Franklin D. Roosevelt and the American Century

By: Jeff Webb

Narrated by: Jeff Webb

Revered as a consummate statesman who cemented America’s place on the global stage, Franklin Delano Roosevelt affected tremendous change in the United States in course of his career. To understand his life is to understand how the nation claimed world leadership in what many call the American Century.

In this fascinating course, award-winning American history professor Jeffrey Webb introduces you to the man behind the legendary life. You’ll begin by learning about FDR’s privileged upbringing and early career in public service, explore his unconventional marriage to Eleanor Roosevelt, and recount his life-long struggle with paraplegia beginning at age 39.

You’ll also cover FDR’s progressive policies as governor of New York during the Great Depression and the historic New Deal, which set the nation on a new path of social and political development.

Prof. Webb provides enlightening context for FDR’s confrontation of the Third Reich and Imperial Japan and his celebrated leadership of the Allies. You’ll explore his wartime “home front” policies - including the internment of Japanese Americans - that dramatically expanded the power of the federal government.

In this remarkable series, you’ll learn how FDR’s mind and career were shaped by the titanic events of his era, and how his leadership in this era of bewildering change defined America’s, and the world’s future.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

©2020 Now You Know Media, Inc. (P)2020 Now You Know Media

Critic reviews

"Jeffrey Webb is an excellent scholar, a beloved teacher, and an insightful thinker. In his classroom, Webb expertly weaves together the complicated, contested, messy but oftentimes progressive history of American democracy - delivered thoughtfully and honestly, warts and all." (Dr. Kate Elizabeth Brown, Assistant Professor of History, Western Kentucky University)

"In his telling of the tale of American democracy, Webb proves himself both a great storyteller and a great historian: his treatment of this subject will fire the imaginations, feed the intellects, and stir the souls of Americans of all ages." (Christopher R. Fee, PhD, Professor of English, Gettysburg College)

"Professor Jeffrey B. Webb, PhD, is an award-winning teacher and researcher.... He is an organized and engaging speaker with an understated sense of humor. Professor Webb’s thorough and thoughtful approach to American history finds subtle patterns and makes important connections." (Troy R.E. Paddock, PhD, Professor of History, Southern Connecticut State University)

Great and Relevant Course

Tons of interesting anecdotes about FDR in this one. FDR was president during multiple crises, so in many ways the program is relatable to what we're experiencing today with covid, election turmoil, etc. The presenter (Jeff Webb) is incisive and super sharp as well. Will be looking out for more content by him.

Another great Webb biography

I always enjoy Webb's biographies, as he does a great thing of supplying context that makes history come to life. Particularly given our current political moment, it was fascinating to hear more about a president who was celebrated for his even temperament and ability to pivot, which made him particularly influential in diplomatic circles. It was also wild to think about the vast changes in political and industrial history during FDR's lifetime. Great listen!

Inspiring history course

I have enjoyed several of American History Professor Jeff Fee's historical biographies. This one is exceptionally timely. Fee demonstrates how FDR's distinctive personal experiences and leadership style played out as he confronted some of the biggest challenges of any presidency. Great history.