The POTUS Timeline
President #32

Franklin D. Roosevelt

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.

Legacy Summary

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.

Notable Actions

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)

Timeline Entries

Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.

Showing 12 of 415 entries.

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Agricultural Adjustment Act signed into law
May 12, 1933 • Franklin D. Roosevelt
Legislation

Agricultural Adjustment Act signed into law

President Roosevelt signed the Agricultural Adjustment Act, creating the Agricultural Adjustment Administration to raise farm prices by paying farmers to reduce crop and livestock production.

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Roosevelt Signs the Economy Act
March 20, 1933 • Franklin D. Roosevelt
Legislation

Roosevelt Signs the Economy Act

President Roosevelt signed the Economy Act, authorizing cuts in federal spending, including reductions to veterans' benefits and federal employees' salaries.

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Emergency Banking Act Signed into Law
March 9, 1933 • Franklin D. Roosevelt
Legislation

Emergency Banking Act Signed into Law

Congress passed and Roosevelt signed the Emergency Banking Act, granting the federal government authority to inspect banks, reopen sound institutions, and provide support to troubled ones.

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