Early Life

Franklin D. Roosevelt was born in Hyde Park, New York, in 1882. A distant cousin of President Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin seemed destined for a life in politics. He attended Harvard University and later studied at Columbia Law School. In 1905, he married Eleanor Roosevelt, who would become a major political figure in her own right. Franklin entered politics in 1910 when he was elected to the New York State Senate. Just three years later, President Woodrow Wilson appointed him Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

The New Deal, World War II, and Three Terms

In 1921, Roosevelt's life changed dramatically when he contracted polio, a disease that left him unable to walk. Despite this setback, Roosevelt remained determined to pursue a political career. In 1928, he was elected Governor of New York. By 1932, during the depths of the Great Depression, he won the presidency and became America’s 32nd president.

As president, Roosevelt launched the “New Deal,” a series of programs aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform. These included aid to farmers and the unemployed, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and the creation of Social Security. He increased government oversight of banks and utilities, taxed the wealthy more heavily, and initiated public works programs to reduce unemployment. Though the New Deal did not fully end the Great Depression, it is widely credited with stabilizing the economy and expanding the role of the federal government.

Roosevelt also led the U.S. through most of World War II and was instrumental in planning the formation of the United Nations. He was elected to an unprecedented four terms. In 1945, during his fourth term, he died of a cerebral hemorrhage. Today, he is honored on the U.S. dime and on several postage stamps.

Most Famous Quote

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

Discussion Questions

1. What were the goals of the New Deal, and how successful was it?
2. How did Roosevelt’s experience with polio affect his political career?
3. Why was Roosevelt elected to four terms, and how did that shape the presidency?
4. What lasting impact did Roosevelt have on the role of the federal government?

Glossary

• Polio – A viral disease that can cause paralysis and muscle weakness.
• New Deal – A series of U.S. government programs and reforms created during the Great Depression.
• Social Security – A government system that provides monetary assistance to people with inadequate or no income.
• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) – A federal program that provided electricity and flood relief in the southeastern U.S.
• Cerebral hemorrhage – Bleeding in the brain, often leading to death or serious illness.

Five Interesting Facts

• Franklin D. Roosevelt was the only U.S. president elected to four terms.
• He contracted polio at age 39 and never walked unaided again.
• Roosevelt's New Deal changed how Americans viewed the role of the federal government.
• He helped create the United Nations to promote international cooperation.
• He is honored on the U.S. dime partly due to his work with the March of Dimes charity.

Timeline of Franklin D. Roosevelt's Life

1. 1882 – Born in Hyde Park, New York
2. 1905 – Married Eleanor Roosevelt
3. 1910 – Elected to New York State Senate
4. 1913 – Appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy
5. 1921 – Contracted polio
6. 1928 – Elected Governor of New York
7. 1932 – Elected 32nd President of the United States
8. 1933 – Launched the New Deal
9. 1935 – Social Security Act passed
10. 1936 – Re-elected for second term
11. 1940 – Re-elected for third term
12. 1941 – U.S. enters World War II
13. 1944 – Re-elected for fourth term
14. 1945 – Died in office from cerebral hemorrhage
15. Posthumous – Honored on U.S. dime and commemorated for his leadership