Final answer:
The correct answer is option 1. The radio was the device used by FDR for his fireside chats in the 1920s, allowing him to communicate directly with citizens and gain support for his policies. Modern presidents have adapted by using television, the Internet, and social media to reach the public.
Step-by-step explanation:
The device that became a centerpiece of the home in the 1920s and was notably used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for his fireside chats was the radio. FDR's innovative use of radio addressed the nation with a series of talks that effectively explained his policies and reassured the public during challenging times. This intimate form of communication allowed him to bypass the traditional media and speak directly to the American people, garnering support for his New Deal initiatives and creating a sense of personal connection.
Modern presidents have continued to use emerging technologies to communicate with the public. Beginning with televised addresses and expanding to the Internet and social media, presidents have sought to utilize the most far-reaching and influential platforms available to promote their policies and engage with citizens.
The fireside chats underscored Roosevelt's savvy in understanding media's power to reach people and became an integral part of his presidential legacy. Through simple language and a reassuring tone, he brought complex policy discussions into American living rooms, connecting with the populace in an unprecedented way.