March 12
On this day. 1933: President Roosevelt held his first "fireside chat" — a radio address to explain his policies to the American people. FDR's fireside chats were electrifying. Most Americans had never heard the voice of a president, and millions tuned in. Roosevelt used simple words and addressed Americans as "my friends." Roosevelt knew radio to be an effective communication tool. It remains so to this day, reaching 93 percent of consumers weekly — more than the internet.
On this day. 1947: The Truman Doctrine: President Truman asked Congress to send aid to Greece and Turkey, which were threatened by communism.
Quote of the day
"The virtues are lost in self-interest as rivers are lost in the sea." -Franklin D. Roosevelt
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