Leadership in Turbulent Times Doris Goodwin’s Leadership in Turbulent Times examines how four US presidents- Lincoln, Theodore, Franklin, and Lyndon- effectively led during difficult times in US history. Goodwin draws from research and interviews to provide insights into how these leaders navigated crises and made decisions that had a lasting impact on the United States. While reading Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Goodwin, she takes us through the lives of these four great leaders as presidents and what they did to come to power, and how they influenced people with that power. In this essay, we will talk about what 2 factors stand out as being vital for successful political leadership. The first factor I am going to focus on is …show more content…
Abraham Lincoln in Doris Goodwin’s Leadership in Turbulent Times was a quiet and lanky guy but that did not stop him from talking to everyone and shaking everyone’s hands. He was a well-known person before his presidency. During Lincoln’s presidency, he had to deal with hardships and ignorance while trying to help the people. Lincoln’s biggest thing he did while in the presidency was the Emancipation Proclamation, which would free the slaves from their owners. Being a leader has its hard times, while Lincoln was fighting to get his Proclamation through. Lincoln said, “I am a patient man” “but it may as well be understood, once and for all, that I shall not surrender this game” (Goodwin 216). Being a patient leader is hard to come by and Lincoln being such an understanding man is a great factor for having a successful political leadership. Lincoln was a hard but generous man, he “offered the rebellious states a last chance to end the war” (Goodwin 217). Lincoln had good leadership but is taking the patient way to …show more content…
In Leadership in Turbulent Times, Theodore Roosevelt had to do some crisis management during his presidency for the coal strike. Theodore uses more of a tactical approach during the wake of the Industrial Revolution. While other presidents would not tell the people the truth, Theodore took it upon himself and told the people how it was and not what they needed to hear. Roosevelt wholeheartedly thought “to do whatever the needs of the people demand…” (Goodwin 248). He had a good tactic for the people during this hard time. Theodore Roosevelt was a people man like his family, Franklin Roosevelt, who gave the four freedoms speech to the people, telling what was going on in the world. Franklin Roosevelt gave the Four Freedoms, talking about the nation’s policy. The second policy “ By this support, we express our determination that the democratic cause shall prevail; and strengthen the defense and the security” (FDR 232). Franklin was a great speaker for the people which allowed people to listen to his words, just like another well-spoken
He also had to retain his character and full support with the public in fixing the economy, so they would have confidence in his administration and leadership. How FDR did this is by his “First New Deal.” It was a plan for implementing an economic recovery / relief for both the nation and its citizens. For President Roosevelt to do this, he needed to overcome criticisms by the leftists, again gain public confidence and stand his ground to new reform policies and legislation. FDR did not want his administration to be a failure, just as it did before he came into office with Republican Herbert Hoover’s Presidency.
Despite this, he did have his fair share of inadequacies in regards to leadership which ultimately ends up with him losing this comparison. Before considering Lincoln as a leader, one must first discern the differences between Lincoln the legacy , and Lincoln the man. After all, Lincoln was initially just a lawyer turned politician, not exactly two highly regarded occupations. It is, in fact, the time period which distinguishes Lincoln amongst other presidents, and lifts him to such high esteem. He was elected in a time of national unrest, and sided with the moral high ground in the Civil War, but this does not necessarily make him a moral man.
Leadership takes a lot, it takes character and courage most importantly. Frederick Douglas was a great leader he showed leadership and character all the time especially for being a slave and coming from a rough childhood. There are many others in the Civil War time that showed leadership such as Abraham Lincoln, Robert Lee, and Jefferson Davis. Frederick Douglas was very committed to what he was doing for example, he wanted to learn how to read and he followed through with it and stay committed no matter what happened he would get help from the white boys in the streets while he would say he was running errands, he knew what he was doing. Any time he could get a chance he would read and learned from his master’s wife how to read.
Theodore Roosevelt set the nation on the path to growth that would last throughout the 20th Century. By the time Roosevelt left office he had forever changed the influence of the presidency making him one of the best US presidents through protecting the environment, passing a safety act, and settling a strike. Roosevelts motivation and perseverance helped him accomplish so much in his time in office. First off Roosevelt entered the White House with a broad knowledge of government and excellent leadership skills. He negotiated a settlement to the anthracite coal strike.
He did that by proposing to raise farm prices, reorganize relief work and to hire young men in government-sponsored projects (Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Britannica). This shows that Franklin D. Roosevelt was a determined and strong willed person. His actions did reach out to people successfully, many people thought he was a good leader and the right person to handle the problems about the Great Depression (Lyle Bramson, The Great Depression
Roosevelt was tasked with recovery and reform. He was able to do both but focused more on a minority of the country instead of the majority. Even with the new found sense of pride in the country becoming prevalent again the problems were still there and hidden by the small amounts
Roosevelt was known for his larger-than-life personality and his willingness to take on powerful interest. He famously declared that he would “speak softly and carry a big stick,” and he was not afraid to use his power to advance to fight for what he thought was right. He was a charismatic speaker and writer and used this to his advantage to promote his progressive agenda and to inspire Americans to work together for the common
During the time of this speech, the country was facing an economic collapse from the Great Depression. Citizens had little faith in the government because they believed it was due to poor federal policies and were then confronted by an unpredictable future (Edwards, 2005). As a Democrat, the issue was in favor with Roosevelt since it did not involve usual Republican matters and gave the Democratic party a chance to regain the White House (Edwards, 2005). Although the issue was in his favor, it did create a serious challenge for Roosevelt. He wanted to
He did everything in his power to do the right thing for everyone who was struggling. Franklin D. Roosevelt was an ambitious man who carried America forward during the Great Depression while people were suffering from the United State’s largest financial crisis ever. Roosevelt’s childhood shaped him into the strong man he was when he became President of the United
Franklin D. Roosevelt was one of the greatest leaders in American history, and he was known for his optimism, perseverance, intelligence, and leadership skills. These qualities helped him to navigate the country through some of the most challenging times in its history, including the Great Depression and World War II. One of Roosevelt's most notable qualities was his optimism. He had a deep belief in the American people and their ability to overcome adversity, and he was able to communicate this optimism in his speeches and actions. For example, in his first Inaugural Address, he famously declared, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
FDR was faced with many crises and difficulties coming into the presidency with the depression and later in his presidency WWII. During his long presidency, he showed that he was able to handle almost anything and help the country in tough times. Although some may argue that Franklin Delano Roosevelt was
In his first hundred days in office, he passed numerous “significant pieces of legislation that were geared towards creating jobs, shoring up industry and agriculture, and providing relief to individuals through both refinancing options and direct handouts” (U.S. History 785). Not only did he provide jobs and earning opportunities he gave the country hope. After the lack of action by the previous administration American’s were suffering and had lost all confidence in the government. The four-month period between his election and taking office was so painful that the US Constitution was amended to a two-month period. Roosevelt exuded confidence, was proactive and calmed the countries fear with his fireside chats.
FINAL ESSAY OPTION Essay comparing and contrasting George Washington and Abraham Lincon’s methods of leadership. Lindi Brokaw U.S. History to Reconstruction Dennis Allen March 9, 2023 Two of America's most famous presidents were George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. These two men are often considered the best leaders that the United States has ever had. During their time, Lincoln and Washington both accomplished many great things.
His ability of speech raised the morale for many men and women during the civil war which later led to the positive moment towards ending slavery. As president, Abraham was faced with the difficult challenge of leading the nation through the civil war, which began shortly after he took office in 1861. During the war, Lincoln demistraighted great leadership, urging for the Union army to fight for a greater cause than themselves, as well as working tirelessly to keep the nation
John Wooden once said, “the most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example”( ). A leader is meant to show their peers, employees, or anyone they come in contact with that they are an example to live by for others lives. One man that was an example that many people look up to is Abraham Lincoln and his style of leadership. Lincoln used his personal life to be the example that influenced not just people, but the shaping of our nation. He created a group of the greatest minds during his time and was able to stand against hardship to move the country forward (Moreton, 2008).