Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945….

By Staff , in Presidents , at July 15, 2024 Tags: 1933, polio, presidents, usa

Find Cheap Textbooks - Save on New & Used Textbooks at AbeBooks.com

Franklin D. Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945. His presidency encompassed some of the most challenging times in American history, including the Great Depression and World War II. Roosevelt is often remembered for his leadership, innovative policies, and efforts to guide the nation through these crises.

Early Life and Education
Birth and Family: Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born on January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York, into a wealthy and influential family. He was a distant cousin of President Theodore Roosevelt.
Education: Roosevelt attended Groton School, an elite boarding school in Massachusetts. He then went to Harvard University, where he earned a degree in history. After Harvard, he studied law at Columbia Law School but did not complete his degree, opting instead to take the bar exam, which he passed.

Early Political Career
Marriage: In 1905, Roosevelt married Eleanor Roosevelt, his fifth cousin once removed. Eleanor became an influential First Lady and an advocate for social causes.
New York State Senate: Roosevelt began his political career as a New York State Senator, serving from 1911 to 1913. He was known for his progressive stances and opposition to the powerful Tammany Hall political machine.
Assistant Secretary of the Navy: Roosevelt served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Woodrow Wilson from 1913 to 1920. He was instrumental in naval administration during World War I.
Vice Presidential Nomination: In 1920, Roosevelt was the Democratic nominee for Vice President on the ticket with James M. Cox. They lost to the Republican candidates, Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge.
Personal Struggles and Return to Politics
Polio Diagnosis: In 1921, Roosevelt contracted polio, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. Despite his disability, he remained active in politics and worked tirelessly to regain his physical strength.
Governor of New York: Roosevelt was elected Governor of New York in 1928 and re-elected in 1930. As governor, he implemented progressive policies to address the economic hardships of the Great Depression.

Presidency (1933-1945):
First Term (1933-1937)
Election of 1932: Roosevelt won the presidency in 1932, defeating the incumbent, Herbert Hoover, in a landslide victory. His campaign promise of a “New Deal” resonated with a nation suffering from the Great Depression.
New Deal Programs: Roosevelt’s New Deal consisted of a series of programs and reforms aimed at economic recovery and social welfare. Key initiatives included the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Public Works Administration (PWA), Social Security Act, and the creation of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These programs aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform to the American economy and society.
Banking Reforms: Roosevelt’s first act as president was to address the banking crisis. He declared a “bank holiday” to prevent bank runs and passed the Emergency Banking Act, which restored public confidence in the banking system.

Second Term (1937-1941)
Re-election: Roosevelt won re-election in 1936 by a large margin, defeating Republican candidate Alf Landon.
Court-Packing Plan: Roosevelt proposed the Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937, often called the “court-packing plan,” to add more justices to the Supreme Court. This plan faced significant opposition and ultimately failed, but it did lead to a more favorable judicial climate for New Deal legislation.
Continued New Deal Efforts: Roosevelt continued to expand New Deal programs, focusing on labor rights, housing, and rural electrification.

Third Term (1941-1945)
World War II: Roosevelt’s third term was dominated by World War II. Initially maintaining a policy of neutrality, he supported the Allies through programs like Lend-Lease. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the United States entered the war.
Wartime Leadership: Roosevelt played a crucial role in coordinating the Allied war effort, working closely with leaders such as Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin. He oversaw the mobilization of the American economy and military, leading to significant contributions to the war effort.
Internment of Japanese Americans: In a controversial decision, Roosevelt authorized the internment of Japanese Americans during the war, citing national security concerns. This decision has since been widely criticized as a violation of civil liberties.

Fourth Term and Legacy
Fourth Term Election: Roosevelt was elected to an unprecedented fourth term in 1944, defeating Republican Thomas E. Dewey. However, his health was declining.
Death and Succession: Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945, just months into his fourth term. He was succeeded by Vice President Harry S. Truman, who led the country through the final stages of World War II and the beginning of the post-war era.

Legacy
New Deal Impact: Roosevelt’s New Deal fundamentally transformed the role of the federal government in American life, establishing a safety net for the vulnerable and setting precedents for future government intervention in the economy.
Wartime Leadership: His leadership during World War II helped shape the Allied victory and laid the groundwork for the post-war international order, including the establishment of the United Nations.
Polio Advocacy: Roosevelt’s personal struggle with polio led to greater awareness and research funding for the disease. He founded the March of Dimes, which contributed to the development of the polio vaccine.
Enduring Popularity: Roosevelt remains one of the most revered presidents in American history, often ranked alongside Abraham Lincoln and George Washington for his leadership and impact on the nation.