Over a half-century after the death of Roosevelt the debate on his presidency and the New Deal remains vibrant, for in many ways he created the modern presidency and he remains a giant of American political history. This book, specifically designed for sixth-form and undergraduate use, serves as an essential introduction to his domestic policy during his tenure from the struggles of the Depression to the outbreak of the Second World War.

Incorporating archival discoveries at the Roosevelt Presidential Library, this documentary collection focuses on the debates and controversies surrounding the implementation and practice of New Deal policies. It highlights the meanings, flaws and outcomes of Roosevelt's attempts to refashion American society.

With an extensive contextualising introduction, the book reproduces extracts from a variety of sources including Government records, public addresses and speeches and the private papers of Roosevelt and some of his closest associates.