Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) was a transformative figure in American history, serving as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 to 1945.
His leadership during two of the most challenging periods in the nation’s history—the Great Depression and World War II—cemented his legacy as a champion of economic reform and global democracy.
Through his bold domestic policies under the New Deal and his decisive role in shaping Allied strategy during World War II, FDR reshaped the role of government and redefined America’s place on the world stage.
This timeline highlights the key events in Roosevelt’s life, chronicling his journey from privileged beginnings to becoming one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century.
| Date | Event |
| January 30, 1882 | Franklin Delano Roosevelt is born in Hyde Park, New York, to a wealthy and politically connected family. |
| 1896-1900 | Attends Groton School, an elite preparatory school in Massachusetts. |
| 1900-1904 | Enrolls at Harvard University, where he studies history, is an editor of The Crimson, and graduates with a BA in 1903. |
| 1905 | Marries Eleanor Roosevelt (his fifth cousin once removed and the niece of President Theodore Roosevelt). |
| 1907 | Graduates from Columbia Law School (although he does not earn a degree, he passes the bar exam). |
| 1910 | Elected to the New York State Senate as a Democrat, representing Dutchess County. His victory is significant, as the region traditionally leaned Republican. |
| 1913 | Appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy by President Woodrow Wilson. He advocates for naval preparedness during World War I. |
| 1918 | Visits the European battlefront during World War I to inspect naval installations. |
| 1919 | Plays a key role in post-war demobilization efforts. |
| 1920 | Runs for Vice President on the Democratic ticket with James Cox. They lose to Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge. |
| August 1921 | Diagnosed with polio after experiencing paralysis. He never fully regains the use of his legs. |
| 1924 | Attends the Democratic National Convention, re-entering public life and endorsing Al Smith for president. |
| 1926 | Establishes the Warm Springs Foundation in Georgia, where he develops therapy programs for polio patients. |
| 1928 | Elected Governor of New York, defeating Republican Albert Ottinger. |
| 1930 | Re-elected as Governor. His tenure is marked by his efforts to combat the economic downturn from the Great Depression through relief and public works programs. |
| 1932 | Elected President of the United States, defeating Herbert Hoover. His campaign promises bold action to combat the Great Depression. |
| March 4, 1933 | FDR is inaugurated. His first inaugural address famously states, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” |
| March 1933 | Launches the First New Deal with swift action, including the Banking Holiday, Emergency Banking Relief Act, and job programs like the CCC and PWA. |
| 1934 | The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is established to regulate the stock market. |
| 1935 | Introduces the Second New Deal, featuring the Social Security Act, Wagner Act, and Works Progress Administration (WPA). |
| 1936 | Re-elected in a landslide against Republican Alf Landon. |
| 1937 | Proposes the controversial “court-packing plan” to expand the Supreme Court, which is defeated due to backlash. |
| 1937-1938 | The “Roosevelt Recession” occurs due to spending cuts and reduced demand. |
| 1938 | Congress passes the Fair Labor Standards Act, establishing minimum wages, maximum work hours, and restrictions on child labor. |
| 1939 | Germany invades Poland, marking the start of World War II. Roosevelt increases U.S. military aid to Allied nations. |
| 1940 | Signs the Selective Training and Service Act, the first peacetime draft in U.S. history. |
| 1940 Election | Wins an unprecedented third term, defeating Republican Wendell Willkie. |
| March 1941 | Signs the Lend-Lease Act, allowing the U.S. to supply military aid to Allied nations. |
| December 7, 1941 | Japan attacks Pearl Harbor. The next day, Roosevelt addresses Congress, declaring December 7 a “date which will live in infamy,” and the U.S. enters World War II. |
| 1942 | Establishes the War Production Board to coordinate industry for wartime production. |
| 1943 | Meets Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin at the Tehran Conference to discuss Allied war strategy. |
| 1944 | Signs the G.I. Bill, providing benefits for returning veterans, including education, housing loans, and unemployment compensation. |
| 1944 Election | Wins a fourth term, defeating Republican Thomas Dewey. |
| February 1945 | Attends the Yalta Conference with Churchill and Stalin, planning for post-war Europe and discussing the formation of the United Nations. |
| April 12, 1945 | Dies of a cerebral hemorrhage in Warm Springs, Georgia. Vice President Harry S. Truman succeeds him. |
Timeline of Franklin D Roosevelt
January 30, 1882 – Franklin Delano Roosevelt is born
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born in Hyde Park, New York, into a wealthy and politically influential family.
Also Read: Franklin D Roosevelt Accomplishments
His upbringing was shaped by privilege, with access to elite education and family ties to prominent figures, including President Theodore Roosevelt.
1896-1900 – Attends Groton School
Roosevelt attended Groton, a prestigious preparatory school in Massachusetts known for producing leaders. At Groton, he was instilled with a sense of public duty, a lesson he carried throughout his life.
1900-1904 – Attends Harvard University
FDR enrolled at Harvard, where he studied history and became involved in student activities, including serving as editor of the *Harvard Crimson* newspaper. He graduated with a BA in history in 1903 and continued some coursework into 1904.
Also Read: Franklin D Roosevelt Facts
1905 – Marries Eleanor Roosevelt
On March 17, 1905, Franklin married Eleanor Roosevelt, his fifth cousin once removed and the niece of then-President Theodore Roosevelt, who gave Eleanor away at the wedding. The marriage marked the beginning of a dynamic personal and political partnership.
1907 – Passes the bar exam
Although FDR attended Columbia Law School, he left before earning a degree. In 1907, he passed the New York bar exam and began practicing law at the prestigious Wall Street firm of Carter Ledyard & Milburn.
1910 – Elected to the New York State Senate
Roosevelt entered politics as a Democrat, winning a seat in the New York State Senate despite the Republican dominance of Dutchess County. His election was a surprising victory that set the stage for his political ascent.
1913 – Appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy
President Woodrow Wilson appointed Roosevelt as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, a position he held for seven years. He advocated for naval expansion and preparedness, laying the foundation for his knowledge of military affairs.
1918 – Inspects naval installations in Europe
During World War I, Roosevelt visited naval bases in Europe to inspect operations and assess the war effort. The trip solidified his reputation as an expert in naval affairs and broadened his understanding of international politics.
1919 – Helps with post-war demobilization
Following the end of World War I, Roosevelt played a key role in the demobilization of the Navy and the transition of wartime infrastructure to peacetime. This experience further shaped his views on post-war economic management.
1920 – Runs for Vice President
FDR was chosen as the running mate of Democratic presidential candidate James M. Cox. Although they lost to the Republican ticket of Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge, the campaign gave FDR valuable national exposure.
August 1921 – Diagnosed with polio
At the age of 39, Roosevelt was stricken with polio, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. He initially struggled with the condition but gradually adapted, learning to project strength despite his physical limitations.
1924 – Returns to public life
Roosevelt made his first major public appearance since his polio diagnosis by attending the Democratic National Convention. He delivered a rousing speech in support of New York Governor Al Smith’s presidential nomination.
1926 – Establishes Warm Springs Foundation
Seeking treatment for his paralysis, Roosevelt purchased property in Warm Springs, Georgia, and established a rehabilitation center for polio patients. The facility became a symbol of his determination and empathy.
1928 – Elected Governor of New York
Roosevelt was elected Governor of New York, defeating Republican Albert Ottinger. His tenure was marked by progressive reforms and effective leadership during the onset of the Great Depression.
1930 – Re-elected Governor
FDR’s successful response to the economic crisis in New York, including public works projects and unemployment relief, earned him widespread support. His re-election solidified his national reputation as a leader during difficult times.
1932 – Elected President
Roosevelt defeated incumbent President Herbert Hoover in a landslide election. Running on a platform of hope and recovery, FDR promised bold action to pull the country out of the Great Depression.
March 4, 1933 – Inaugurated as President
FDR delivered a powerful inaugural address in which he reassured the nation with the iconic phrase, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” His presidency began during one of the worst economic crises in U.S. history.
March 1933 – Launches the First New Deal
Roosevelt’s first 100 days saw rapid legislation, including the Emergency Banking Relief Act, job creation through the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Public Works Administration (PWA), and financial regulation to stabilize the economy.
1934 – Establishes the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
The SEC was created to regulate the stock market and restore investor confidence after the financial chaos of the Great Depression. It remains a cornerstone of U.S. financial regulation.
1935 – Launches the Second New Deal
FDR’s Second New Deal expanded social welfare programs, notably creating Social Security, strengthening labor rights through the Wagner Act, and providing jobs through the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
1936 – Re-elected in a landslide
Roosevelt’s sweeping victory over Republican Alf Landon demonstrated strong public support for his New Deal programs. His coalition included working-class voters, African Americans, and rural farmers.
1937 – Proposes court-packing plan
In an attempt to counter Supreme Court opposition to his New Deal policies, FDR proposed adding more justices. The plan backfired, facing heavy criticism and ultimately failing in Congress.
1937-1938 – Roosevelt Recession
A downturn known as the “Roosevelt Recession” occurred after FDR reduced government spending too quickly. The economy contracted temporarily, prompting a renewed focus on federal stimulus programs.
1938 – Fair Labor Standards Act passed
This landmark legislation set minimum wage standards, restricted child labor, and established maximum work hours. It was part of Roosevelt’s effort to improve working conditions and economic fairness.
1939 – Germany invades Poland
As World War II begins, Roosevelt recognizes the growing threat posed by Nazi Germany and begins providing military aid to Britain and other Allies under the policy of “cash and carry.”
1940 – Signs Selective Training and Service Act
The first peacetime draft in U.S. history was enacted as part of FDR’s preparations for potential U.S. involvement in the war. It highlighted his foresight in bolstering national defense.
1940 Election – Wins a third term
Breaking tradition, Roosevelt sought and won a third term, citing the global instability of the time. He defeated Republican Wendell Willkie, emphasizing the need for steady leadership.
March 1941 – Signs the Lend-Lease Act
This act allowed the U.S. to provide critical aid to Allied nations fighting Axis powers. It demonstrated Roosevelt’s commitment to supporting the Allies without direct military involvement.
December 7, 1941 – Pearl Harbor attack
After Japan’s surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Roosevelt delivered his famous “Day of Infamy” speech and led the country into World War II.
1942 – Establishes the War Production Board
To mobilize industry for the war effort, FDR created the War Production Board. American factories shifted production to military equipment, making the U.S. the “Arsenal of Democracy.”
1943 – Tehran Conference
Roosevelt met with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin in Tehran to plan the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France and discuss post-war strategy. The meeting strengthened cooperation among the Allies.
1944 – Signs the G.I. Bill
The G.I. Bill provided benefits for returning veterans, including educational opportunities, home loans, and unemployment compensation. It helped millions transition successfully to civilian life after the war.
1944 Election – Wins a fourth term
Despite his declining health, Roosevelt won an unprecedented fourth term, defeating Thomas Dewey. He was seen as essential to guiding the nation through the final stages of World War II.
February 1945 – Yalta Conference
FDR met with Churchill and Stalin to discuss the division of post-war Europe and the establishment of the United Nations. The agreements at Yalta would shape the post-war world order.
April 12, 1945 – Death of FDR
Roosevelt died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Warm Springs, Georgia. His death marked the end of an era, and Vice President Harry S. Truman assumed the presidency, guiding the U.S. through the end of World War II.