Franklin Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan were the two most consequential and successful Presidents of the 20th Century. Most casual observers today think of them as polar opposites in their views on government and politics. But in fact, there are striking and surprising similarities between FDR and Reagan.

Both Roosevelt and Reagan were optimistic leaders who restored the nation's confidence in difficult times. They rallied the country to success in the century's two greatest conflicts, World War II and the Cold War. They built a deep connection with the American people as the Great Communicators--FDR on radio, Reagan on television.

With the 1900s widely recognized as the American Century, Roosevelt and Reagan might be considered the pillars standing tall near each end of that century of American dominance. Especially in today's polarized political environment, the policies, politics, and even personalities of these two political icons should be thoroughly examined. There are significant lessons to be learned by all those hoping to follow in their footsteps and to make the 21st Century yet another American Century.