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Massachusetts State Seal
Commonwealth Museum   Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin

Legacy Issues

John Hancock portrait
On the left, c. 1770-1772 Portrait by John Singleton Copley (Collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society)
Franklin D. Roosevelt portrait
On the right, A 1932 portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt at his desk. (Image courtesy of the National Park Service, Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site)

During the administration of Franklin Roosevelt many used the term “noblesse oblige” to describe his thinking. Although born into wealth, Roosevelt’s programs benefitted Americans in greatest need during the Great Depression. While there are differences in personality between Roosevelt and Hancock, the Massachusetts hero maintained popularity. Despite his conspicuous possession and enjoyment of wealth, his benevolent instincts and concern for the poor were obvious. Perhaps his example can serve as a useful influence on American leaders in the twenty-first century.