On August 28, 1921, Franklin D. Roosevelt's life changed forever. At just 39 years old, he was stricken with polio, a disease that left him paralyzed from the waist down. The once-vibrant young politician was forced to reevaluate his life and priorities, and it was during this time that he began to cultivate the skills that would make him one of the most successful presidents in American history.
Assuming the presidency at the height of the Great Depression in 1933, FDR was faced with the daunting task of rebuilding a shattered economy and restoring the faith of the American people. He launched a series of ambitious programs known as the New Deal, which included everything from public works projects to social welfare programs. Over the course of his presidency, FDR's policies helped millions of Americans regain their footing and set the stage for a period of unprecedented economic growth.
Of the dozens of men who have served as US president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt had a particularly close connection with the citizens he served. He was known for his charisma, his empathy, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His famed fireside chats, which he used to communicate directly with the American people, were a hallmark of his presidency.
Franklin D. Roosevelt is known to all as the only president elected four times and the only one confined to a wheelchair—polio's most famous victim. But his legacy extends far beyond these facts. He was a visionary leader who transformed American society and helped shape the modern world.
When Presidents Day rolls around, the two former Commanders in Chief who probably get mentioned most often are George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. But there's another president whose impact on the nation is just as significant: Franklin D. Roosevelt. He served longer than any other president except for George Washington, and his leadership helped guide the nation through some of its darkest hours.
On this day in 1951, the 22nd Amendment was ratified, limiting the number of terms served by the President. The move ended a controversy that had been brewing since Franklin D. Roosevelt's unprecedented four-term presidency. FDR had been immensely popular with the American people, and many believed that he could have continued to lead the country through World War II and beyond if not for his untimely death in 1945.
In the end, Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency was a testament to the power of leadership and vision. Despite facing enormous challenges and setbacks, he never wavered in his commitment to the American people. His legacy lives on today in the countless programs and policies that he championed, and in the hearts and minds of all those who continue to be inspired by his example.
