Roosevelt became one of the most powerful and radical presidents in U.S. history. He served the longest term and fundamentally changed the political and economic system of the United States. In his inauguration speech in March 1933, Roosevelt brought hope to millions of Americans. The new president promised to fight the Great Depression that had devastated the U.S. economy. In the first three months, Roosevelt acted boldly and energetically, getting Congress to pass more important bills than many previous presidents did during their entire terms. People called these first three months the “Hundred Days.”

The Hundred Days

The capital was bustling with activity, full of energy like a thunderstorm, electric and intense. Roosevelt ordered all banks across the country to close temporarily until the economy improved. He prohibited the export of gold. Congress passed all the laws he proposed. Within less than eight hours, both the House and Senate passed the new Banking Act at Roosevelt’s request. He also asked Congress to allow the sale of beer and wine, imposing taxes on sellers, as the nation was still under Prohibition.

The most urgent need for government action was in agriculture. Farmers’ annual incomes had fallen from $162 to $48 during the three-year Depression, and the prices of farm products dropped by 55%, cutting their purchasing power by more than half. Farmers could barely afford seeds and tools.

The main cause of the problem was overproduction. Too much grain, meat, and cotton were produced, pushing prices down. This was good for urban consumers but disastrous for farmers. The government imposed new taxes on grain, paid subsidies to cotton growers, and took some cotton fields out of production. The government purchased and slaughtered five million pigs to reduce the meat supply. Government officials realized that only by reducing the supply and raising prices could farmers be saved and economic order restored. This plan worked. Agricultural output quickly declined, and with hot weather in 1933 and 1934, crop yields were further reduced. As a result, farm prices rose, and farmers’ incomes increased by 50% over four years.

The federal government also took measures to address declining industrial production. Roosevelt established the National Recovery Administration (NRA). Many business owners agreed to limit working hours, raise wages, stop employing child labor, improve working conditions, and cooperate with labor unions. Roosevelt also set up the Public Works Administration (PWA), creating jobs for unemployed workers in constructing dams, bridges, waterways, and other public facilities.

Through the Homeowners’ Loan Act, Americans could borrow money to repay mortgages and protect their homes. The Bank Insurance Act ensured that even if a bank failed, people would not lose their savings, greatly increasing public confidence in banks.

Roosevelt and Congress also established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), recruiting young people to work in rural areas to protect natural resources, plant trees, and improve national parks. They worked alongside farmers to develop planting techniques, protect soil, and guard against wind and water erosion.

Roosevelt’s most creative initiative was improving the environment in Tennessee. The Tennessee River Valley was very poor, with farmers lacking electricity, few trees, and frequent floods. Congress created the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to build dams, clear waterways, expand forests, provide electricity, and improve living conditions.

The first three months of Roosevelt’s administration, the “Hundred Days,” achieved great success. The country’s transformation under Roosevelt was dramatic. Under Hoover, it was like a slow-moving horse; suddenly, it became like an airplane. The nation sprang into activity, and every region became vibrant.

Roosevelt’s approach differed from Hoover’s. Roosevelt was offensive, not defensive. He implemented Relief, Recovery, and Reform simultaneously, expanded government functions, and worked to improve the welfare of ordinary citizens.