The Four Freedoms: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Evolution of an American Idea
Jeffrey A. Engel
Abstract
This book is a new look at one of the most influential presidential addresses ever delivered, and explores how each of Roosevelt’s freedoms evolved over time, for Americans and for the wider world. It examines the ways in which the word “freedom” has been used by Americans and others, across decades and the political spectrum, and notes that the acceptance of the freedoms has been far from universal—even within the United States. Freedom from want, especially, has provoked clashes between those in favor of an expanded welfare state and proponents of limited government from the 1940s to the pre ... More
This book is a new look at one of the most influential presidential addresses ever delivered, and explores how each of Roosevelt’s freedoms evolved over time, for Americans and for the wider world. It examines the ways in which the word “freedom” has been used by Americans and others, across decades and the political spectrum, and notes that the acceptance of the freedoms has been far from universal—even within the United States. Freedom from want, especially, has provoked clashes between those in favor of an expanded welfare state and proponents of limited government from the 1940s to the present day. Freedom of religion and freedom of speech each sound universally popular at first glance, until put to the test in an increasingly multicultural society. True freedom from fear proved unattainable, though American policymakers learned during the Cold War in particular that manipulating their public’s sense of fear helped make difficult polices easier for the electorate to accept. In short, not only did “freedom” evolve as a concept over time, but its pursuit also transformed American society. This book brings to light a new portrait of who Americans were in 1941 and who they have become today in their own eyes—and in the eyes of the entire world.
Keywords:
freedom,
Roosevelt,
fear,
religion,
want,
speech,
World War II,
Cold War
Bibliographic Information
| Print publication date: 2015 |
Print ISBN-13: 9780199376216 |
| Published to Oxford Scholarship Online: December 2015 |
DOI:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199376216.001.0001 |
Authors
Affiliations are at time of print publication.
Jeffrey A. Engel, editor
Director, Center for Presidential History, Southern Methodist University
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