The rise of new technologies during the early twentieth century
The rise of new technologies during the early twentieth century influenced not only the way people lived, but also how they received their news and learned about events shaping the world. Political parties and national leaders also relied on new technologies, like radio and motion pictures, to mobilize supporters, persuade voters, and, in some cases, spread propaganda.One example of the growing importance of mass media in modern politics was U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt’s use of radio during the 1930s. On 30 occasions, Roosevelt used national radio broadcasts to speak to the American public about various public policy issues related to the Great Depression and the New Deal. These broadcasts came to be known as the president’s “fireside chats.”Below is a link to Roosevelt’s seventh fireside chat from April 28, 1935:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2p7AzOixNI&index=4&list=PL3833257914F80DA9What do you notice most about the broadcast? What seem to be Roosevelt’s goals with this broadcast? How did he go about persuading his audience? What might people listening to this broadcast, most likely from their kitchens or living rooms, have thought about the experience?