Roosevelt was the one who had the vision to change our policy from isolationism to world leadership. That was a terrific revolution. Our country's never been the same since.

This quote by W. Averell Harriman highlights the transformative impact of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s foreign policy, particularly his shift from isolationism to active world leadership. Harriman is praising Roosevelt for recognizing that the United States could no longer remain detached from global affairs and needed to take on a leadership role on the world stage. The use of the word "vision" underscores Roosevelt’s foresight in guiding the country through a critical turning point in 20th-century history.

Harriman refers to this shift as a "terrific revolution," suggesting that it was both radical and necessary. The United States, which had traditionally avoided entanglements in foreign conflicts—especially after World War I—underwent a significant policy transformation during World War II. Roosevelt's actions, including support for the Allies before officially entering the war and the eventual founding of international institutions like the United Nations, marked the beginning of a new era of global engagement for America.

As a diplomat and statesman, W. Averell Harriman was a close participant in this era of change, serving under Roosevelt and later becoming a key figure in U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War. His words reflect a deep appreciation for Roosevelt’s leadership and the long-term consequences of that shift—how it shaped the modern identity of the United States as a global power. He recognizes that this was not just a political change, but a permanent transformation in America’s role in the world.

In essence, Harriman’s quote serves as both a tribute and a historical reflection. It affirms that Roosevelt’s decision to move away from isolationism fundamentally altered the trajectory of the nation—politically, militarily, and diplomatically. That revolution in foreign policy positioned the United States not just as a participant, but as a central figure in global affairs, a role it continues to navigate today.