Franklin D. Roosevelt is proclaimed the first modern president of the United States. In fact, after a closer look, one might say that FDR created the modern presidency. With the establishment of rhetoric as an important tool, he learned to speak directly to the American people, who then considered him a person worthy of trust. FDR also established the United States military base and set in motion many of the first steps toward alliances with other nations. His tenure also saw the addition of foreign policy as a task of the executive office, as well as the creation of the Executive Office of the Presidency. All of these additions to FDR's terms allowed him to define the work of the executive branch, which helped establish him as the first modern president. One of FDR's strengths was rhetoric. He used it as an effective means during his terms in office to communicate with the American people. Previously, rhetoric had little importance to presidents, but after FDR and the beginning of the modern presidency rhetoric has become an important element of the job. As Greenstein states, “FDR [provided] a point of reference for his successors (22). It also changed the context in which speeches were given. When past presidents, like Lincoln, gave speeches, they had to commemorate things, such as cemeteries and memorials. When FDR began his presidency, the situation changed. His speeches were not just to commemorate things, they were to inform the public and also explain things to them. For example, when FDR took office, he began the practice of offering "Fireside Chats," which effectively utilized the new technology of the time. Speaking to audiences on the radio, FDR established a connection with the American people. He did it because of the way he spoke. Not only was FDR calm when talking about serious topics, such as the banking crisis, but he was also not condescending to the American people. By treating the American people as equals and calling them "my friends," FDR made the American people want to listen to him and, moreover, believe what he said. Through this great use of rhetoric, FDR caused the public to calm down regarding the banking crisis and also gave the banks another chance. Over the course of his twelve years in office, FDR held several Fireside Chats, which helped strengthen public opinion of him. At the same time he was giving public talks, he was also making a connection with the