Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the 32nd president of the United States of America. Roosevelt was able to lead America during both the Great Depression and World War II, and instituted numerous public programs which still exist today.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born in 1882 in Hyde Park, New York. Roosevelt attended Harvard University and then graduated from Columbia Law School. In 1905, Roosevelt married Eleanor Roosevelt and began his career of public service.
In 1910, Franklin Roosevelt was elected to the Senate and was then appointed as Secretary of the Navy by President Woodrow Wilson. FDR’s prospering life hit a major obstacle in 1921 when he was diagnosed with Polio. This disease ravaged his body and eventually took away his mobility and ability to walk independently. Although stricken with this disease, FDR persevered and became governor of New York in 1928. America’s economic status was at its lowest in history during this time as it was in the midst of the Great Depression. In an attempt to revitalize this struggling economy, Roosevelt ran for president in 1932 and defeated Herbert Hoover.
President Roosevelt immediately took action as President; his “First 100 Days” resulted in the diagnosis of struggling banks and businesses and reopened the ones that were deemed successful. Roosevelt began to revitalize the American economy and national morale through his series of federal programs known as the “New Deal”. One of the major programs that Roosevelt created was Social Security, which provides financial assistance to retired and disabled Americans. Roosevelt was able to take advantage of the growing communication technology and began his famous radio-broadcasted “fireside chats”. These broadcasts were revolutionary as Roosevelt casually spoke to the American people and restored hope and faith in the American government.
On December 7, 1941, the United States was attacked by the Empire of Japan at Pearl Harbor. Roosevelt labeled the day as a “date that will live in infamy” and Congress declared war on Japan. This declaration of war officially made America involved in World War II. Throughout World War II, Roosevelt aimed to not only secure military victory, but also establish peace following the war. Roosevelt and other world leaders helped to establish the United Nations which focused on securing peace in a post-war world. Roosevelt’s health began to quickly deteriorate towards the end of the war and on April 12, 1945, he passed away. At the time of his death, Roosevelt had served as president for 12 years, which remains the longest tenure in presidential history.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt is seen by many as one of the greatest presidents in American History. Roosevelt helped Americans recover and greatly rebound from the Great Depression, restored faith in the American Economy, and led during the bloodiest conflict in world history.
Create your own Storyboard
Try it for Free!Create your own Storyboard
Try it for Free!Significant Events in the Life of FDR
- The Great Depression
- Elected to Senate in 1910
- Elected as Governor of New York in 1928
- The New Deal
- Attack on Pearl Harbor
- Presidential Election of 1944
- World War II
- FDR Dies in Office 1945
How Tos about Franklin Delano Roosevelt Biography
How To Teach Students About Franklin D. Roosevelt Using Interactive Activities
Engage students with a quick brainstorm about what they already know about Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) to activate prior knowledge. This helps build excitement and personal connection from the start.
Introduce FDR’s Life with a Timeline Activity
Create a class timeline on the board or a poster showing important events in FDR’s life. Invite students to add facts or pictures as you read or discuss each event.
Explore FDR’s Impact Through Primary Sources
Use photographs, speeches, or letters from FDR’s presidency. Discuss what these sources tell us about his leadership and the era. Encourage critical thinking by asking students to share their observations.
Lead a Classroom Debate on FDR’s Decisions
Divide students into small groups to research and discuss a major decision FDR made, such as the New Deal or his response to World War II. Facilitate a respectful debate where each group presents their perspective.
Wrap Up with a Creative Reflection
Ask students to create a short skit, poster, or diary entry from the perspective of someone living during FDR’s presidency. This helps students synthesize what they’ve learned in a fun, memorable way.
Frequently Asked Questions about Franklin Delano Roosevelt Biography
Who was Franklin D. Roosevelt?
Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945. He led the country through the Great Depression and World War II, introducing major reforms like the New Deal.
What were Franklin D. Roosevelt’s most important achievements?
FDR's most important achievements include launching the New Deal to combat the Great Depression and leading America during World War II, helping to shape modern U.S. government and international relations.
Why is Franklin D. Roosevelt significant in American history?
Franklin D. Roosevelt is significant because he transformed the role of government in the U.S., supported economic recovery, and played a crucial part in the Allied victory in World War II.
How did the New Deal impact the United States?
The New Deal, introduced by FDR, created jobs, reformed banking, and established social safety nets like Social Security, helping millions recover from the Great Depression.
What challenges did Franklin D. Roosevelt face during his presidency?
FDR faced major challenges such as the Great Depression, World War II, and opposition to his policies. He overcame these obstacles with bold leadership and innovative programs.
Introductory School Offer
ONLY$500
- 1 School
- 5 Teachers for One Year
- 1 Hour of Virtual PD
30 Day Money Back Guarantee • New Customers Only • Full Price After Introductory Offer • Access is for 1 Calendar Year
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office