Franklin D. Roosevelt


Introduction

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, better known by his initials FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States of America. He guided the American country through the Great Depression and World War II. The only president to hold office for more than two terms was him. Between 1933 to 1945, he held the role of president for four consecutive sessions before passing away on April 12, 1945, as the result of a significant brain haemorrhage. After the passing of FDR, Congress established the fixed term for presidents in office.

Early Life and Marriage

On January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York, Franklin D. Roosevelt was born. His parents were Sara Delano Roosevelt and James Roosevelt. He attended the elite Massachusetts boarding school Groton and graduated from Harvard in the academic year 1900–1903 with a degree of BA in history.

He attended Columbia University to pursue a legal degree after graduating. He met Eleanor Roosevelt, the daughter of Theodore Roosevelt, and they got married.

Early Political Career (1910-1920)

However, Roosevelt had a very curiosity about the law, but also his concentration immediately switched to politics. He ran for and defeated his own cousin in the New York State Senate during his first election in 1910. He was then re-elected for the same position in 1912.

In the next year, he was nominated as Secretary of the Navy by President Woodrow Wilson in March 1913, before the First World War. He also launched a bid for a significant political position at this time. FDR received a great deal of credit for his efforts, and the Democratic Party leadership designated him as one of their top candidates. He was chosen to run for vice president, but he tragically lost.

Paralytic Illness and Political Comeback (1921-1928)

Roosevelt became ill with poliovirus in the summertime of 1921. He had polio, a scary and fatal illness that caused paralysis in his legs. His life would be altered forever by it. FDR showed dedication and fortitude as he battled to regain the use of his legs through a rehabilitation process. He eventually started a charity in Georgia to aid further polio patients.

Despite FDR's physical catastrophe from polio, his dogged determination would seem to grow exponentially as he battled through his recuperation. This is seen in their resumed political career with support and assistance from his wife and political ally.

Governor of New York (1929-1932)

Smith organised Roosevelt's candidature to succeed him as New York's governor in 1928 when he became the Democratic nominee for president. However, Herbert Hoover defeated Smith in the election, but Roosevelt was chosen as governor.

In the intervening period, Governor Roosevelt turned his attention to addressing the state's economic problems after the stock market fall in October 1929, which served as a sign of many difficult times to come.

FDR's creative relief and recovery programmes, including unemployment insurance, pension schemes for the aged, work-hour regulations, and large-scale public works projects, cemented his reputation as a liberal reformer. In 1930, FDR's initiatives also helped him win re-election as governor.

1932 Presidential Election

Roosevelt started his campaign for election of president after being re-elected governor in 1930. Roosevelt's courageous attempts to tackle the economic downturn in New York strengthened his character. As a result, he was able to win over supporters and run for the presidency in 1932. Then, he ran a vigorous campaign, urging the government's involvement in the economy to bring about relief, restoration, and reformation. In November 1932, his activist attitude and endearing personality helped him to win by 7 million votes.

Presidency (1933-1945)

In November 1932, he won the presidential election. He put up a comprehensive plan in his first "100 days" that included reform, aid for the jobless and those who were at risk of losing their fields and residences, and a revival of commerce and agriculture.

The nation had recovered to some extent by 1935. Then, in response, Roosevelt introduced a brand-new reform agenda that included Social Security, more taxes on the affluent, greater regulations of banking and public infrastructure, as well as a sizable labour relief program for the unemployed.

In order to take joint action against aggressors, Roosevelt had committed the United States to the "good neighbour" approach. Moreover, Roosevelt oversaw the nation's labour and resources being organised for a worldwide war during the Pearl Harbor Attack in 1941.

Legacy

Franklin D. Roosevelt was a great President of the USA. He served the nation in a very critical period of the Era. You can see the impact of his character in Modern USA. There are several memorials. He was the most successful leader of contemporary times who defined the power of the presidency in a new definition. In his leadership, America achieved a peak of economic growth while continuing WW2.

Conclusion

Franklin D. Roosevelt was a strong president of the USA. He was also the president who served for the longest period and more than two terms in a consecutive manner from 1932 to 1945. He was also the most successful president of the USA who led the nation in a very difficult period when both economic depression and World War II were affecting the world.

FAQs

Q1. When and Who Attacked the Pearl Harbour of America?

Ans. The Japanese attacked the American Navy Base in Pearl Harbour on 7th December 1941.

Q2. Who was against Roosevelt in the presidential elections of 1932?

Ans. Mr Herbert Hoover was the competitor of Franklin Roosevelt in the presidential election of 1932. In this election, Roosevelt won by 7 Million votes.

Q3. What was the total wealth of Franklin D Roosevelt?

Ans. The total wealth of Franklin D. Roosevelt was $60 million when he died.

Updated on: 30-Jan-2023

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