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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On June 22, 1940, France and Germany signed an armistice at Compiègne, officially ending hostilities between them and dividing control of French territory.
From London on June 18, 1940, General Charles de Gaulle broadcast an appeal urging the French to resist German occupation and to continue the fight from abroad.
On June 17, 1940, the new French government under Pétain announced it would ask Germany for an armistice to end hostilities.
On June 16, 1940, Marshal Philippe Pétain was appointed premier of France as the French government moved to seek an armistice with Germany.
German troops entered Paris on June 14, 1940, completing the conquest of the French capital during the German offensive.
On June 10, 1940, Fascist Italy declared war on France and the United Kingdom, opening a new front in the conflict.
Allied evacuation of British and French forces from Dunkirk, which began May 26, concluded on June 4, 1940, with hundreds of thousands rescued across the English Channel.
Belgian King Leopold III announced surrender and Belgian forces ceased organized resistance on May 28, 1940.
On May 26, 1940, British and Allied commanders initiated Operation Dynamo to evacuate surrounded troops from Dunkirk’s beaches to Britain.
Dutch military resistance ended and the Netherlands capitulated to Germany on May 15, 1940, one day after the Rotterdam bombing.
On May 14, 1940, German air forces heavily bombed Rotterdam, causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
Following Neville Chamberlain’s resignation amid the German offensive, Winston Churchill was appointed prime minister of the United Kingdom on May 10, 1940.