Franklin D. Roosevelt
Coverage of Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Nexus archive.
- See which US presidents attended Ivy League colleges and universities
Sixteen U.S. presidents attended Ivy League institutions, with Harvard educating the most (eight) and Yale five. Joe Biden was the first president since Ronald Reagan not to attend an Ivy League school, while Donald Trump attended the University of Pennsylvania. The Ivy League's influence on U.S. leadership spans from James Madison's 1771 Princeton graduation to recent presidents.
- Before Air Force One, US presidents traveled aboard a luxury train car. See inside the 'White House on wheels.'
The Ferdinand Magellan, also known as US Car No. 1, served as the official presidential train car from 1943 to 1954, used by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Dwight Eisenhower. It featured security enhancements and was dubbed a 'White House on wheels' due to accompanying support cars for staff and press.
- On USA’s 250th birthday, Californians should remember when we saved the world from tyranny
The article reflects on the U.S.'s role in World War II, emphasizing how American military and industrial efforts helped defeat the Axis powers. It highlights the moral imperative behind the U.S. intervention following the Pearl Harbor attack and credits the nation's immigrant heritage for its strength and resilience.
- Much more than a piece of furniture, the president’s Resolute Desk has echoed through history
The Resolute Desk, a British-made piece of furniture from the HMS Resolute, has been used by multiple U.S. presidents since 1880. It gained historical significance through its use by Franklin D. Roosevelt, George W. Bush, and others, and symbolizes the U.S.-Britain relationship. The desk's front panel, often associated with Roosevelt's wheelchair, was installed posthumously.
- Donald Trump unveiled a new presidential jet gifted by Qatar. Here's how Air Force One has changed through the years.
President Donald Trump accepted a Boeing 747-8 donated by the Qatari royal family to serve as a new Air Force One. The article traces the evolution of Air Force One, from President John F. Kennedy's first jet-specific design to modern features like operating rooms and luxury upgrades in the Qatar-donated aircraft.
- Looking Back at Humphrey’s Executor
The Supreme Court is considering overturning the 1935 Humphrey’s Executor v. United States decision, which established congressional authority to create independent agencies. The case could redefine the balance of power between the executive branch and independent regulatory bodies, with liberals and conservatives holding opposing views compared to 1935. The current Court's potential reversal would impact agencies like the Federal Reserve and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
- MORNING GLORY: Trump and the radical theocrats of Iran
The article draws parallels between the 1943 Norwegian sabotage of a Nazi heavy water plant and current efforts to prevent Iran's nuclear weapons program, highlighting President Trump's focus on this issue. It references historical context from a book about the WWII mission and compares Trump's approach to past leaders' actions against nuclear threats.
- Batya Ungar-Sargon explains why so many American Jews became Dems — and why some now feel politically homeless
Batya Ungar-Sargon discusses in her book 'The Jews and the Left' how American Jews historically aligned with the Democratic Party due to labor rights advocacy and civil rights movements, but some now question the party's current stance on issues like antisemitism. She highlights the role of Jewish immigrants in the garment industry and their transition from workers to employers, shaping political allegiances over time.
- World Is My Country
Garry, a Broadway understudy horrified by WWII bombings, became an activist using art and a 'World Passport' to protest. His efforts attracted global figures like Einstein and Roosevelt and contributed to momentum for the UN's 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- World Is My Country
Garry, a former Broadway understudy horrified by WWII bombings, became an activist using art and a 'World Passport.' His protests attracted figures like Einstein and Roosevelt, contributing to the UN's 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- Words of War
The article critiques the influence of 24/7 commentary on war perception, arguing that simplistic framing of the Trump administration's Iran conflict ignores its long history dating back to the Islamic Republic's inception. It compares this to historical wars (e.g., WWII, Vietnam) to highlight how Americans often misidentify war origins and outcomes.
- NYC Mayor Mamdani launches Twitch show to answer New Yorkers' questions
NYC Mayor Mamdani has launched a Twitch livestream series that allows New Yorkers to ask questions in real time, creating a modern digital alternative to FDR's historical fireside chats. The interactive format aims to increase direct engagement between the mayor and constituents through the popular streaming platform.
- Tennessee once sent real leaders to D.C. during economic crises and war. Now they fail us.
Tennessee's legislature has redrawn congressional maps to favor Republicans in all nine districts, drawing criticism for prioritizing partisan advantage over constituent representation. The article contrasts this with past leaders like Cordell Hull, a Nobel Prize-winning Secretary of State under Franklin D. Roosevelt, who addressed economic crises and promoted international cooperation.
- Packing the Supreme Court? Kamala Harris pushes idea as the party quickly forgets about Joe Biden
Kamala Harris proposes expanding the Supreme Court, an idea previously attempted by FDR, to overcome conservative opposition and neutralize perceived red state cheating. The plan has been met with criticism from both parties. Harris also suggests re-examining the Electoral College and granting statehood to D.C. and Puerto Rico.
- The Bear and the Dragon: The Threat of Sino-Russian Opportunism and Intelligence Miscalculation
The article examines the strategic risk of simultaneous military actions by Russia and China against U.S. allies, arguing that the greater threat may be parallel opportunism driven by intelligence miscalculation rather than formal coordination. The analysis draws historical parallels to World War II, noting that Nazi Germany and Japan acted independently despite shared expansionist interests, suggesting modern great powers similarly need not formally coordinate to complicate American strategy.
- A tale of two kings
King Charles' visit is compared to his grandfather King George VI's 1939 meeting with President Franklin Roosevelt, both occurring during periods of global crisis. The article highlights the historical parallel between the two royal visits amid international challenges.
- Franklin Roosevelt: Brilliant commander-in-chief, terrible chief executive
The article critiques Franklin D. Roosevelt's leadership as a chief executive, arguing his anti-business policies and arbitrary decisions prolonged the Great Depression. Amity Shlaes highlights his contrasting effectiveness as a commander-in-chief versus his executive governance.