FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

Franklin D. Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 - April 12, 1945), also known as FDR, was

the 32nd President of the United States. Before running for President, Mr. Roosevelt was

Governor of New York, from 1929-1932.Roosevelt was a democrat and the only

president elected to more than two terms in office. His Presidency term last from 1933-

1945. At the age of 39, while vacating in Canada, Roosevelt caught a fever and was later

diagnosed with bilateral paralysis. In a poll, he was ranked as the second or third greatest

president.

One of Roosevelt’s weaknesses would be his health. While he saw numerous doctors

and tried multiple therapies for his declining health- nothing seemed to work. He never

regained the use of his legs, leading him to establish the National Foundation for

Infantile Paralysis, now known as The March of Dimes. Due to his help with the March

of Dimes, it lead him to have his image placed on the American dime. With great

determination he taught himself to take short walks in his braces and preferred not to be

seen in public with his wheelchair.

The Great Depression of the 1930s caused high unemployment and economic stress,

therefore making President Roosevelt to announce his intention to provide a Social

Security program. The Social Security program began during his first term in office. On

August 14, 1935, President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law.

It was during his third term in office that the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, on

December 7, 1941. He is remembered for his famous speech “Yesterday, December 7,

1941- a date will live in infamy- the United States of America was suddenly and

deliberately