“Prosperous farmers mean more employment, more prosperity for the workers and the business men of every industrial area in the whole country.”
- January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945
- American
- Politician
- [Achievements]
- As president of the United States, he promoted economic recovery from the Great Depression with the New Deal policy
- He led the Allied powers to victory in World War II
- [Criticism]
- His hard-line policy toward Japan triggered the attack on Pearl Harbor
- He pushed for the forced internment policy of Japanese Americans due to racist feelings toward the Japanese
- He promoted the Manhattan Project, a plan to develop the atomic bomb
table of contents
Quote
“Prosperous farmers mean more employment, more prosperity for the workers and the business men of every industrial area in the whole country.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt emphasizes the interconnectedness of agriculture, employment, and economic prosperity in a nation. He argues that when farmers thrive, it has a positive ripple effect throughout the entire economy. Prosperous farmers have more purchasing power, which means they buy more goods, create demand, and stimulate business activity in industrial areas. As a result, this creates more jobs for workers and contributes to overall prosperity in various sectors of the economy. Roosevelt’s statement reflects his belief in the vital role that agriculture plays in the broader economic system, particularly in the United States, where farming has historically been a backbone of the nation’s economy.
Roosevelt’s words also connect to his New Deal policies, many of which were designed to support farmers during the Great Depression. By implementing programs like the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA), Roosevelt aimed to stabilize farm prices and ensure farmers’ livelihoods, recognizing that the economic health of farmers was critical to the broader economy. He understood that a thriving agricultural sector was essential for creating a virtuous cycle of demand, employment, and prosperity across the nation.
In today’s context, this quote remains relevant as we continue to see the interdependence between different sectors of the economy. Agriculture still plays a significant role in driving economic activity, particularly in rural and agricultural areas, and supply chains are interconnected in ways that show how prosperity in one sector can boost the overall economy. Roosevelt’s words remind us that economic policies should consider the needs of all sectors, especially those that provide foundational resources for the rest of the economy.
