Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born on January 30, 1882. He was an American politician and attorney who served as the 32nd President of the U.S. from 1933 until he died in 1945. He won four presidential elections as a member of the Democratic Party and played a prominent role in world events throughout the first half of the 20th century. During the Great Depression, Roosevelt led the federal government, executing his New Deal domestic agenda in response to the worst economic crisis in American history. We are honored to be celebrating his special day!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Nickname:

F.D.R., The Man in the White House

Birth date:

January 30, 1882

Death date:

April 12, 1945 (age 63)

Zodiac Sign:

Aquarius

Height:

6' 2"

Net Worth:

$60 million

Background

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born in the Hudson Valley town of Hyde Park, New York, on January 30, 1882. His parents were James Roosevelt I and Sara Ann Delano. He studied at Harvard and Columbia Law Schools and married Eleanor Roosevelt. He joined public life as a Democrat, becoming elected to the New York Senate in 1910. He was named Assistant Secretary of the Navy by President Wilson and the Democratic nominee for vice president in 1920. He was 39 years old when he was diagnosed with poliomyelitis in 1921.

Roosevelt was elected governor of New York in 1928 and he was elected President for the first of four terms in November 1932. By 1935, the country had begun to recover, but merchants and bankers were increasingly hostile to Roosevelt’s New Deal policy. They feared his experiments, were outraged that he had moved the country off the gold standard and withstood fiscal deficits, and despised the labor concessions. Roosevelt replied with a new reform agenda that included Social Security, more taxes on the wealthy, stronger regulations over banks and public utilities, and a massive unemployment relief program.

Roosevelt had committed the U.S. to a “good neighbor” policy, changing the Monroe Doctrine from a unilateral American manifesto into agreements for joint action against aggressors. He also attempted, through neutrality laws, to keep the U.S. out of the European conflict while strengthening nations threatened or attacked. When France surrendered and England was besieged in 1940, he began to provide all conceivable aid to Britain, short of direct military involvement. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Roosevelt urged mobilizing the nation’s troops and resources in preparation for a global war. Roosevelt devoted much consideration to forming a United Nations in which he sought to adjudicate international disputes. Roosevelt died of a brain hemorrhage on April 12, 1945, at Warm Springs, Georgia.

Career timeline

1910
He is Elected to State Senate

Roosevelt launches his journey into politics during the New York State Senate elections.

1913
He Becomes Navy Assistant Secretary

Roosevelt works to expand the Navy, gain financial budget approval, and ensure its seamless operation.

1920
He is Nominated for Vice President

Roosevelt is nominated for Vice President by James N. Cox but defeated by Coolidge and Harding.

1928
He is Elected Governor

Roosevelt serves as a reform governor of New York, establishing numerous social programs for improving society.

1932
He is Elected President

Roosevelt’s upbeat demeanor, hopeful attitude, and engaging conduct helped him defeat Republican candidate Herbert Hoover with 57% of the vote in all but six states.

1933
He Becomes the 32nd President

Roosevelt takes office, holding the position until 1945.

Why We Love Franklin D. Roosevelt

  1. He is a humanitarian

    Roosevelt headed the federal government throughout the Great Depression. He implemented his "New Deal" domestic agenda and as a result of his attempts, he is a recognized humanitarian.

  2. He helped form the United Nations

    Roosevelt was instrumental in the formation of the United Nations, even though he died before its formal implementation. Roosevelt developed the word to designate the 26 nations that fought to defeat the Axis powers in World War II. From August through October 1944, Roosevelt and other key leaders from the U.K., France, China, and Russia labored to devise a plan to maintain global peace.

  3. He saved the world

    Roosevelt championed efforts to eradicate polio through organizations such as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis and the March of Dimes. The Salk vaccination eliminated the polio epidemic in the 1950s.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He was related to 11 other presidents

    Roosevelt claimed to have traced his ancestors back to 10 other presidents, with Theodore Roosevelt being his closest relative to lead the country.

  2. He tried to increase the Supreme Court

    Roosevelt was fed up with the Supreme Court overturning many “New Deal” policies, and suggested expanding it from nine to as many as 15 justices in early 1937.

  3. His favorite foods

    Roosevelt's favorite dishes were scrambled eggs, fish chowder, grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, and fruitcakes.

  4. He probably suffered from Guillain-Barre Syndrome

    According to a recent study published in the Journal of Medical Biography, he probably had Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

  5. He holds a record

    Roosevelt holds the record as the only president in American history to have served more than two terms.

Franklin D. Roosevelt FAQs

What personality type was F.D.R.?

His personality type is ENTJ, the “The Big Picture” person who thinks in terms of what is desired, solved, or unsolved.

Did Franklin D. Roosevelt have a lover?

No, he remained faithful to his spouse.

How were Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt related?

They were distant cousins.

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2025January 30Thursday
2026January 30Friday
2027January 30Saturday
2028January 30Sunday
2029January 30Tuesday

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