Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

Anyone entering unaware into a search for insights into the life and presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt would be forgiven a moment or two of abject astonishment at the sheer volume of research on the subject. Between libraries, bookstores, and the internet, scholars have access to thousands of books, articles, documentaries, sound clips, and news reels, and millions of pages of documents, government reports, and studies examining every nook and cranny of Roosevelt's personal affairs and his four terms as President of the United States. Neophytes are therefore likely to be overwhelmed at the staggering amount of material available to them and simultaneously dumbfounded as to where to begin. Upon further investigation, they might also be amazed at the divergence of opinion concerning FDR amongst scholars that has emerged over the last 65 years. Whether the topic is American entry into World War II, the New Deal, foreign policy, economics, politics, or the leadership style and indelible qualities of FDR himself, a wide array of professional and amateur writers have vigorously debated and exchanged ideas in the pursuit of consensus. Over time, there emerged a measure of agreement in some fields of study, but a great deal less in others, and the debates show little sign of ending anytime soon. This is certainly true of arguments over Roosevelt's relationship with the American military ... log in or subscribe to read full text