Franklin D. Roosevelt: The Man Behind the New Deal and the Polio Vaccine

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States, serving four terms from 1933 to 1945. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in US history, credited with steering the country out of the Great Depression and through World War II. But did you know that he was also responsible for the polio vaccine and loved to mix a mean cocktail?

Early Life

Born in 1882 in Hyde Park, New York, FDR was the only child of wealthy parents. He grew up in a privileged household and was educated at Harvard University, where he majored in history and became heavily involved in student politics. After graduation, he went on to attend Columbia Law School, but his heart was never truly in it. He decided to pursue a career in politics instead.

Political Career

FDR’s political career started in 1910, when he was elected to the New York State Senate. He quickly made a name for himself as a progressive Democrat, advocating for social reforms and supporting Woodrow Wilson’s candidacy for President. In 1920, he was the Democratic nominee for Vice President but lost the election.

Despite this setback, FDR continued to rise through the ranks of the Democratic Party. In 1928, he was elected Governor of New York, and four years later, he won the Presidency in a landslide victory. As President, FDR implemented the New Deal, a series of programs aimed at alleviating the suffering caused by the Great Depression. He also led the country through World War II, playing a crucial role in the defeat of Nazi Germany.

Polio Vaccine

But FDR’s contributions to society don’t end there. In 1921, at the age of 39, he contracted polio and was left paralyzed from the waist down. Despite this debilitating condition, he continued to serve in public office and to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. In fact, he was instrumental in the development of the polio vaccine, which was first administered in 1955, ten years after his death.

Fun Facts

Though he was a serious man with some serious achievements, FDR had a fun side too. Here are some fun facts about the 32nd President:

FDR loved to mix cocktails for his guests. His favorite was the Manhattan, which he would make with Canadian Club Whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters.
He was an avid stamp collector and had one of the largest collections in the world.
FDR’s wife Eleanor was his distant cousin. They were both descendants of Theodore Roosevelt’s brother.
He loved hot dogs and was once served the first hot dog ever made by the famous Nathan’s Hot Dogs in Coney Island.

Conclusion