Franklin Roosevelt and His Four Lieutenants

Only four people served at the highest level in all of FDR's three-plus administrations from 1933 to 1945. These four, Harry Hopkins, Harold Ickes, Frances Perkins, and Henry Wallace, were unconventional figures. During times of national stress, figures like these often come to the fore. In this study group, we will discuss these figures and the period in which they contributed, including the Depression and World War II - times and events that helped form the American character over the following generation. While Roosevelt is rated as one of our great presidents, given credit for managing our way through the Depression and steering us to victory in World War II, he would not have received these accolades without the contributions of these four figures. The book we will be discussing, Derek Lebaert's Unlikely Heroes: Franklin Roosevelt, His Four Lieutenants and the World they Made (St. Martin's Press, 2023) helps us sort through the strengths and weaknesses of Roosevelt's administration, what type of leadership he provided, and the roles he permitted his subordinates to play.