Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882 – 1945) US President 1932 – 1945

Franklin Dr. Roosevelt Biography

Franklin Delano Roosevelt: A Legacy of Leadership

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the only president in American history to be elected to four terms in office. He led the country through some of its darkest hours, including the Great Depression and World War II. This documentary explores the life and legacy of one of America's most influential leaders.

Born on January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York, Franklin Roosevelt was the only child of wealthy parents, James and Sara Roosevelt. Despite being born into privilege, Roosevelt was exposed to politics and public service at a young age. He attended Groton School, a prestigious boarding school in Massachusetts, where he learned about leadership and the importance of service.

In 1905, Roosevelt graduated from Harvard University and went on to attend Columbia Law School. However, he dropped out after two years to pursue a career in politics. In 1910, Roosevelt was elected to the New York State Senate, where he quickly made a name for himself as a progressive reformer.

In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson appointed Roosevelt as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. In this role, Roosevelt gained valuable experience in national politics and prepared himself for a run for the presidency. In 1920, he ran for the Democratic nomination for vice president, but was unsuccessful.

In 1921, Roosevelt contracted polio, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. Despite his physical limitations, Roosevelt continued to pursue his political career and ran for governor of New York in 1928. He was elected and served two terms before running for president in 1932.

Roosevelt won the presidential election in a landslide and was inaugurated as the 32nd president of the United States on March 4, 1933. He inherited a country in the grip of the Great Depression, with millions of Americans unemployed and struggling to make ends meet. Roosevelt's response was swift and decisive. He implemented a series of reforms known as the New Deal, which aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform for the American people.

One of Roosevelt's most famous programs was the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided jobs for millions of Americans during the Great Depression. He also created the Social Security Act, which provided financial support for seniors and the disabled. Roosevelt's leadership during this difficult time earned him the nickname "The Great Communicator," as he used his radio broadcasts to keep the American people informed and inspired.

In 1941, the United States was thrust into World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Roosevelt led the country through the war, working closely with allies such as Great Britain and the Soviet Union. He also helped shape the post-war world by attending the Bretton Woods Conference, where the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank were established.

Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945, just months into his fourth term in office. He left behind a legacy of leadership and courage in the face of adversity. He is remembered as one of America's greatest presidents, who led the country through some of its toughest challenges and paved the way for a brighter future.

Today, Roosevelt's legacy continues to inspire generations of leaders who strive to make a difference in the world. His commitment to the American people and his unwavering determination in the face of adversity serve as a reminder of what is possible when leaders are willing to take bold action and make a difference.