Lincoln and Roosevelt: The Best U.S. Presidents Since Lincoln
When it comes to evaluating the best U.S. presidents since Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) emerges as a strong candidate. Some might argue for Ronald Reagan, and while Abraham Lincoln is a clear choice for his leadership during the Civil War, there are compelling reasons to believe that FDR, in both his New Deal programs and leadership during World War II, stood out.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: A Complex Legacy
Franklin D. Roosevelt, widely known as FDR, is often cited as one of the most influential and transformative presidents in American history. He led the nation through two significant crises: the Great Depression and World War II. His New Deal policies are seen as crucial for the economic recovery of the country, and his leadership during the war is celebrated for its political acumen and military prowess.
One cannot talk about FDR without acknowledging his political prowess. Unlike Donald Trump, who has also demonstrated strong political instincts, FDR was instrumental in electing a huge and enduring Democratic majority in Congress. This majority enabled him to move forward with his ambitious legislative agenda, including the Supreme Court Pack.
However, FDR's legacy is not without controversy. Many of his policies, such as the Wagner Act, were seen as instrumental in coercive unionization, which proved to be unworkable and contributed to the 1937 recession. The Indian Reorganization Act, which deprived individual Indians of their property titles on reservations, has been cited as a contributing factor to the ongoing misery on Indian reservations. Additionally, FDR oversaw the displacement of many homeless individuals, who were given the unflattering moniker of Hoovervilles, named after his predecessor Herbert Hoover.
While FDR faced political challenges, his leadership during the war was marked by political adeptness and military competence. However, some argue that he did not fear Stalin and communism enough, which could have been politically or strategically beneficial.
Abraham Lincoln: A Legacy of Tragedy and Triumph
Abraham Lincoln, despite his significant role in ending the Civil War and preserving the Union, is often not seen as the best U.S. president since Lincoln. The sheer destruction and loss of life during his presidency, estimated to be over a million American lives, has led many to view him as one of the worst presidents in American history. Lincoln's actions during the war, including the suspension of habeas corpus and his controversial handling of the wars' political and military aspects, have left a complex legacy. While he is celebrated for his role in ending slavery and preserving the Union, his presidency also brought significant suffering and loss.
Mortal Choices: Other Notable Presidencies
Besides FDR, there are several other notable presidents that could be considered. For instance, Theodore Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman are often mentioned, along with
Many people agree that FDR is the clear favorite for the best U.S. president since Lincoln. He is often seen as a consensus choice among historians for his ranking on presidential lists. However, his critics argue that his policies and leadership, while transformative, came with significant downsides.
Conclusion
While Lincoln's historical significance is profound, the best U.S. presidents since Lincoln, in terms of economic and military leadership, tend to favor FDR. The complexities of each presidency highlight the challenges and opportunities that great leaders face.