Individual Written Argument

The Optimism and Courage That made a Historical Impact.

Word Count: 2002

Date:April 24,2024
 There are two articles I feel that connect in a better way than the rest. Number

one we have the Inaugural Address by Franklin Roosevelt.Secondly we have

Confrontation on the Bridge by Jacob Lawrence. They both have historical impact in

different ways. One was a United States president, the other a famous American

painter. These two both had to face courage in many different ways. The two impacted

some new moments of unyielding courage and bold defiance; one painted the canvas of

history, while the other guided the nation's resolute Inaugural Address and Jacob

Lawrence's evocative "Confrontation on the Bridge." In times of great change political

distress, figures like Franklin Roosevelt and Jacob Lawrence impact culture and politics,

in different but significant ways.

To put it simply it in Inaugural Address on March 4, 1933 was a hard the Great

depression was going on and Roosevelt’s job was harder since there was an

economical collapse there too. Where there were tons of unemployment and social

unrest. Roosevelt took one of the hardest jobs of the time in the. Being the president.

One of his famous quotes for the time "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," The

best thing that he showed for the nation was that he was not going to fear the great

depression and move on. So he did, the cards stacked against him, Through decisive

action to address the economic crisis and restore hope to the American people. In the

“Inaugural Address" Roosevelt's new proposals showed that he was bold and innovative

in addressing the economic crisis. He understood the fear in the era and that it was not

going to change in a matter of a month or even two. Roosevelt promoted relief,

recovery, and reform for the American people in the face of opposition and skepticism.
 Then we have Jacob Lawrence's painting, "Confrontation on the Bridge (1975),"

a very important piece of art to some certain group of people. That captures a moment

in history a.k.a the Civil rights movement of 1975 that the African Americans won. The

painting is there to show and implicate that it is a larger body of work than it shows. The

message was that these marches showed the courage and determination of civil rights

in the face of discrimination and violence, and they played a crucial role in the struggle

for African Americans' right to vote.

The thing that these two events in history, one in 1933 the “Inaugural

Address” and two that happened in 1975 the "Confrontation on the Bridge” the thing that

connects them both is courage and historical importance. They both paved the way and

created a lot of groundbreaking ways for their respected moments for the “Inaugural

Address". It helped lift some of the spirits of people in the great depression. The lowest

point of Americans living there at that time. Then we have "Confrontation on the Bridge",

a painting that showed the march of a civil rights movement that was most likely said to

be the Selma to Montgomery marches of 1965. These two important events paved

massively for their time through courage and sure will power.

But let's just wind it a little backwards in time. In the early-middle start of

the Great Depression. That puts us in 1933-ish. At this point the United States of

America was broken. “At the height of the Depression in 1933, 24.9% of the nation's

total workforce, 12,830,000 people, were unemployed. Wage income for workers who
were lucky enough to have kept their jobs fell 42.5% between 1929 and 1933. “ This is

scary for Roosevelt, especially since he was not appointed into office until March of that

year. He knew he had to do something: a new plan or a “New Deal”, “The New Deal

restored a sense of security as it put people back to work. It created the framework for a

regulatory state that could protect the interests of all Americans, rich and poor, and

thereby help the business system work in more productive ways”-senate.gov

To put into layman's terms, it basically made Americans feel better and safe

about their own money. This was a breakthrough for Roosevelt, but he was not done he

initiated phase 2 of his plan. He enacted the “Emergency Banking Act” of 1933, which

aimed to stabilize the financial system and restore public confidence in banks. This

basically helped his career for his presidency. He with the rest of Americans helped the

National GDP of the United States being in the negatives in 1932. Said to be -12.9% in

1932 to be helped now in 1933 -1.2% then in 1934 10.8%. They did that. He then went

on to serve another presidency.

He was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1917, Lawrence's childhood

was marked by the Great Migration, this was a period during the early 20th century

when millions of African Americans moved from to the south of the United States in

search of better opportunities and to escape the harsh realities of segregation and Jim

Crow laws.Then we have the “Confrontation on the Bridge” painting, which is mainly

about the conflict on a bridge that boldly depicts African Americans with even bolder

colors. He was a renowned African American artist known for his dynamic and narrative

depictions of African American life and history. He was no one-hit wonder that just got
lucky with this “Confrontation on the Bridge” painting he has had multiple hits that came

with the Migration Series that comes with 60 different panels. The purpose of this

painting is to show courage because it has a meaning and yet leaves vagueness in two

ways. Because yes we have given an answer to what it is Selma to Montgomery

marches of 1965. But think about it this way. Close your eyes, picture this one bridge,

12 people, grouped together, walking together, your mind can think of millions of

possibilities. Millions of things, thousands of different scenarios. Like what was it for,

they are going on a bridge to go to the carnival, Mcdonalds, white house. Anything is

there for us to think of but the painter said one word that made us put on a more narrow

path, Confrontation. Confrontation can only mean so many things he took away millions

of things and put us on a trail of only thousands.

This is not an easy thought especially at this time. Because of many things but

here are the major things: the time 1975 number two and most importantly the message

of it. Civil rights. “ The event became known as “Bloody Sunday”. The second march

took place March 9. Troopers and marchers confronted each other at the bridge, but

Martin Luther King Jr. led the marchers back to Selma.” -artwa. He heard this and

decided to paint an interpretation of this.

They both took in forms of leadership, one being obvious Roosevelt. His call for

unity and collective effort reflects his belief in the importance of effective leadership

during times of crisis as being the president of the United States of America and the

other one being a painter. Not to unshine Jacob Lawrance he was not the LEADER that
some people would expect to be he was a not weirdly chosen leader, he was more of

the voice that was carrying on through many people. But he portrayed a form of

leadership and empowerment among ordinary individuals.

Now here is some historical context: The Great Depression, a.k.a caused by the

stock market crash of 1929, plunged the United States into the worst economic

downturn in its history. By the time Roosevelt assumed the presidency in 1933, the

nation was grappling with widespread unemployment, bank failures, homelessness, and

poverty. But with all hopes and dreams that Roosevelt promised he actually went on

with those promises: Emergency Banking Act,Reforestation Relief Act, Tennessee

Valley Act, Federal Securities Act, and many more. The seriousness of the economic

crisis created a sense of importance and desperation among the American people,

setting the stage for Roosevelt's address. He excelled at it; he did it and he impacted

the Great Depression in the good way. In the face of adversity, Roosevelt called upon

Americans to unite and demonstrate resilience. So the Americans complied and did so.

Roosevelt's leadership during the Great Depression laid the foundation for significant

social and economic reforms that would shape the course of American history.

There is another thing: Social incentive Roosevelt's speech, delivered during the

hardest time in the Great Depression, was more than just a presidential address; it was

a cry for national help among the nation. It was there for it, it was the message. In the

face of widespread economic devastation, Roosevelt's words raised the morale for the

people of the nation in despair they needed it. Roosevelt aimed to address the
economic crisis while also getting hope and calling for collective action among

Americans from all walks of life.

Then there is Lawrence's "Confrontation on the Bridge" with a powerful social

incentive there for the fight for civil rights. The painting depicts a pivotal moment in the

Selma to Montgomery marches and serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing

struggle for racial equality and justice. Lawrence's work is there to show the courage

and determination of African Americans marching against oppression, serving not only

as a historical record but as a hope for civil rights. The social incentive here is to amplify

voices and inspire collective action to get more people on this. It is important and it

should be more of a focus.

The Civil Rights Movement in the United States of America, particularly during

the 1950s and 1960s, thanks to Martin Luther King Jr. prominence in the scene of

marches, was marked by numerous protests and acts of resistance against racial

segregation and discrimination. Throughout American history, labor strikes and worker

movements have played a significant role in advocating for better working conditions,

fair wages, and labor rights. The painting captures the spirit of resistance and resilience

inherent in these movements, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality and justice

in American society.

Roosevelt's Inaugural Address is still a symbol of leadership and perseverance in

the face of adversity. Its themes of courage, unity, and perseverance continue to
resonate with Americans. Serving as a reminder of the country's ability to overcome

obstacles and create a more inclusive and equitable society.

They both are leaders in their respective fields. For example 1 was a voice and a

newer or a re-ignition for the civil rights movement by painting. The paintings spoke to

people. People took a liking to it and wanted to follow the message.

In conclusion, the Inaugural Address by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Jacob

Lawrence's "Confrontation on the Bridge" stand as poignant reminders of the power of

courage and resilience to shape history and inspire change. Despite their disparate

mediums and contexts, both Roosevelt and Lawrence wielded their influence to address

pressing social issues and galvanize collective action.

Roosevelt's address, delivered amidst the depths of the Great Depression, rallied

a nation teetering on the brink of despair, offering a beacon of hope and unity in the face

of economic turmoil. Through bold initiatives and unwavering leadership, Roosevelt not

only addressed the immediate challenges of his time but also laid the groundwork for

enduring social and economic reforms.

Similarly, Lawrence's evocative painting captures a pivotal moment in the

struggle for civil rights, serving as a testament to the courage and determination of

those who marched against oppression. By amplifying the voices of the marginalized
and challenging systemic injustices, Lawrence inspired a movement for equality that

reverberates to this day.

I think that they both showed a great message that we learned and greatly

impacted from. Both Roosevelt and Lawrence embodied forms of leadership that

transcended their respective roles, whether as a president or a painter. Their social

incentives were rooted in a shared commitment to addressing societal injustices and

fostering a more inclusive and equitable future.

 References:

Franklin D. Roosevelt - Key Events. Miller Center. (2023, ugust 28).

https://millercenter.org/president/franklin-d-roosevelt/key-events

Artwork. ArtsWA. (2019, June 19).

https://www.arts.wa.gov/artwork/?request=record%3Bid

The Migration Series. The Migration Series | Jacob Lawrence: The Migration

Series. (n.d.). 1https://lawrencemigration.phillipscollection.org/the-migration-series

Senate. (n.d.).

https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/WinklerTestimony33109TheNewD

ealSenateTestimony.pdf

O’Neill, A. (2024, January 25). United States real GDP growth rate 1930-2022.

Statista.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/996758/rea-gdp-growth-united-states-1930-201

9/
Great depression facts. FDR Presidential Library & Museum. (n.d.).

https://www.fdrlibrary.org/great-depression-facts#:~:text=throughout%20the%2019

20s.-,At%20the%20height%20of%20the%20Depression%20in%201933%2C%20

24.9%25%20of,economic%20disaster%20in%20American%20history