Skip to Main Content Open search bar Open the mobile menu Page: Resources Library Curriculum: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness Unit: Chapter 12: 1932-1945 Chapter 12 Introductory Essay: 1932-1945 Written by: Anthony Badger, Cambridge University By the end of this section, you will: Explain the context in which America grew into its role as a world power Explain the causes of the Great Depression and its effects on the economy Explain how the Great Depression and the New Deal impacted American political social and economic life over time Explain how and why U.S. participation in World War II transformed American society Compare the relative significance of the major events of the first half of the 20th century in shaping American identity Introduction On Saturday, March 4, 1933, newly inaugurated President Franklin D. Roosevelt told the nation “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself” (see the Franklin D. Roosevelt, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1933 Prim...