Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) served as the 32nd President of the United States, holding office from 1933 until his death in 1945.
FDR’s presidency was marked by its response to the Great Depression and the onset of World War II, making him a central figure in 20th-century American history.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York, Roosevelt belonged to an old, wealthy New York family.
He was educated by private tutors and attended Groton School before heading to Harvard University.
He later studied law at Columbia University, though he did not complete his degree.
Entry into Politics
- Roosevelt entered politics as a Democrat, being elected to the New York State Senate in 1910. He gained national exposure as Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Woodrow Wilson.
- In 1920, he ran as the vice-presidential candidate alongside James M. Cox. They were defeated, but the experience provided Roosevelt with national exposure.
- A turning point in Roosevelt’s life occurred in 1921 when he was diagnosed with polio, resulting in partial paralysis. Despite this, he never gave up on his political aspirations and, through determination and therapy, managed to regain limited mobility.
Governorship and Presidential Aspirations
- Roosevelt was elected Governor of New York in 1928. His tenure was marked by progressive policies and active interventions, setting the stage for his future national programs.
- In 1932, during the depths of the Great Depression, Roosevelt secured the Democratic nomination for president and won a decisive victory against incumbent Herbert Hoover.
Presidency
- New Deal: Roosevelt’s response to the Great Depression was the “New Deal”, a series of programs and policies aimed at relief, recovery, and reform. Key programs included the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Public Works Administration (PWA), and the Social Security Act. These measures helped stabilize the economy and provide jobs.
- Foreign Policy and World War II: Roosevelt initially focused on domestic issues but was forced to pivot to international concerns as WWII loomed. He championed the Lend-Lease program to aid Allied powers, especially Britain. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the U.S. entered the war.
- Four Terms: Roosevelt is the only U.S. president to have been elected to four terms, indicating his enduring popularity and the trust the American people had in his leadership during tumultuous times.
- United Nations: Roosevelt was instrumental in the establishment of the United Nations, envisioning it as a body to foster international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.
Personal Life
- In 1905, Roosevelt married Eleanor Roosevelt, a distant cousin and the niece of President Theodore Roosevelt. The couple had six children. Eleanor became a significant public figure in her own right, championing civil rights and women’s rights.
- Roosevelt’s health declined during his fourth term, exacerbated by the stress of leadership during war. He died on April 12, 1945, from a cerebral hemorrhage, just weeks before the end of World War II in Europe.
Legacy
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s impact on American history is profound. His New Deal programs reshaped the role of the federal government in American life, cementing a commitment to social welfare and government intervention in the economy. His leadership during World War II steered the U.S. and the Allies to victory against the Axis powers.
Roosevelt’s approach to leadership, characterized by his Fireside Chats and his ability to connect with ordinary Americans, changed the nature of the presidency. His initiatives, from Social Security to the establishment of national parks and monuments, continue to influence American life.
In terms of global impact, his vision for the United Nations set the stage for post-war international relations and the pursuit of peace and cooperation on a global scale. Through resilience, innovation, and determined leadership, Roosevelt left an indelible mark on the U.S. and the world.