Inaugural Speech of Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Given in Washington, D.C.
March 4th, 1933
President Hoover, Mr. Chief Justice, my friends:
This is a day of national consecration, and I am certain
that my fellow-Americans expect that on my induction into the
Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which
the present situation of our nation impels.
This is pre-eminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth,
frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions
in our country today. This great nation will endure as it has endured,
will revive and will prosper.
So first of all let me assert my firm belief that
the only thing we have to fear. . .is fear itself. . .
nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes
needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.
In every dark hour of our national life a leadership
of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding
and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory.
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