VISUAL ACTIVITY

Roosevelt Campaigning This photo of Franklin Roosevelt on the campaign trail in rural Georgia in October 1932 displays the candidate’s support for ordinary Americans. The carefully posed photo illustrates Roosevelt’s attempt to reach across the class divide that separated his patrician upbringing and lifestyle from the experience of the vast majority of Americans who lacked his privileges.

READING THE IMAGE: How does the photo contrast the lives of rural people with that of the presidential candidate? What is the significance of Roosevelt sitting atop the seat back in the car to shake hands?

CONNECTIONS: Why was it important in the 1932 election for the presidential candidates to seek the support of rural Americans?

Hulton-Deutsch/Corbis.