Roosevelt went on to link the action of that moment in history with the American tradition of resolve in the face of crisis. He called this fear “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.” President Roosevelt’s steadiness gave the nation the confidence it needed to overcome the twin challenges of economic hardship and war.
