Franklin D. Roosevelt


Born into one of America’s most influential families, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) went on to guide his country through its most testing times - first the Great Depression of the 1930s, then World War II.


He’s also the only US president to have been elected more than twice - governing for four terms.


Roosevelt served commendably in the US Navy during WWI, but was struck down by polio in 1921. Struggling to regain his health, he was made Governor of New York in 1928 and ran for president four years later.


With a landslide victory, Roosevelt introduced radical economic reforms designed to stabilise US finances. His New Deal is credited with rescuing the US from the gruelling Great Depression and securing a second presidential term.


In 1940, FDR was elected for a third term, while war ravaged Europe. The following year, the US was dragged into the conflict, after the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour.


One of the most popular and successful presidents, Roosevelt died on April 12th 1945, less than a month before Nazi Germany surrendered.