Abstract

Clare Hall America Week presents a lecture by Professor Tony Badger (Master of Clare College and Professor in the History Faculty) entitled “FDR’s First Hundred Days … and Obama’s,” details of which are below. This lecture will be followed by a wine reception featuring American wines.

Synopsis: For liberals, Roosevelt’s 100 Days in 1933 were the defining moment of modern America when the federal government recognized a new sense of social obligation for ordinary Americans. For conservatives, the 100 Days were the defining moment when America not only took the wrong turn towards big government but also prolonged the depression. Most presidents since FDR have failed ‘the 100 Days test’ of enacting major legislation so quickly. Obama is charismatic president with an electoral mandate and large congressional majorities, taking over from a discredited incumbent at a time of financial crisis. The lecture asks what Obama can learn from FDR ’s 100 Days.