🇺🇸 Franklin D. Roosevelt Biography for Students the 32nd President

🧭 Introduction

Franklin D. Roosevelt, often called FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945. He is the only president in U.S. history elected to four terms. FDR led America through two of its toughest challenges: the Great Depression and World War II. With bold leadership and new ideas, he created programs to help the economy recover and kept Americans united during war. He is remembered as one of the most influential and courageous presidents in American history.

👶 Early Life and Education

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born on January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York, into a wealthy and powerful family. He was related to Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president, who was also his distant cousin.

FDR was well-educated and attended:

• Groton School (a private prep school)

• Harvard University

• Columbia Law School (though he didn’t finish his degree)

Growing up with money and privilege, he still developed a strong sense of public duty and confidence, which helped him later in politics.

💍 Marriage and Personal Life

In 1905, FDR married Eleanor Roosevelt, who would become one of the most active and respected First Ladies in U.S. history. They had six children. Eleanor supported civil rights and women’s rights and helped Franklin reach people across the country.

In 1921, at age 39, Roosevelt was diagnosed with polio, a disease that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Though he could no longer walk without help, he continued his political career with great determination.

🏛 Early Political Career

FDR began his political journey as a New York State Senator and later became:

• Assistant Secretary of the Navy during World War I

• Governor of New York, where he created programs to help during the early years of the Depression

He became known for his positive attitude and willingness to experiment with new ideas to solve problems.

🇺🇸 Presidency Overview (1933–1945)

Franklin D. Roosevelt won the 1932 election, defeating Herbert Hoover during the depths of the Great Depression. He promised a “New Deal” to help Americans recover.

He served four terms (1933–1945) and was president during:

• The Great Depression (1929–late 1930s)

• Most of World War II (1939–1945)

His leadership helped shape modern American government and united the country during its darkest hours.

🛠️ The New Deal and the Great Depression

The New Deal was FDR’s plan to help America recover from the Great Depression. It included many government programs and reforms to:

• Create jobs

• Support farmers

• Improve banks and businesses

• Help the elderly and unemployed

Major programs and laws included:

• Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) – gave jobs to young men planting trees and building parks

• Works Progress Administration (WPA) – built roads, schools, and public buildings

• Social Security Act (1935) – provided money for retired people and those who couldn’t work

• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) – protected people’s money in banks

FDR gave Fireside Chats, radio talks where he explained his policies in simple language, which helped Americans feel comforted and informed.

🌍 Leadership During World War II

At first, FDR tried to keep America out of World War II, but he helped Britain and other allies by sending supplies through the Lend-Lease Act.

On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, and the U.S. entered the war. FDR quickly:

• Built up the military

• Encouraged factories to make war supplies

• Inspired Americans to support the war effort

He formed strong partnerships with leaders like:

• Winston Churchill of Britain

• Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union

Together, they planned strategies to defeat Germany, Italy, and Japan.

🧾 Lasting Policies and Reforms

FDR changed the way people thought about the federal government. He believed it had a responsibility to help its citizens, especially during hard times.

His administration:

• Protected workers’ rights to unionize

• Supported fair wages and hours

• Improved the nation’s roads, parks, and infrastructure

• Established Social Security, still used today

His New Deal and wartime leadership expanded the power of the presidency and created programs that helped millions of Americans.

🩺 Health and Death in Office

FDR’s health worsened during his fourth term. Though he stayed active, the stress of the Depression and the war took a toll. On April 12, 1945, just before the end of World War II, Roosevelt died of a stroke in Warm Springs, Georgia. He was 63.

Vice President Harry S. Truman became president and led the country through the final months of the war.

🧾 Legacy and Historical Impact

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s legacy is huge. He is remembered for:

• Leading the U.S. through the Great Depression and World War II

• Creating the New Deal programs

• Strengthening the presidency and government’s role in helping people

• Promoting democracy, unity, and courage

He changed American life more than almost any other president and remains one of the most admired figures in U.S. history.

👨‍👩‍👧 Personal Life and Personality

FDR was known for his charm, energy, and optimism. Even when he could no longer walk, he appeared standing (with braces) at public events to show strength.

He loved sailing, stamp collecting, and being around people. Eleanor Roosevelt continued his work after his death, becoming a famous speaker and human rights leader.

💬 Famous Quotes

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
—From his first inaugural speech, encouraging Americans to stay strong.

“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”
—FDR believed in action and hard work.

“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.”
—He inspired people to never give up.

💡 Interesting Facts About Franklin D. Roosevelt

• He was the only president elected to four terms.

• He gave over 30 “Fireside Chats” on the radio.

• He used a wheelchair, though he tried to hide it from the public.

• The Social Security Act was one of his biggest achievements.

• He helped create the United Nations before his death.

📚 Vocabulary Words

👧 Kid-Friendly Summary

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States and one of the most important. He led the country through the Great Depression with his New Deal programs, and through World War II, where he helped defeat powerful enemies. Even though he had polio and couldn’t walk, he was a strong leader who helped people feel hopeful. He was kind, smart, and brave, and many people still admire him today.

✅ Interactive Quiz
Q1: What number president was Franklin D. Roosevelt?
A. 30th
B. 31st
C. 32nd ✅
D. 33rd

Q2: What was the name of FDR’s plan to fight the Great Depression?
A. The Big Deal
B. The New Deal ✅
C. The Great Plan
D. The Roosevelt Act

Q3: What disease left FDR unable to walk?
A. Measles
B. Tuberculosis
C. Polio ✅
D. Influenza

Q4: What major world event happened during FDR’s presidency?
A. The Civil War
B. The Vietnam War
C. World War I
D. World War II ✅

Q5: What are Fireside Chats?
A. Campfire stories
B. Presidential podcasts
C. Radio speeches to the public ✅
D. Letters to soldiers