We will examine these individuals’ character development and personal experiences as well as the way they handled the great issues of their times during their years in the White House. Roosevelt had to deal with two extraordinary crises, the Great Depression and the Second World War. Truman finished with a low approval rating but now is viewed as one of the greatest presidents. What explains the change? Kennedy had charisma. Did he achieve much, or is his reputation based on myth? Reagan led a conservative “revolution” at home and negotiated nuclear treaties with the Soviets. What is his legacy?