Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, often called FDR, was the 32nd president of the United States. He served from 1933 until he passed away in 1945, making him the longest-serving president in U.S. history. He was also the only president to be elected four times.

Roosevelt first gained attention when he was elected to the New York State Senate in 1910 and later became the assistant secretary of the Navy under President Woodrow Wilson. In 1921, an illness made it hard for him to walk, but with the support of his wife Eleanor, he returned to public service and was elected governor of New York in 1928.

In the 1932 presidential election, Roosevelt defeated President Herbert Hoover and became president during a very difficult time called the Great Depression. His first 100 days in office were very busy, with many new laws to help people find jobs and support farmers. He created important programs like Social Security to help older people and those in need.

When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, Roosevelt led the United States into World War II. He worked closely with leaders from other countries to fight against the Axis powers, including Nazi Germany. Roosevelt also helped start the idea for the United Nations to keep peace after the war. He was reelected in 1944 but sadly passed away the following year.

Early life and marriage

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born on January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York, to businessman James Roosevelt I and his wife, Sara Ann Delano. He grew up in a big home called Springwood. His parents were wealthy.

Roosevelt learned to ride horses, sail boats, and play sports. He traveled to Europe when he was young and learned German and French. He was taught at home until he was 14, then went to Groton School in Groton, Massachusetts. After that, he went to Harvard College, where he became editor of The Harvard Crimson newspaper. He started studying law at Columbia Law School but left to work at a law firm in New York City.

In 1903, Roosevelt married Eleanor Roosevelt. They had six children. They worked together in politics, even though their marriage had some difficulties.

Early political career (1910–1920)

Roosevelt did not enjoy practicing law and decided to enter politics. He joined the Democratic Party, like his father, and prepared to run for the New York State Assembly in the 1910 elections. However, he ended up running for the New York State Senate instead. Despite the district being strongly Republican, Roosevelt worked hard on his campaign and won a surprising victory in the 1910 US elections.

As a senator, Roosevelt worked hard and became a leader against the Tammany Hall machine. He supported Woodrow Wilson for president in 1912 and was re-elected in 1912. He chaired the Agriculture Committee and began supporting labor and social welfare programs.

Roosevelt’s support for Wilson led to his appointment in March 1913 as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. He helped improve the Navy and worked on issues like fair treatment for workers. During World War I, he helped expand the Navy and traveled to Europe to meet with leaders. After the war, he helped organize the Navy’s demobilization and pushed to keep the Navy’s Aviation Division.

Roosevelt later sought the 1920 vice presidential nomination and was chosen as the running mate for Governor James M. Cox of Ohio. Although they lost the election, Roosevelt felt the campaign helped him in his future political efforts. His wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, also began taking an active role in his political life.

Paralytic illness and political comeback (1921–1928)

Further information: Paralytic illness of Franklin D. Roosevelt

In 1921, Franklin D. Roosevelt became very ill and was told he had polio. This made it hard for him to walk. But he did not give up on his career.

With help from his wife and a friend, he learned to walk short distances using special braces. He never used his wheelchair in public and always stood with support when people saw him.

Roosevelt spent time in the Southern US. In 1926, he created a rehabilitation center in Warm Springs, Georgia. He stayed involved in politics in New York and made important friends in the South. In 1922, he helped Al Smith win an election in New York. He also spoke at important events in 1924 and 1928, showing he was back in public life.

Governor of New York (1929–1932)

Main article: Governorship of Franklin D. Roosevelt

In the 1928 election, a leader of the Democratic Party asked Franklin D. Roosevelt to be the governor of New York. At first, Roosevelt wasn’t sure, but party leaders convinced him. He won the election by a very small margin.

As governor, Roosevelt worked on big projects like building hydroelectric power plants and helped people during tough times in farming. He talked to people on the radio in what he called “fireside chats”, sharing his ideas and plans. When the Wall Street Crash of 1929 happened and started the Great Depression, Roosevelt created new programs to help people find jobs and support those who were struggling.

Roosevelt was re-elected for a second term and kept working to help New Yorkers, including plans to help older people and protect the state’s forests. He also looked into problems with corruption in the city, which led to important changes.

1932 presidential election

Main article: 1932 United States presidential election

As the 1932 presidential election came near, Franklin D. Roosevelt gathered a team to help him campaign. He had advisors from universities like Columbia and Harvard. Even though some people doubted him, Roosevelt’s work as governor during hard times made him a strong candidate. He gained support from many people, especially in the South and West, though some conservatives opposed him.

Roosevelt won the Democratic nomination after several rounds of voting. He promised a “new deal” for America, with plans to help farmers, build public works, and change laws to protect people’s money. He also supported ending Prohibition. Roosevelt won the election with many votes and became very popular. His success brought together many different groups, changing American politics for years.

Transition and assassination attempt

Main articles: Presidential transition of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Attempted assassination of Franklin D. Roosevelt

After winning the election in November 1932, Roosevelt waited until March to become president. During this time, he chose people to help him in his new government, including the first woman in a cabinet position. In February 1933, just before he took office, someone tried to shoot Roosevelt, but a mayor who was sitting next to him was hurt instead.

Presidency (1933–1945)

As president, Roosevelt made important decisions himself, even with good advisors. He used his power to inspire and lead the country through hard times.

First and second terms (1933–1941)

When Roosevelt became president in 1933, the United States had the Great Depression. Many people did not have jobs, and the economy was weak. Roosevelt started programs to help people find jobs and improve the economy. He spoke to the public through radio talks called "fireside chats," which helped people feel better.

Roosevelt made new government programs to give help and jobs. These included building public works like dams and bridges, and aiding farmers and workers. He also made laws to protect workers and ensure fair pay. In 1936, Roosevelt was re-elected with lots of votes, showing people supported him.

Third term (1941–1945)

World War II became the main focus during Roosevelt's third term. He helped allies like Britain and China while preparing the United States for war. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United States joined the war. Roosevelt led the country through the war, focusing on plans for both fighting and helping people at home.

Roosevelt worked with leaders from other countries to plan the war and peace after. He pushed for the creation of the United Nations to help keep peace after the war. His leadership helped guide the United States through a very hard time.

Fourth term (1945)

Roosevelt was re-elected in 1944, showing people still supported him. During his fourth term, he focused on the war and plans for peace after. Sadly, he died in April 1945, before the war ended. His work helped shape the United States' role in the world during and after the war.

Severe health decline and death

Roosevelt had health problems for several years. In 1944, doctors found he had heart and blood vessel issues and needed to rest more. During his campaign that year, his team said he was fine, but he knew his health was getting worse.

By early 1945, people noticed he looked older and weaker. On April 12, while sitting for a painting, he suddenly felt very sick and lost consciousness. Doctors found a serious problem and he passed away that day at age 63.

Funeral and burial

Roosevelt’s funeral was held in Washington, D.C., with many people watching as his body traveled by train to his home in Hyde Park, New York. He was buried in the rose garden there, as he had wished. His death was felt deeply around the world.

Philosophy and views

Economic philosophy

Further information: Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1941)

From 1933, Roosevelt thought that special spending programs should only be for a short time. He did not agree with ideas to spend more than needed, as some experts like John Maynard Keynes suggested. In 1935, Roosevelt wanted to change tax laws. He asked for higher taxes on very rich people, more taxes when someone passes away, and new taxes on big businesses. Congress passed laws to raise taxes on the richest people, but not as much as Roosevelt wanted. In 1936, Roosevelt created a group to suggest ways to improve how the government worked. They suggested combining smaller parts into bigger ones and letting the president have more helpers. This led to new laws and groups to help the president manage better.

Geopolitical philosophy

Further information: United Kingdom–United States relations in World War II and Diplomatic history of World War II

In 1941, Roosevelt met with a leader from Britain. They decided to focus first on defeating Germany before Japan. Roosevelt talked about working together with other big countries during the war. He built groups to help manage the war, like making sure there were enough supplies and keeping prices fair.

In 1939, Roosevelt began thinking about the possibility of new, very powerful weapons. This led to important research that would change history.

Racial views and civil rights

Roosevelt supported some groups, like people from China and the Philippines, but not others, like people from Japan, during World War II. He made decisions that affected many people, including some unfair treatments of people from Mexico and Japan.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt helped support fair treatment for African Americans. In 1941, Roosevelt created a group to make sure people were treated fairly when looking for jobs, especially in defense work. This helped many African Americans get better job opportunities.

After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, there were worries about people from Japan living in the United States. In 1942, Roosevelt made a decision that moved many Japanese American citizens and immigrants to special camps far away from the coast. This was a difficult time for many families.

Legacy

Historical reception

Franklin D. Roosevelt is one of the most important leaders in U.S. history. Many experts think he is one of the greatest U.S. presidents, like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. His time as president helped the United States during hard times, such as the Great Depression and World War II. He worked to help everyday people and those in need, which made him popular with many. His presidency changed the government's role, making it more involved in helping people. He also helped make the United States a leader in the world.

After Roosevelt’s presidency, many of his ideas kept influencing the country. His wife, Eleanor, continued to work for important causes, like human rights. Some of his supporters later became leaders. But not everyone agreed with Roosevelt’s actions. Some people disagreed with his policies, especially when he served more than two terms as president. There were also discussions about some of his decisions during World War II and his economic policies.

Memorials and commemorations

Main article: List of memorials to Franklin D. Roosevelt

Roosevelt is remembered in many ways. A coin called the Roosevelt dime has been made since 1946. His home in Hyde Park is a national historic site and also houses his presidential library. In Washington, D.C., there are two memorials for him, one on the Tidal Basin and a smaller one near the National Archives. He is also featured on several U.S. postage stamps, and a ship named after him served the U.S. Navy for many years. In Paris, a metro station is named after him, and London has a memorial tablet in his honor. Other places and projects, like a park and art designs, also remember his work and the ideas he stood for.

Selected works

Franklin D. Roosevelt wrote several books. Some of his well-known books are Whither Bound? (1926), The Happy Warrior Alfred E. Smith (1928), Looking Forward (1933), and The Public Papers and Addresses of Franklin D. Roosevelt. This last book was published in 13 volumes between 1938 and 1950.