Download Comparison between FDR and Hitler

Comparison between FDR and Hitler
Adolf Hitler and Franklin Delano Roosevelt
shared many common characteristics in the
way they led. They both were known for their
charisma, ability to arouse emotion, and rose
to power during national crises. Even with
these commonalities, the result of their
power ended very differently. FDR was
elected for a total of four terms while Hitler became a dictator killing 6 million Jews and
countless others, including communists, the disabled, homosexuals & Gypsies.
There are many similarities, of both leaders of the German and American public, that
are depicted through FDR’s and Hitler's inaugural addresses. At the time of each ruler’s
rise to power, their country was in a time of crisis. This is a critical factor in charismatic
leadership. Conger writes that, "a time of crisis or situational stagnation...tend to be
more conducive to charismatic leadership" (161). Germany had experienced huge
inflation, unemployment, and had to pay a large sum of money to France after WWI.
This is similar to the situation that was occurring in the United States because there
was a massive unemployment problem due to the fact that the stock-market crashed.
In this stock-market crash, many people lost their whole life savings and had to be
reassured that it was safe to put their money into banks. It is true that these countries
did not face identical problems, but it is interesting how similar situations drew similar
leaders.
FDR promises several things in his inaugural address. He says that while he is president
he will make jobs, "make better use of the land," allow for the "strict supervision of
banking, credits, and investments," and create a "sound currency". These promises are
similar to Hitler's. Hitler states that he will rescue German farmers and help them to
produce more, reduce the number of unemployed, create a compulsory labor-service,
and provide for the sick and old. The goals of each leader are alike because each leader
was faced with similar problems to fix and each led with a similar hand.
FDR and Hitler experienced somewhat similar results of their strong leadership. FDR
exemplifies the use of charisma to blindly lead his followers, but yet a good outcome is
still able to occur. For example, in his inaugural address, he states, "compared with the
perils which our forefathers conquered... we still have much to be thankful for." This
recognized the hardships the American public faced, but reminded them that what their
forefathers had dealt with was much worse. This gave his people a sense of hope
because it caused them to believe that they could overcome the hardship of the stockmarket crash, unemployment, and many other jobs.
Hitler's leadership showed the devastating results of a charismatic ability to
blindly lead his followers to a genocidal goal. One could say that Hitler's ability to
blindly lead his followers is not necessarily bad, but the fact that he tried to create an
Aryan race by killing off his own followers shows that he wasn't blindly leading in his
followers’ best interests. Each leader sought submission from their followers, though
each had different levels of it. FDR was the president of a democracy, so he wasn't as
able to control the United States. This is different than the situation of Hitler’s rule.
Since Hitler was the Fuhrer of Germany, there wasn't a strong senate to balance his
powers. The Reichstag, could be considered as a balancing power, but after it was
destroyed by Hitler in a fire (though he blamed it on the Communist Party in Germany)
its power lessened.
1. Circle the type of writing piece this is:
Cause & Effect
Compare/Contrast
Chronological
2. On a separate sheet of paper, complete a Venn Diagram of the 2
leaders. Include as many elements as possible (at least 3 in each section).
3. What makes a good leader? Use evidence from the text to support your
answer.