In his 1941 State of the Union Address, as the nation prepared for war, President Franklin D. Roosevelt spelled out "Four Freedoms" as a reminder of what we must fight for. From the days of his first Presidential campaign during the depths of the Great Depression, Roosevelt spoke directly to the people. "I pledge you, I pledge myself," he said in his 1932 acceptance speech, "to a new deal for the American people." Four years later, he proclaimed that "this generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny." Throughout his Presidency, 1933-1945, he addressed America by radio in what came to be known as fireside chats. Each idea, each phrase was underscored by courage and optimism that inspired no less in the people he served.
More than 50 years after Roosevelt's death, his own words call out from the walls of his memorial as if he were somewhat present. Those of us who know FDR only as an historical figure will recognize these words by their association with great and catastrophic events. For the many Americans who lived through the Roosevelt years, the words recall personal struggles and triumphs during 12 years that seemed like a lifetime.
chronology:
1882
Born January 30, Hyde Park, N.Y.
1904
Graduates from Harvard; enters Columbia Law School.
1905
Marries Anna Eleanor Roosevelt; five surviving children born 1906 - 16.
1911 - 13
State Senator, New York.
1913 - 20
Assistant Secretary of the Navy; U.S. involved in World War I, 1917 - 18.
1920
Democratic nominee for Vice President; Cox-Roosevelt ticket loses.
1921
Stricken with polio at Campobello; never again walks unaided.
1929 - 33
Governor of New York.
1929
Onset of Great Depression. By the early 1930s, about 30 percent of the nation's workforce is unemployed.
1933 - 45
32nd President of the United States. In "First 100 Days" FDR initiates New Deal programs to provide immediate relief, create jobs, and foster economic recovery. In next few years, he leads reform efforts in civil rights, labor relations, banking, and civil service; creates Social Security Administration in 1935.
1939
World War II breaks out in Europe. In 1941 FDR signs Lend-Lease Act to aid Allied powers. U.S. enters war in December 1941; FDR launches nationwide war effort, sends more than 16 million U.S. troops to war.
1945
Dies at Warm Springs, Ga., April 12; Allied forces victorious by August.