Franklin Delano Roosevelt, often known simply by his initials *FDR*, stands as one of the most towering figures in American history, serving as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his passing in 1945. A pivotal member of the *Democratic Party*, his political career was marked by an unprecedented four presidential election victories, establishing him as a central and undeniable force in global events throughout the tumultuous first half of the 20th century. He masterfully steered the federal government through the darkest days of the *Great Depression*, introducing his transformative *New Deal* domestic agenda, a bold response to the most severe economic crisis the U.S. had ever witnessed. As an unrivaled leader within his party, *FDR* forged the influential New Deal Coalition, a political alignment that profoundly shaped modern liberalism in the United States for decades. His historic third and fourth terms in office were almost entirely consumed by *World War II*, a global conflict that concluded shortly after his death.

Early Life and Political Beginnings

Born into the prominent Roosevelt family on January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York, *Franklin D. Roosevelt* received a privileged education. He attended the esteemed Groton School and later graduated from Harvard College, before enrolling in Columbia Law School. Although he left law school after successfully passing the bar exam, he embarked on a legal career in New York City.

In 1905, he married his fifth cousin once removed, Eleanor Roosevelt, who would become an equally influential figure and a groundbreaking First Lady. Together, they had six children, five of whom would live to adulthood, forming a robust family foundation amidst his burgeoning public life.

His political journey began in 1910 when he won election to the New York State Senate. His talent and ambition quickly became evident, leading to his appointment as Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Woodrow Wilson during *World War I*. In 1920, Roosevelt was chosen as James M. Cox's running mate on the *Democratic Party*'s national ticket for the presidency. However, their campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, losing to Republican Warren G. Harding.

Overcoming Adversity: Polio and Return to Public Service

A profound personal challenge struck *FDR* in 1921 when he contracted a paralytic illness, widely believed at the time to be *polio*. This devastating condition left his legs permanently paralyzed, profoundly altering his physical capabilities. Yet, Roosevelt's indomitable spirit shone through. While tirelessly working on his own recovery, he established a polio rehabilitation center in Warm Springs, Georgia, a testament to his commitment to helping others facing similar struggles.

Remarkably, despite being unable to walk unaided, *Franklin D. Roosevelt* staged a triumphant return to public office. He was elected Governor of New York in 1928, serving from 1929 to 1933. During his tenure, he vigorously promoted innovative programs designed to combat the growing economic crisis that was beginning to grip the United States, foreshadowing his later national policies.

The Presidency and the New Deal Era

In the 1932 presidential election, amidst the deepening despair of the *Great Depression*, *FDR* decisively defeated Republican incumbent Herbert Hoover in one of the most significant landslide victories in U.S. history. His presidency began at a critical juncture, and his immediate response was unprecedented. During the famed "First 100 Days" of the 73rd U.S. Congress, he spearheaded an extraordinary wave of federal legislative productivity, articulating a vision for programs centered on relief, recovery, and reform.

Within his inaugural year, *FDR* began implementing these policies through a series of executive orders and landmark federal legislation, collectively known as the *New Deal*. Many *New Deal* programs were designed to offer direct relief to the millions of unemployed, such as the National Recovery Administration (NRA). Other initiatives, including the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA), provided crucial support to struggling farmers. Roosevelt also enacted sweeping regulatory reforms across finance, communications, and labor sectors. Beyond the economy, he aimed to curb the rising crime rates fueled by Prohibition. Campaigning on a platform to repeal it, he swiftly implemented the Beer Permit Act of 1933 and enforced the 21st Amendment, with tax revenues from alcohol sales earmarked for public works projects as part of the *New Deal*.

A master communicator, *FDR* revolutionized presidential interaction with the public. He frequently used the radio to speak directly to the American people through his famous "Fireside Chats," delivering 30 such addresses during his presidency and becoming the first American president to be televised. The economy saw rapid improvement from 1933 to 1936, a success that propelled him to another landslide re-election victory in 1936.

Despite the widespread popularity of the *New Deal*, it faced significant opposition, particularly from the U.S. Supreme Court, which maintained a conservative stance and frequently struck down *New Deal* initiatives. Following his re-election, *FDR* sought to counter this judicial resistance by lobbying for the Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937, colloquially known as the "court-packing plan," which aimed to expand the size of the Supreme Court. This controversial bill was ultimately blocked by the newly formed bipartisan Conservative Coalition, which also worked to prevent further *New Deal* legislation. This political standoff contributed to an economic downturn, leading to the recession of 1937–1938. Nevertheless, other critical 1930s legislation and agencies implemented under Roosevelt's leadership included the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), *Social Security*, and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Leading America Through World War II

In an unprecedented move, *Franklin D. Roosevelt* was re-elected in 1940 for his third term, making him the only U.S. president to serve for more than two terms. By 1939, another *World War* loomed large on the horizon, initially prompting the United States to pass a series of laws affirming neutrality and rejecting intervention. Despite these legislative measures, President Roosevelt offered robust diplomatic and financial support to nations like China, the United Kingdom, and eventually the Soviet Union.

The course of American involvement irrevocably changed following the Japanese attack on *Pearl Harbor* on December 7, 1941, an event *FDR* famously described as "a date which will live in infamy." In response, Roosevelt secured a congressional declaration of war against Japan. Just four days later, on December 11th, Japan's allies, Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, declared war on the United States. The U.S. formally joined the Allies, entering the European theater of war with an unwavering commitment.

Assisted by his crucial top aide Harry Hopkins and backed by immensely strong national support, *FDR* worked closely with towering figures such as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Soviet General Secretary Joseph Stalin, and Chinese Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, leading the Allied Powers against the Axis Powers. He meticulously supervised the mobilization of the U.S. economy to support the massive war effort, implementing a "Europe first" strategy. This included initiating the Lend-Lease program and prioritizing the defeat of Germany over that of Japan. His administration oversaw monumental projects, including the construction of The Pentagon, the initiation of the development of the world's first atomic bomb, and collaborative efforts with other Allied leaders to lay the foundational groundwork for the *United Nations* and other vital post-war institutions. It was under his visionary wartime leadership that the United States emerged as a dominant superpower on the world stage.

Final Term, Legacy, and Executive Order 6102

Roosevelt secured re-election in the 1944 presidential election, running on a platform focused on post-war recovery. However, his physical health began to decline significantly during these later war years. Tragically, less than three months into his fourth term, *FDR* died on April 12, 1945. Vice President Harry S. Truman immediately assumed office as president and subsequently oversaw the acceptance of surrender by the Axis powers, bringing *World War II* to a close.

Since his death, certain actions taken by Roosevelt have faced substantial criticism, most notably his ordering of the relocation and internment of Japanese Americans during the war. Nevertheless, *Franklin D. Roosevelt* is consistently ranked by scholars, political scientists, and historians among the nation's three greatest presidents, often alongside George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, for his unparalleled leadership during two of America's most challenging periods.

Adding to the depth of his presidential actions, *Executive Order 6102* was signed on April 5, 1933, by *President Franklin D. Roosevelt*. This order was a bold measure "forbidding the hoarding of gold coin, gold bullion, and gold certificates within the continental United States." Issued under the authority of the Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917, as amended by the Emergency Banking Act in March 1933, it represented a significant government intervention in the nation's financial system during the crisis. The limitation on gold ownership in the United States was eventually repealed much later, after President Gerald Ford signed a bill legalizing private ownership of gold coins, bars, and certificates by an Act of Congress (codified in Pub.L. 93373), which came into effect on December 31, 1974.

Frequently Asked Questions about Franklin D. Roosevelt

Who was Franklin D. Roosevelt?

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, often known as *FDR*, was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a central figure in 20th-century world events, leading the country through the *Great Depression* with his *New Deal* and through most of *World War II*.

When did Franklin D. Roosevelt serve as President?

He served an unprecedented four terms, from March 4, 1933, until his death on April 12, 1945.

What major policies is *FDR* famous for?

He is most famous for his comprehensive domestic agenda, the *New Deal*, designed to combat the *Great Depression* through programs focused on relief, recovery, and reform. He also led the U.S. through *World War II* and laid the groundwork for the *United Nations*.

What was the *New Deal*?

The *New Deal* was a series of programs and reforms enacted in the United States between 1933 and 1939. It included measures like the National Recovery Administration, the Agricultural Adjustment Act, *Social Security*, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, aiming to provide economic relief, recovery, and reform during the *Great Depression*.

How did *FDR* communicate with the American people?

He famously used radio broadcasts, known as "Fireside Chats," to speak directly and reassuringly to the American public, a revolutionary method of communication at the time. He was also the first U.S. president to appear on television.

What was *FDR*'s role in *World War II*?

After the attack on *Pearl Harbor*, *FDR* led the United States into *World War II*, mobilizing the economy and working closely with Allied leaders like Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin. He pursued a "Europe first" strategy and oversaw key initiatives like the Lend-Lease program and the development of the atomic bomb.

Did *FDR* overcome a personal challenge?

Yes, in 1921, he contracted a paralytic illness, believed to be *polio*, which left his legs permanently paralyzed. Despite this, he returned to public service, first as Governor of New York and then as President.

What is *Executive Order 6102*?

Signed by *FDR* in 1933, *Executive Order 6102* prohibited the private hoarding of gold coin, gold bullion, and gold certificates in the United States, as part of efforts to stabilize the economy during the *Great Depression*.