The Age of Roosevelt: The Crisis of the Old Order

The Age of Roosevelt: The Crisis of the Old Order examines America from 1919 to 1933, documenting the social, economic and political forces that led to the Great Depression. The book focuses on Herbert Hoover's presidency and the final years of the Republican era that preceded Franklin D. Roosevelt's election. Schlesinger reconstructs the climate of 1920s America through extensive research, including personal papers, news accounts, and government documents. The narrative tracks major events and policy decisions while presenting portraits of key figures who shaped the era's trajectory. The book follows multiple threads - from Wall Street speculation to agricultural crisis, from political movements to cultural shifts - as they converge in the economic collapse of 1929. Roosevelt emerges gradually in the story, his early career and governorship of New York providing context for his eventual rise. This first volume in Schlesinger's series captures a pivotal moment of transformation in American society, as faith in unregulated capitalism and laissez-faire government faced its greatest challenge. The book reveals how economic disaster forced a fundamental reassessment of American institutions and values.

Readers value Schlesinger's detailed research and engaging narrative style in examining the lead-up to FDR's presidency. Many note his ability to weave economic data with personal stories of Americans during the Depression. Positive feedback focuses on: - Clear explanations of complex economic concepts - Rich biographical details about Herbert Hoover - Strong portrayal of American society in the 1920s Common criticisms include: - Liberal bias in interpreting events - Too much focus on East Coast perspectives - Dense writing style that can be difficult to follow Multiple readers mention the book works better as part of the full trilogy rather than as a standalone volume. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (389 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (41 ratings) "Schlesinger brings the era alive through careful attention to detail," writes one Amazon reviewer, while another notes "the author's bias becomes distracting in later chapters."

The Coming of the New Deal by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. A comprehensive examination of FDR's first term in office and the implementation of his New Deal programs from 1933-1934.

No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin A dual biography of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt during the World War II years that chronicles their partnership in leading the nation through crisis.

Traitor to His Class by H.W. Brands A biography that traces FDR's transformation from Hudson River aristocrat to champion of the common man and architect of the modern American state.

The Money Makers by Eric Rauchway An analysis of how FDR and his team engineered the transition from the gold standard to the modern monetary system during the Great Depression.

The Politics of Upheaval by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr A detailed exploration of the political and social tensions of 1935-1936 as the New Deal faced increasing opposition from both the left and right.

🗸 The book was published in 1957 and is the first volume in Schlesinger's trilogy about FDR's presidency, winning both the Bancroft Prize and Francis Parkman Prize for distinguished historical writing. 🗸 Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. wrote the book while serving as a professor at Harvard University, where he was the youngest faculty member ever appointed to a full professorship at age 28. 🗸 The narrative covers the years 1919-1933, examining how the prosperity of the 1920s and subsequent Great Depression set the stage for Roosevelt's New Deal policies. 🗸 Schlesinger had a personal connection to his subject matter - he worked as a speech writer and special assistant to President John F. Kennedy, who greatly admired FDR's leadership style. 🗸 The book's title, "The Crisis of the Old Order," references the collapse of traditional American economic and political systems during the Great Depression, which Schlesinger argues created the conditions for a new social order under Roosevelt.