Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Dainikbhaskar.com | Apr 06, 2012, 11:39AM IST

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Born into a wealthy New York family (1882 to 1945), Roosevelt entered politics early in his life, becoming a senator by age 28, then governor of New York, and finally president in 1932.

Historical Signifi cance:

FDR piloted the country successfully through two major events - the Great Depression and World War II. His aggressive and unprecedented New Deal programs left a lasting mark on the American landscape. Roosevelt strove to rescue the country from economic disaster.

He is also remembered for his famous "Day of Infamy" speech, an address to Congress after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor causing US to enter the
World War II in 1941. Further, FDR's leadership throughout World War II led to victory for the Allies even though Roosevelt died before the war ended.

History

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) uttered those words to reassure Americans in the midst of the Great Depression (1929 to 1939).

Interesting Facts

1.Did you know that F.D. Roosevelt was the first president to speak on television?
2.He was the fi rst president to fly in an airplane and have a presidential aircraft.
3. He was the fi rst president whose mother was allowed to vote for him.
4.FDR was the only president to be elected four terms. He was in offi ce longer than any other President.
5.He was a victim of polio and confi ned to wheelchair, a fact many Americans never knew.

Lifelong hobby Stamp collecting was one of FDR's lifelong hobbies. As President, there was scarcely a day when he did not spend some time with his collection. At his death, his personal stamp collection numbered over 1,200,000 stamps, 80% of which was of little value-"scrap"as the President called it. The collection was sold at public auction and realized $228,000. The stamps he received offi cially from foreign governments were not sold, but are a part of the holdings of the Roosevelt Library.