Final answer:
President Roosevelt inspired hope and built public confidence by emphasizing collective action to address the country's economic challenges, rather than relying on military experience or fear-mongering. He communicated a plan for recovery and used fireside chats to foster a sense of community and optimism.
Step-by-step explanation:
To convince his audience that he would be a good leader, President Roosevelt took an approach that inspired hope by addressing the nation's challenges directly. In his inaugural address and subsequent communications, Roosevelt built confidence among the American people through his fireside chats, conveying optimism and invoking a spirit of community. He emphasized the importance of collective action and public cooperation to overcome the economic hardships of the Great Depression.
Roosevelt's reassurances were not founded on military triumphs or appeals to fear of foreign threats, but rather on a clear plan that encompassed elements such as federal relief, public works, social security, unemployment insurance, banking confidence, and economic regulation. His rallying cry, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," encouraged Americans not to succumb to inaction out of fear but to participate actively in the nation's recovery.
Ultimately, Roosevelt's ability to connect with the public and articulate a vision for recovery without dwelling on the specifics brought him the support he needed to implement the sweeping changes that defined his presidency.