Franklin D. Roosevelt: A Detailed Biography

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882–1945), commonly known as FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States (1933–1945). The only president elected four times, he led America through the Great Depression and World War II, fundamentally reshaping government’s role in society. Paralyzed by polio yet radiating optimism, his “nothing to fear but fear itself” and fireside chats rallied a nation. This biography covers his privileged childhood, polio struggle, New Deal revolution, WWII leadership, and sudden death, as documented by the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, the Encyclopaedia Britannica, and the National Park Service.

Early Life at Hyde Park

Only Child of Wealth

Born on January 30, 1882, at Springwood estate, Hyde Park, New York, FDR was the only child of James Roosevelt (age 54) and Sara Delano. Tutored at home until 14, he attended Groton, Harvard (1903), and Columbia Law School, as detailed by the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site.

Marriage to Eleanor and Polio

Married distant cousin Anna Eleanor Roosevelt in 1905 (President Theodore Roosevelt gave the bride away). They had six children. In August 1921, at age 39, FDR contracted poliomyelitis at Campobello, paralysing him from the waist down — he never walked unaided again, as documented by the FDR Library.

Governor of New York and 1932 Election

Elected Governor of New York in 1928, FDR pioneered relief programs that became models for the New Deal. In 1932 he defeated Herbert Hoover with 57% of the vote, promising a “New Deal for the American people”, as recorded by the Library of Congress.

First Hundred Days and New Deal

In his first 100 days (March–June 1933), FDR passed 15 major laws: bank holiday, FDIC, CCC, TVA, AAA, and Social Security (1935). His fireside chats explained policy to millions, as preserved by the FDR Library.

World War II Leadership

FDR’s “Arsenal of Democracy” supplied Britain before Pearl Harbor. After December 7, 1941, he coordinated the Grand Alliance with Churchill and Stalin. He attended Tehran and Yalta conferences despite failing health, as documented by the National WWII Museum.

Personal Life

FDR and Eleanor had a complex marriage; his secretary Marguerite “Missy” LeHand was a close companion. He died with Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd (his early love) present.

Death and Legacy

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Enduring Impact

FDR died of a cerebral haemorrhage on April 12, 1945, at the “Little White House” in Warm Springs, Georgia, aged 63 — 11 weeks before VE Day. Buried at Hyde Park. The 22nd Amendment (two-term limit) was ratified in 1951 because of his four elections. Social Security, FDIC, SEC, and the UN remain his monuments, as celebrated by the History.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin D. Roosevelt

Why Is FDR Famous?

For the New Deal, leading America through Depression and WWII, and four presidential terms.

How Many Terms Did FDR Serve?

Four — 1933–1945.

Where Was FDR Born?

Hyde Park, New York, January 30, 1882.

Did FDR Have Polio?

Yes — paralysed from the waist down in 1921.

What Was the New Deal?

FDR’s programs: relief, recovery, reform — Social Security, FDIC, SEC, etc.

What Was the “Day of Infamy” Speech?

December 8, 1941 — asking Congress to declare war after Pearl Harbor.

How Did FDR Die?

Cerebral haemorrhage on April 12, 1945, aged 63.