Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945) was an American politician who served as the 32nd president of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. A member of the Democratic Party, Roosevelt holds the record as the longest-serving U.S. president, being the only individual to serve more than two terms. His presidency encompassed responses to the Great Depression and World War II, with his tenure lasting through four terms.

Roosevelt was born in Hyde Park, New York, into prominent families; his father was James Roosevelt I and his mother was Sara Ann Delano. His parents were sixth cousins, and his family line included the Roosevelts and the Delanos. His birthplace was the estate called Springwood, located south of Hyde Park’s historic center. Roosevelt's early education included frequent trips to Europe, leading to proficiency in German and French, and homeschooling by tutors until age 14, after which he attended Groton School, a private Episcopal boarding school in Massachusetts. At Groton, he was influenced by headmaster Endicott Peabody, who emphasized Christian duty and public service.

Following Groton, Roosevelt matriculated at Harvard College, where he was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and the Fly Club. He served as editor-in-chief of The Harvard Crimson, gaining experience in leadership and management. Roosevelt graduated in 1903 with an A.B. in history, after completing his studies in three years. During his time at Harvard, his father died in 1900, which had a significant emotional impact. His fifth cousin, Theodore Roosevelt, became President of the United States in 1901, inspiring Franklin.

Roosevelt enrolled at Columbia Law School in 1904 but left in 1907 after passing the New York State bar examination. He then joined the law firm Carter Ledyard & Milburn, practicing admiralty law. In 1908, Roosevelt married Eleanor Roosevelt, a niece of Theodore Roosevelt; the marriage took place on March 17, 1905. The couple had six children: Anna, James, Elliott, Franklin (who died in infancy in 1909), another Franklin (born in 1914), and John (born in 1916). Roosevelt also maintained extramarital affairs, notably with Eleanor's social secretary, Lucy Mercer, whom he began seeing soon after Mercer was hired in 1914. Eleanor discovered the affair in 1918, leading to a separation of their personal relationship, though they remained married for the duration of Roosevelt’s political career.

Roosevelt's early political career included service in the New York State Senate from 1911 to 1913. During World War I, he served as assistant secretary of the Navy under President Woodrow Wilson. He was the Democratic vice-presidential candidate in the 1920 election alongside James M. Cox; the ticket was defeated by Warren G. Harding. In 1921, Roosevelt contracted poliomyelitis, resulting in permanent paralysis of his legs. His recovery was aided by family and emotional support, especially from Eleanor Roosevelt.

Roosevelt was governor of New York from 1929 to 1932, during which he promoted programs addressing the impacts of the Great Depression. In the 1932 presidential election, Roosevelt defeated incumbent Herbert Hoover in a landslide. His initial administration, characterized by the New Deal, focused on relief and economic recovery through numerous programs such as the National Recovery Administration, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Social Security Act. Roosevelt's policies realigned American politics into what is known as the Fifth Party System. He was reelected in 1936, 1940, and 1944.

During his presidency, Roosevelt led the nation through World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He secured congressional declarations of war against Japan, Nazi Germany, and Fascist Italy and coordinated with Allied leaders. He supervised the mobilization of the U.S. economy for war efforts, initiated the development of the atomic bomb, and helped establish the United Nations. Roosevelt was elected to a fourth term in 1944 but died in 1945 amidst declining health. His leadership has been subject to historical analysis and critique, including the internment of Japanese Americans, but he remains widely ranked among the greatest U.S. presidents.