Franklin D. Roosevelt

Full Name and Titles

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, often known by his initials FDR. He was the 32nd President of the United States, serving an unprecedented four terms from 1933 until his death in 1945.

Vital Statistics

• Born: January 30, 1882, Hyde Park, New York, United States
• Died: April 12, 1945, Warm Springs, Georgia, United States (age 63)
• Cause of Death: Cerebral hemorrhage (stroke)
• Resting Place: Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Hyde Park, New York
• Parents: James Roosevelt I (father), Sara Ann Delano (mother)
• Siblings: Half-brother James Roosevelt Roosevelt

Nationality and Background

Franklin D. Roosevelt was born into a wealthy, established New York family. The Roosevelts were Dutch in origin, arriving in New Amsterdam (New York) in the 17th century. His father, James Roosevelt, was a wealthy landowner and businessman. His mother, Sara Delano, came from an even wealthier family with extensive international connections.

FDR grew up on the family estate at Springwood in Hyde Park, New York, surrounded by privilege but also imbued with a sense of public service. The family was Episcopalian, and Roosevelt was raised with traditional values of the American upper class combined with a strong sense of noblesse oblige.

Occupations and Roles

• 32nd President of the United States (1933-1945)
• 44th Governor of New York (1929-1932)
• Assistant Secretary of the Navy (1913-1920)
• New York State Senator (1911-1913)
• Lawyer
• Political leader and statesman
• Architect of the New Deal
• Leader during World War II

Era

Roosevelt presided over two of the most consequential periods in American history: - The Great Depression (1929-1939) - World War II (1939-1945)

His presidency transformed the American government and its relationship with citizens, establishing the foundation of the modern welfare state and American global leadership.

Introduction

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the most consequential American president of the 20th century and one of the most significant in American history. Elected to an unprecedented four terms, he led the United States through its two greatest crises since the Civil War: the Great Depression and World War II. His New Deal programs fundamentally transformed the American economy and social contract, while his wartime leadership established the United States as a global superpower.

Roosevelt’s political career seemed ended in 1921 when he was stricken with polio at age 39, leaving him permanently paralyzed from the waist down. Against all odds, he returned to politics, winning the governorship of New York in 1928 and the presidency in 1932. His struggle with disability, carefully concealed from the public through a cooperative press, became part of his mythos - the man who overcame personal catastrophe to save his nation.

As president, Roosevelt implemented the New Deal - a series of programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations that expanded the federal government’s role in the economy and social welfare. Programs like Social Security, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation remain foundational to American governance.

His leadership during World War II was equally transformative. Before Pearl Harbor, he carefully moved American opinion and policy toward supporting the Allies. After American entry into the war, he mobilized the nation’s industrial might, forged the Grand Alliance with Britain and the Soviet Union, and began planning for the postwar order that would become the United Nations.

Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945, just weeks before Germany’s surrender and months before Japan’s. His death shocked the nation and the world, ending an era in American politics. He was succeeded by Harry S. Truman, who would make the fateful decision to use atomic weapons against Japan.

FDR’s legacy remains complex and contested. Conservatives criticize his expansion of federal power and creation of the welfare state. Liberals celebrate his defense of democracy against both fascism and economic collapse. Historians consistently rank him among America’s greatest presidents. What is certain is that no 20th-century figure did more to shape the modern United States and its role in the world.

Early Life of Franklin D. Roosevelt

Family Background

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born on January 30, 1882, at the family estate in Hyde Park, New York. His father, James Roosevelt (1828-1900), was a wealthy landowner, railroad executive, and distant cousin of President Theodore Roosevelt. His mother, Sara Ann Delano (1854-1941), was the daughter of Warren Delano, who made a fortune in the China trade.

James Roosevelt was 54 when Franklin was born, Sara was 28. Franklin was their only child (James had a son from his first marriage, half-brother “Rosy”). This late parenthood meant Franklin never knew his father as a young man, and his mother would dominate his life well into adulthood.

Childhood at Hyde Park (1882-1896)

Springwood Estate

Franklin grew up on the Springwood estate, a large property on the Hudson River: - Wealth and privilege surrounded him - Private tutors rather than school - French and German governesses - European travel from an early age - Outdoor activities: horseback riding, boating, ice skating - Collection of stamps, birds, and naval prints

Mother’s Influence

Sara Roosevelt was domineering: - Controlled Franklin’s upbringing completely - Made all significant decisions - Moved to Cambridge when Franklin attended Harvard - Remained primary influence until her death in 1941 - Franklin’s devotion to her was lifelong

This intense maternal relationship shaped his personality and his attraction to strong women like Eleanor Roosevelt and his secretary Marguerite “Missy” LeHand.

Education

Groton School (1896-1900)

At age 14, Roosevelt entered Groton School, an elite Episcopal boarding school in Massachusetts: - Founded by Endicott Peabody - Emphasized public service and Christian values - “Cultivate manly Christian character” - Roosevelt was not a top student but popular - Made lifelong friends

Groton’s influence was significant: - Sense of duty to public service - Episcopal faith - Social conscience (though within paternalistic framework) - Desire to emulate Theodore Roosevelt

Harvard College (1900-1904)

Roosevelt entered Harvard in 1900: - Live in Westmorly Court (luxurious quarters) - Mother took apartment nearby - Average student (C average) - Editor of Harvard Crimson - Member of Alpha Delta Phi - Social success, made many connections

Key Harvard experiences: - Theodore Roosevelt became president (1901) - Cousin Theodore’s example inspired political ambition - Built network of influential friends - Developed political instincts

Columbia Law School (1904-1907)

Roosevelt attended Columbia Law School: - Did not graduate (passed bar after third year) - Minimal interest in legal studies - Joined Wall Street firm Carter Ledyard & Milburn - Practiced corporate law (1907-1910) - Found law practice tedious

Marriage to Eleanor Roosevelt (1905)

Courtship

Franklin began courting his fifth cousin, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962): - Met as children but reconnected as adults - Eleanor was niece of Theodore Roosevelt - Both shared Roosevelt family values - Franklin proposed November 1903

Wedding

Married March 17, 1905: - Given away by President Theodore Roosevelt - Large society wedding - Honeymoon in Europe

The Marriage

The marriage was complex: - Six children: Anna, James, Franklin Jr. (died infant), Elliott, Franklin Jr., John - Eleanor was initially overwhelmed by mother-in-law Sara - Franklin’s affair with Lucy Mercer (1918) nearly ended marriage - They remained married but became political partners rather than romantic couple - Eleanor became independent political force

Entry into Politics (1910)

New York State Senate (1911-1913)

In 1910, Roosevelt ran for New York State Senate: - Challenged Republican incumbent in Dutchess County - Won surprise victory - Youngest member of Senate at 28

As state senator: - Progressive reformer - Opposed Tammany Hall corruption - Supported labor protections - Built political skills - Established reform reputation

Reelected 1912 despite Wilson’s loss in New York.

Assistant Secretary of the Navy (1913-1920)

Appointment

In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson appointed Roosevelt Assistant Secretary of the Navy: - Same position cousin Theodore had used as springboard - Under Secretary Josephus Daniels - Roosevelt eager for action

Naval Expansion

Roosevelt threw himself into the job: - Expanded Navy for World War I - Oversaw logistics and procurement - Built political connections - Developed executive experience - Learned Washington politics

1918 Affair

In 1918, Eleanor discovered Roosevelt’s affair with Lucy Mercer: - Lucy was Eleanor’s social secretary - Franklin in love, wanted divorce - Divorce would have ended political career - Eleanor agreed to stay married if affair ended - Marriage transformed into political partnership - Franklin continued occasional contact with Lucy

Vice Presidential Campaign (1920)

The Nomination

In 1920, Democrats nominated James M. Cox for president, Roosevelt for vice president: - Campaign on League of Nations - Lost overwhelmingly to Warren G. Harding - Roosevelt gained national exposure - Seemed poised for future presidency

Polio Strikes (1921)

In August 1921, vacationing at Campobello Island, Canada: - Fell ill with fever and paralysis - Diagnosed with poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis) - Paralyzed from waist down - Age 39, political career apparently over

The polio changed everything.

Struggle with Disability (1921-1928)

Rehabilitation

Roosevelt fought to regain mobility: - Multiple therapies and treatments - Built strength in upper body - Learned to use leg braces and canes - Could “walk” short distances with heavy support - Spent years at Warm Springs, Georgia

Warm Springs

Bought resort at Warm Springs (1926): - Founded rehabilitation center for polio patients - Helped others with disability - Maintained political connections - Prepared for return to politics

Political Comeback

Despite disability, Roosevelt stayed active: - Remained Democratic Party leader in New York - Campaigned for Al Smith (1924, 1928) - Built network of supporters - “Happy Warrior” speech for Smith gained attention

By 1928, he was ready to return to public office.

Summary of Early Life

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s early life established: - Privilege and connections: Wealth, family name, Harvard network - Political ambition: Inspired by Theodore Roosevelt - Marriage to Eleanor: Political partnership with complex dynamics - Executive experience: Navy Department prepared him for presidency - Disability: Polio transformed his character and political approach

By 1928, when he won the New York governorship, Roosevelt had overcome personal catastrophe and was positioned for the presidency that would transform America.

Career of Franklin D. Roosevelt

Governor of New York (1929-1932)

Election and Early Governorship

In 1928, Al Smith urged Roosevelt to run for Governor of New York: - Won narrow victory despite Republican presidential win - Took office as stock market crashed (October 1929) - Faced immediate economic crisis

Progressive Reforms: - Old-age pensions (predecessor to Social Security) - Labor protections - Public power development - Unemployment relief - Conservation programs

These reforms became models for New Deal programs.

Re-election (1930)

Roosevelt won re-election by record margin: - Demonstrated electoral appeal - Became leading Democratic candidate for president - Built national reputation as progressive reformer

Presidential Campaign (1932)

The Nomination

Roosevelt entered 1932 as front-runner: - Faced challenges from Al Smith and others - “New Deal” speech accepting nomination - Broke tradition by flying to Chicago convention - Won nomination on fourth ballot

The Campaign

Campaign against President Herbert Hoover: - “Happy Days Are Here Again” theme - Promised “new deal for the American people” - Vague on specifics but optimistic - Criticized Hoover’s handling of Depression - Landlide victory: 472 electoral votes to 59

First Term: The Hundred Days (1933)

Banking Crisis

Roosevelt took office as banking system collapsed: - Declared “bank holiday” (March 6, 1933) - Emergency Banking Act - Fireside chats explained policy to public - Restored confidence in financial system

New Deal Legislation

In first 100 days, Congress passed unprecedented legislation: - Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): Jobs in conservation - Federal Emergency Relief Act: Direct relief for unemployed - Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA): Farm price supports - National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA): Industrial codes - Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA): Regional development - Securities Act: Regulated stock market

This flurry of activity transformed the federal government’s role.

First New Deal (1933-1934)

The early New Deal focused on relief, recovery, and reform: - Stabilized banking and finance - Provided jobs for millions - Supported agricultural prices - Regulated industry - Built infrastructure

Results were mixed but prevented complete economic collapse.

Second Term: The Second New Deal (1935-1936)

1934 Midterms and Constitutional Crisis

Democrats gained seats in 1934 midterms: - Public supported New Deal - But Supreme Court struck down NIRA and AAA - Constitutional crisis over New Deal constitutionality

Second New Deal Programs

Roosevelt responded with more ambitious programs: - Works Progress Administration (WPA): Massive public works - Social Security Act (1935): Old-age pensions, unemployment insurance - National Labor Relations Act: Protected union organizing - Rural Electrification Administration: Brought electricity to countryside - Wealth Tax Act: Increased taxes on wealthy

Court-Packing Plan (1937)

Frustrated by Supreme Court opposition, Roosevelt proposed: - Adding justices to Supreme Court - Widely seen as assault on judiciary - Congress rejected the plan - “Switch in time that saved nine” - Court began upholding New Deal - Major political defeat for Roosevelt

The “Roosevelt Recession” (1937-1938)

Attempt to balance budget caused new recession: - Unemployment rose again - Roosevelt reversed course, resumed spending - Learned Keynesian lesson: austerity harmful in depression

Third Term and World War II (1940-1941)

Breaking the Two-Term Tradition

Roosevelt ran for unprecedented third term: - World situation dangerous (war in Europe) - No clear Democratic alternative - “We should not change horses in midstream” - Won election against Wendell Willkie

Lend-Lease (1941)

Before American entry into war, Roosevelt aided Allies: - “Arsenal of Democracy” speech - Lend-Lease Act (March 1941) - Supplied Britain and later USSR - Economic warfare against Axis - Step toward American belligerency

Atlantic Charter (1941)

Meeting with Churchill off Newfoundland: - Joint statement of war aims - Self-determination - Disarmament of aggressors - Foundation of postwar order

Pearl Harbor and War Entry (December 1941)

Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941: - Germany and Italy declared war on U.S. - America fully entered World War II - Roosevelt focused on war leadership - New Deal effectively ended

Fourth Term and War Leadership (1942-1945)

Mobilization

Roosevelt directed American war effort: - “Dr. Win-the-War” replaced “Dr. New Deal” - Massive industrial production - 16 million men and women in armed forces - Alliance with Britain and Soviet Union - “Europe first” strategy

The Home Front

Managed domestic wartime economy: - War Production Board - Rationing and price controls - Rosie the Riveter - women in workforce - Japanese internment (shameful chapter) - Economic boom ended Depression

D-Day and European War (1944)

Roosevelt directed Allied strategy: - North Africa campaign (1942-1943) - Italian campaign (1943-1945) - D-Day invasion (June 6, 1944) - Liberation of France - Advance on Germany

Pacific War

Simultaneous war against Japan: - Island-hopping campaign - Naval battles (Midway, Coral Sea) - China-Burma-India theater - Developing atomic bomb (Manhattan Project)

Yalta Conference (February 1945)

Final meeting with Churchill and Stalin: - Postwar division of Germany - Soviet entry into Pacific War - United Nations planning - Controversial compromises with Stalin - Roosevelt visibly ill

Death (April 12, 1945)

Roosevelt died at Warm Springs, Georgia: - Cerebral hemorrhage - Sitting for portrait painter - “I have a terrific headache” - Died within hours - Age 63

Harry S. Truman became president.

Summary of Career

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s career was unprecedented: - Four terms as president (unique in American history) - New Deal transformed American government - Led America through World War II - Established United States as global superpower - Created modern Democratic Party coalition

His career demonstrated that activist government could address economic crisis and that American democracy could be defended against both depression and totalitarianism.

Major Achievements of Franklin D. Roosevelt

The New Deal Transformation

Economic Relief and Recovery

Roosevelt’s New Deal programs saved American capitalism from collapse:

Banking Reform: - Emergency Banking Act stabilized financial system - Glass-Steagall Act separated commercial and investment banking - Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured bank deposits - Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulated stock market

Employment Programs: - Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): 3 million young men employed - Works Progress Administration (WPA): 8.5 million jobs in public works - Public Works Administration (PWA): Major infrastructure projects - Federal Writers’ Project, Federal Art Project: Supported artists and writers

Agricultural Support: - Agricultural Adjustment Act stabilized farm prices - Commodity Credit Corporation supported farmers - Rural Electrification Administration brought power to countryside - Farm Security Administration aided poor farmers

Social Safety Net Creation

Roosevelt established foundations of American welfare state:

Social Security (1935): - Old-age pensions for retirees - Unemployment insurance - Aid to dependent children - Most important social legislation in American history - Still provides retirement security for millions

Labor Protections: - National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act): Protected union organizing - Fair Labor Standards Act: Minimum wage and maximum hours - Ended child labor in most industries - Established right to collective bargaining

World War II Leadership

Allied Victory

Roosevelt led Grand Alliance to victory: - Lend-Lease kept Britain and USSR in war before U.S. entry - Mobilized American industrial might (“arsenal of democracy”) - Managed coalition of democracies and communists - “Europe first” strategy defeated Germany - Pacific strategy defeated Japan

Postwar Planning

Established framework for postwar world: - United Nations Charter (1945) - Bretton Woods economic system (IMF, World Bank) - Plans for occupation of Germany and Japan - Atlantic Charter principles

Democratic Preservation

Saving American Democracy

Roosevelt’s greatest achievement may have been preserving democratic government during crisis: - Prevented extremist alternatives (communism, fascism) - Restored faith in democratic capitalism - Demonstrated government could respond to crisis - Avoided political violence and revolution

Political Transformation

The New Deal Coalition

Roosevelt created Democratic Party coalition that dominated politics for decades: - Urban workers and labor unions - Ethnic minorities (especially Catholic and Jewish) - African Americans (shift from Republican Party) - Southern whites (until civil rights era) - Intellectuals and progressives

This coalition elected Democratic presidents until 1968 and shaped American politics for generations.

Expansion of Presidential Power

Roosevelt expanded executive authority: - President as legislative leader - Use of executive orders - Media mastery (fireside chats) - Personal diplomacy with foreign leaders - Model for modern presidency

Regulatory State

Economic Regulation

Created framework for regulated capitalism: - Securities and Exchange Commission - Federal Communications Commission - National Labor Relations Board - Tennessee Valley Authority - Federal Housing Administration

These agencies continue to regulate American economy today.

Conservation and Infrastructure

Public Works

New Deal built American infrastructure: - 650,000 miles of roads - 125,000 public buildings - 75,000 bridges - 8,000 parks - Hydroelectric dams (Hoover Dam, TVA)

Conservation

Roosevelt was great conservation president: - Civilian Conservation Corps planted 3 billion trees - Soil Conservation Service - National park expansion - Wildlife refuges - Sustainable land use policies

Summary of Achievements

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s major achievements include: - New Deal: Transformed American government and economy - Social Security: Created social safety net - World War II: Led Allies to victory - United Nations: Established postwar international order - Democratic preservation: Saved American democracy during crisis - Political transformation: Created modern Democratic Party - Regulatory state: Established government role in economy - Presidential leadership: Model for modern presidents

Roosevelt’s achievements rank with Washington and Lincoln in transforming the American nation and preserving democratic government against severe threats.

Personal Life

Overview

Beyond their public achievements, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s personal life reveals a complex and multifaceted individual whose private experiences have shaped their public persona.

Key Points

The details of this aspect of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s story reveal important dimensions of their character, achievements, and impact. Understanding these elements provides a more complete picture of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s significance.

Significance

This dimension of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s life and work contributes to the larger narrative of their enduring importance and continuing relevance in the modern world.

Contemporaries and Relationships

Overview

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s relationships with contemporaries provide insight into the social and intellectual networks that shaped their era. These connections influenced their work and legacy.

Key Points

The details of this aspect of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s story reveal important dimensions of their character, achievements, and impact. Understanding these elements provides a more complete picture of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s significance.

Significance

This dimension of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s life and work contributes to the larger narrative of their enduring importance and continuing relevance in the modern world.

Legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt

Presidential Ranking

Historians consistently rank Roosevelt among America’s greatest presidents: - Usually in top three with Washington and Lincoln - Transformational presidency - Saved democracy twice (Depression and WWII) - Changed role of government

New Deal Legacy

The Welfare State

Roosevelt established foundations of American welfare state: - Social Security remains cornerstone - Unemployment insurance - Labor protections - Regulatory agencies continue - Government role in economy accepted

Democratic Party

FDR transformed the Democratic Party: - New Deal coalition dominated 1932-1968 - Party of working class and minorities - Progressive tradition - Still influential today

World War II and Global Leadership

American Century

Roosevelt established America as global superpower: - Led Grand Alliance to victory - Created United Nations - Bretton Woods economic system - Global leadership role

Postwar Order

His planning shaped postwar world: - United Nations (still exists) - International Monetary Fund - World Bank - NATO foundations - European integration

Memorials and Honors

Physical Memorials

Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial (Washington, D.C.): - Dedicated 1997 - Four outdoor rooms representing terms - Controversy over disability representation (wheelchair added later)

Roosevelt dime: - Portraits on U.S. currency since 1946 - Only president on circulating coin while living

Other memorials: - Home at Hyde Park (National Historic Site) - Little White House (Warm Springs) - Numerous schools, buildings, roads named

Controversies and Criticism

Expanding Government

Conservatives criticize: - Expansion of federal power - Growth of welfare state - Deficit spending - “Creeping socialism”

Japanese Internment

Roosevelt ordered internment of Japanese-Americans: - Executive Order 9066 (1942) - 120,000 interned - Civil liberties violation - Apologized and compensated (1988)

Supreme Court Packing

1937 court-packing plan: - Seen as assault on judiciary - Major political defeat - Damaged reputation

Yalta Concessions

Critics argue he gave too much to Stalin: - Soviet control of Eastern Europe - Postwar Soviet expansion - Weakness due to illness - Historical debate continues

Continuing Influence

On Presidents

Every president since FDR has operated in his shadow: - Lyndon Johnson: “War on Poverty” continued New Deal - Ronald Reagan: Attacked New Deal but preserved core - Barack Obama: Compared to FDR in crisis - All use media techniques he pioneered

On American Politics

Roosevelt shaped modern American politics: - Presidential leadership model - Use of media - Coalition building - Government role in economy

Historical Assessment

The Man

Rooseguevelt’s personal qualities enabled achievements: - Optimism in crisis - Physical courage overcoming disability - Political skill - Communication ability - Pragmatism

The Era

He was right man for the times: - Depression required activist government - WWII required international engagement - Democratic leadership against totalitarianism

The Transformation

America before and after Roosevelt: - Limited government vs. activist state - Isolationism vs. internationalism - Private charity vs. social insurance - Presidential passivity vs. leadership

Conclusion

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s legacy is extraordinary: - Democratic preservation: Saved American democracy from depression and war - Economic transformation: Created modern welfare state - Global leadership: Established American world role - Political innovation: Modern presidency model - Personal example: Overcame disability to lead

His achievements rank with the nation’s greatest presidents. Roosevelt demonstrated that democratic government could respond effectively to crisis and that American leadership was essential to global order. His legacy continues in every Social Security check, every bank regulation, and every American international commitment. FDR proved that America’s greatest strength was its ability to reform and renew itself while preserving democratic values.

He remains the standard by which modern presidents are measured - the leader who faced the greatest crises and emerged with democracy strengthened and expanded. His words “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself” continue to inspire in times of national difficulty.