Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born on January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York, at his family’s large home along the Hudson River. He was an only child, and his parents believed strongly in education and curiosity. Instead of going to school right away, Franklin was taught at home and traveled to many countries as a child. These trips helped him learn about the wider world and gave him confidence when speaking with all kinds of people. As a young man, he went on to study at Harvard University and later trained to become a lawyer.

In 1905, Franklin married Eleanor Roosevelt, a distant cousin who would become one of the most important partners of his life. Eleanor believed deeply in fairness, kindness, and helping others, and she encouraged Franklin to think about how government could improve people’s lives. Franklin soon entered politics, winning a seat in the New York State Senate and later serving as assistant secretary of the Navy. Even early in his career, he showed strong leadership and a love of public service.

In 1921, Franklin’s life changed suddenly when he became sick with polio, a disease that left him unable to walk. One day he was active and healthy; days later, his legs were paralyzed. Many people thought his political career was over. But Roosevelt refused to give up. With determination and help from others, he learned how to stand with leg braces and move short distances. More importantly, the illness changed how he saw the world. He developed deep empathy for people facing hardship and learned patience, courage, and resilience.

By the end of the 1920s, Roosevelt had returned to public life and became governor of New York. Soon after, the country faced the worst economic crisis it had ever known: the Great Depression. Millions of people were out of work. Families lost their homes and lived in small shacks called ‘Hoovervilles.’ Many Americans felt scared and forgotten. When Roosevelt ran for president in 1932, he promised a ‘New Deal for the American people’—a plan to help the country recover and give people hope. He won the election by a landslide.

Once in office, President Roosevelt acted quickly. In his first hundred days, he signed many new laws to create jobs and stabilize the economy. Programs helped people build roads, bridges, schools, and parks. Others made banks safer and supported farmers and workers. Roosevelt believed the government should help when people were struggling. Through his friendly radio talks, called fireside chats, he spoke directly to families, explaining problems in simple words and reminding them they were not alone.

As the nation recovered, the world grew more dangerous. Countries led by dictators threatened freedom and peace. At first, Roosevelt tried to help America’s allies without entering the war. But after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United States joined World War II. Roosevelt helped unite the country, turning factories into centers of production and encouraging Americans to work together. He believed the war was not just about winning battles, but about protecting democracy itself.

In 1944, even though he was very ill, Roosevelt was elected to serve a fourth term as president. He hoped to help build a peaceful world after the war and supported the creation of the United Nations. Sadly, he died of a stroke on April 12, 1945, just months before the war ended. Even so, his leadership had already changed the nation forever. Franklin Delano Roosevelt guided Americans through two of the darkest times in history and showed that courage, kindness, and determination can help a country find its way forward.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt showed that democracy can survive even the hardest times. When people were scared, out of work, and unsure about the future, he believed that government should step in to help, not look away. Through the New Deal, he helped families find jobs, food, and hope, and reminded Americans that they were stronger together. During World War II, he helped lead the fight to protect freedom, not just in the United States, but around the world. FDR’s life teaches us that leadership is about caring for others, making brave choices, and doing what is right, even when it is difficult. His story reminds us that when people work together with kindness and courage, they can shape a more fair and hopeful future.