Why Franklin D. Roosevelt Was Allowed to Run for a Third Term

Franklin Delano Roosevelt's decision to run for a third term during the tumultuous period of the Great Depression and the early stages of World War II remains a significant topic in American historical discourse. This article explores the reasons behind his candidacy, the context of the times, and the subsequent impact on U.S. presidential term limits.

Context During FDR's Second Term

The 1930s brought unprecedented challenges to the United States. The Great Depression, a severe global economic downturn, left many Americans struggling to make ends meet. Moreover, the outbreak of World War II in Europe added to the country's pressing concerns. Despite these grave issues, Roosevelt had made significant strides in stabilizing the economy and supporting the Allies.

Rose's Motivations for Running for a Third Term

Roosevelt decided to seek a third term for several compelling reasons:

Continuity in Leadership: With the United States still involved in the ongoing struggle against the Axis powers, any change in leadership could create uncertainty and vulnerability. Exceptional Performance: Roosevelt's handling of the Great Depression and his close collaboration with Winston Churchill to aid the British in their fight against Nazi Germany were widely recognized as exceptional. No Term Limits: At the time, there were no term limits for the presidency, and it had long been a tradition to serve only two terms.

Reactions to FDR's Decision

While the American public largely supported Roosevelt's continuation as president, particularly amid the challenges presented by World War II, there were significant conservative voices that believed they could bring about better results. This sentiment ultimately led to the ratification of the 22nd Amendment in 1951, which limited presidents to two terms.

Genius Strategy and Political Maneuvering

Before running for a third term, Roosevelt cleverly replaced Charles C. “Cactus Jack” Garner, the former Vice President known for his conservative views, with Henry A. Wallace, a pro-New Deal progressive. This move was strategic as it catered to Roosevelt's left-wing supporters and ensured his vision for the party's direction remained intact regardless of his health or life expectancy.

Public Response and Historical Impact

During this period, the majority of Americans were willing to follow Roosevelt's lead, largely due to his perceived leadership during difficult times. The Democrats' campaign slogan, "Stay the Course," resonated with the American public, who were generally in favor of continuing Roosevelt's policies.

The decision to run for a third term set a precedent that was only resolved by the 22nd Amendment. This amendment was introduced in 1947 and was ratified in 1951, effectively limiting any future presidents to two terms in office.

Despite the economic successes that followed World War II, the Korean War and then the Vietnam War indicated that prolonged conflict did not guarantee continued economic prosperity. However, the strategic political and historical events surrounding Roosevelt's third term remain an important chapter in American political history.

Conclusion

The decision to allow Franklin D. Roosevelt to run for a third term was driven by the urgent need for continuity and leadership amidst a global crisis. His ability to navigate both the Great Depression and the early stages of World War II set a precedent that would later be formalized through the 22nd Amendment. Roosevelt's strategic political maneuvering and the public's willingness to support him during a time of uncertainty are critical aspects of this decision's historical significance.