The Defining Moment
Ratings2
Average rating3.5
An analysis of the four-term president's famous "fear itself" speech evaluates how FDR transformed his office and revitalized American morale throughout the first 100 days of his presidency, in an account that cites the contributions of his family members, advisors, and fellow polio survivors. Reprint. 50,000 first printing.
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This book treats you like you are a third grader. A third grader who believes a Newsweek editor's psychological analysis of FDR and who is easily amused by footnotes comparing presidents with strong mothers.
The majority of this book is not about the Hundred Days. It's mostly about FDR's personality and how that influenced his rise to power. Also, Alter seems to think that FDR deserves a lot of credit for not assuming dictatorial powers, but instead “legally” expanding executive power by working with Congress. Personally, I think that is just goofy on a number of levels.
That said, it's an easy read and a good refresher on New Deal history, with lots of obvious and fascinating parallels to current events. And there are some nice pictures in the middle.
