(b. January 30, 1882; d. April 12, 1945) Thirty-second president of the United States (1933–1945).

Franklin Delano Roosevelt led the nation through its worst depression and greatest world war. As president, he championed his New Deal and other social programs, some that endure into the twenty-first century.

Early Career

Roosevelt was born in Hyde Park, New York, graduated from Harvard College in 1904, studied at Columbia University's School of Law, and gained admission to the bar in 1907. He served one term, 1911 to 1913, in the New York Senate, and was assistant secretary of the navy from 1913 until 1920, when he became the Democratic vice presidential nominee. Roosevelt lost the election, but enhanced his reputation by waging a vigorous campaign.

Roosevelt contracted polio the following year, which cost him the use of his legs but not his political future. He served two terms as governor of New York, winning the office in 1928 and...