Overview
Born: January 30, 1882; Hyde Park, New York... Franklin Delano Roosevelt was found to have been related, by blood or through marriage, to eleven former presidents. The policies and persona of Franklin Roosevelt set the cast of the "modern" presidency. He was unquestionably the most vital figure in the nation, and perhaps the world, during his 13 years in the White House. Engendering both admiration and scorn, FDR exerted unflinching leadership during the most tumultuous period in the nation's history since the Civil War...Died April 12, 1945.

Did you know? - Read some fun facts about Franklin D. Roosevelt

The Era

• Frances Perkins becomes the first woman cabinet member (1933)
• Mao Tse-Tung leads Communists on a "Long March" across China (1934)
• Josef Stalin launches a Great Purge in the Soviet Union (1934)
• The Boulder (Hoover) Dam is completed (1935)
• Spanish Civil War begins (1936)
• Joe Louis becomes the world boxing champion (1937)
• Orson Welles broadcasts The War of the Worlds (1938)
• Steinbeck writes The Grapes of Wrath (1939)
• Japanese Americans are sent to internment camps (1942)
• World War II rages (1939-1945)

World Timeline - See a timeline of world events during Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration.

Extended Biography
Access in-depth biographical materials for Franklin D. Roosevelt.

• Early Career
• Domestic Politics
• Foreign Affairs
• Presidential Politics
• Legacy

Additional Resources
Explore bonus materials for Franklin D. Roosevelt, including primary sources, audio interviews, television program transcripts, and in-depth teacher's guides.

• Vote on the Issues
• Primary Sources


• Teacher's Guide
• The Film & More