Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945) was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from March 4, 1933, to April 12, 1945. A Democrat, he led the nation through the Great Depression and most of World War II.
Roosevelt reshaped the federal government's role in the economy through the New Deal, creating programs and institutions such as Social Security, the FDIC, and large-scale public works to relieve unemployment and stabilize finance.
He also guided the United States through World War II, overseeing mobilization, Lend-Lease, and Allied cooperation; his four-term presidency expanded the scope and influence of the executive branch and left a lasting global and domestic legacy, though some initiatives, like the 1937 court-packing plan, provoked controversy.
Implemented New Deal reforms including the Social Security Act; Stabilized banking and created the FDIC and SEC; Established large public works programs (WPA, CCC, TVA); Backed Lend-Lease and led U.S. mobilization in World War II; Elected to four terms, reshaping presidential precedent; Proposed 1937 Supreme Court reorganization (court-packing)
Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.
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British Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrived in Washington and began face-to-face strategy talks with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, launching the Arcadia Conference.
On December 18, 1941, Congress enacted and President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the War Powers Act, granting the president expanded authority to reorganize the executive branch and control resources for the national defense.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt named Admiral Ernest J. King to succeed Admiral Harold R. Stark as Chief of Naval Operations and Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet.
On December 11, 1941, after Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy declared war on the United States, the U.S. Congress passed declarations of war against both countries.
On December 8, 1941, following President Roosevelt's 'Day of Infamy' address, the U.S. Congress voted overwhelmingly to declare war on Japan.
Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
On December 7, 1941, Imperial Japanese naval and air forces launched a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, sinking or damaging numerous ships and killing over 2,400 Americans.
On November 26, 1941 Secretary of State Cordell Hull presented a final 17‑point diplomatic note to the Japanese ambassador setting forth U.S. demands and proposals to resolve tensions in East Asia.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the joint resolution of Congress designating Thanksgiving Day as a federal holiday to be observed on the fourth Thursday of November.
The U.S. destroyer USS Reuben James, escorting a convoy in the North Atlantic, was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine, with the loss of over 100 crewmen.
On October 18, 1941, General Hideki Tojo was appointed prime minister and minister of war of Japan.
While escorting a trans-Atlantic convoy, the U.S. destroyer USS Kearny was struck by a torpedo from a German U-boat, killing 11 crewmen and damaging the ship.