Inaugural Address of Franklin Delano Roosevelt Given in Washington, D.C. March 4th, 1933

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s inaugural address is a landmark historical speech delivered at the start of his presidency during the era of the Great Depression. Confronting the severity of the national economic crisis, Roosevelt frames fear as a central obstacle and urges immediate action rather than delay. He emphasizes the need for decisive governmental involvement to help relieve unemployment and encourage economic recovery, calling for unity and shared effort across the country. Throughout the speech, Roosevelt highlights the importance of restoring trust in banking and business and calls for reforms aimed at rebalancing economic life to strengthen confidence. The address presents his leadership as committed to rebuilding American society and moving forward together.