challenge. The roaring twenties gave way to the harsh thirties as the Great Depression ravaged the American economy. Franklin Delano Roosevelt came into office during these tumultuous times, and would address tthe future of the American people. He spoke to the fact that life would not be easy in the next few years, but that people must stay optimistic and positive. As forgiving as Lincoln, FDR did not blame those responsible for the crash he did condemn the the lifestyle of the society that had caused the panic. Greed and self-gain had brought this upon the United States, not the people these emotions preyed upon. To change this mentality, he adovcated a lifestyle and society that would benefit the whole population rather than the individual. Others planned to redistribute the populations of crowded cities, reduce the cost of government, and raise the cost of agriccultural products. The United States had to focus on these problems before they could address the problems abroad. Collective action with self-sacrifice would have to be the new way of life if the state of the country were to get any better. As he summed up the problems that had been set before him, he looked forward to the future. A future filled with hope. As the prolific president said himself, "the only thing to fear is fear itself."
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