Mr Roosevelt is a grandson of Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States, 1933-45. He spoke to Nottingham High School History and Politics Societies on his experiences from his younger days, particularly those associated with his grandparents, especially his grandmother Eleanor who was very active in the field of social and welfare reform in the United Nations in the aftermath of the Second World War. He also spoke on the subject of 'Conflict or Consensus?', questioning which approach is the better method to adopt in the political arena when pushing through reforms. He chose for his examples the experience of his own grandfather in introducing reforms as part of the 'New Deal' to combat the Depression in the United States after 1933, and also drew on parallels with modern day American politics where President Obama is currently attempting to push health reforms through Congress.
Mr Roosevelt was on a visit to Nottingham as part of the 60th Anniversary celebrations of the creation of the Nottinghamshire Roosevelt Travelling Scholarship. The scholarship exists to promote the perpetuation of links between the city of Nottingham and the United States following the Second World War during which Wollaton Park was used as an encampment and training ground for the United States Army in preparation for the 1944 operations to liberate Nazi occupied Europe. Through the scheme, young people from Nottinghamshire can apply for a scholarship to assist in travel to the United States.
Interested parties can find out more at www.rooseveltscholarship.org
