Internationalism, 1928–1933

Abstract

FDR’s success in New York’s gubernatorial election of 1928 marked his triumphant return to political office. His occupancy of the Governor’s mansion in Albany led to a successful reelection campaign in 1930 and opened the way for his equally successful presidential bid in 1932. In place of idle speculation, the media now paid serious attention to this rising star and asked probing questions about his ambitions for higher office. Coming less than a year after FDR’s inauguration as governor, however, was a sharp downturn in the worldwide economy that became the Great Depression. This brought untold economic hardship for millions ofAmericans and people around the world. Inextricably linked to the collapse in the world economy was a heightening of tensions in some areas of the globe. International relations suddenly became increasingly complex, less predictable, and more volatile. The pressures originating from increased public scrutiny of FDR, the appalling economic conditions around the world and the rising potential for armed conflict would provide some of the biggest challenges yet to his position.