Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Life
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, also known as FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States. He was born in 1882, in New York. He was a very strong leader for the United States, and became a person of hope for the American people during the Great Depression, and World War II, where his presidency took place during. He was the only president to be elected for four terms, and deservedly so. Under his leadership, America got out of the Great Depression, and won World War II. During a vacation at Warm Springs, Georgia, on April 12, 1945, he suffered a massive stroke and died hours later.
FDR's Struggles
During the summer of 1921, FDR contracted poliomyelitis, becoming unable to use his legs. Although he was never fully able to walk ever again, through perseverance and his wife's assurance he was able to make a lot of progress, this condition did eventually get better and he did not give up on his political career, and even though disabled, he was still the same person.
FDR's Accomplishments
FDR's presidency started during the the height of the Great Depression. During the start of his term, he approved the 'Good Neighbor Policy' improving deals with Latin America, and lowering trade barriers with other countries. He put forth the 'New Deal' setting up certain new agencies to help employment and reduce inflation. Some of these agencies include Social Security and Agricultural Adjustment Administration. Overall, he built up the economy, and saved many people from starving, and unemployment. By, 1939, World War II was starting, and FDR wanted America neutral. However, FDR also wanted to support nations against the Axis Powers. In an unprecedented election in 1940, FDR was reelected for a third time. He signed a "lend-lease" bill so America was able to give aid to those nations. However, America's neutrality swiftly ended after Japan's Pearl Harbor attack in late 1941. Roosevelt made the necessary decisions to join the Allied Powers, and was actively involved in the war, immediately mobilizing industry for military production, and forming alliances, eventually helping the Allied Powers prevail victorious.
What FDR means to me:
FDR shows to me that you have to persevere from your struggles, and make the most with what you have. Even though he was disabled, he was still able to lead a country altogether, and pull them out from their worst point in history. He put on a strong front for the American people, even in a wheelchair, because he wanted to make sure they didn't doubt him.
How FDR inspires me:
FDR inspires me to become as great of a person and as great of a leader as he was. He saved many people from starving, and was able to provide hope, in a time of such uncertainty and was the leadership Americans needed at the time. He also was a very respectable person, and honest. He broadcasted 'fireside chats' on radios, where he told Americans what was going on in the country, and made Americans feel unworried, and aware, making the public feel like he was talking directly to them.