Meet Franklin D. Roosevelt, affectionately known as FDR, the 32nd President of the United States who led the country from 1933 until his passing in 1945. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest U.S. presidents in history, having played an instrumental role in shaping the country during some of its darkest moments.
Born in 1882 to a wealthy family in Hyde Park, New York, Roosevelt received an excellent education and began his political career at a young age. He was elected to the New York State Senate in 1910, and nothing could deter him, not even the tragic incident of contracting polio in 1921, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. He remained resolute in his quest for political success.
In 1932, amid the Great Depression, Roosevelt won the presidential election and immediately set to work implementing a series of programs known as the New Deal. This initiative provided jobs and welfare to millions of Americans, including the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps, Works Progress Administration, and Social Security Administration. With the government taking an active role in the economy, Roosevelt’s leadership helped stabilize the country and prevent social unrest.
FDR also led the United States through World War II, guiding the country through some of its darkest days. He was instrumental in building the Allied coalition, planning and executing the D-Day invasion, and a strong advocate for the establishment of the United Nations, which was created after the war to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.
While not immune to criticism, Roosevelt’s legacy as a transformative leader who guided the country through its most challenging moments remains strong. Today, he is remembered as a champion of the common man, a tireless advocate for social justice, and one of the greatest presidents in American history.