Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born on January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York. 

He is the only child of James Roosevelt and Sara Delano Roosevelt.

            The Beginnings... 

His parents stressed education in his early life, being homeschooled by private tutors until he was 14, followed by a prestigious preparatory school in Massachusetts. 

Early Life... 

Later, he attended Harvard University, earning a degree in history, followed by New York's Columbia University to study law. 

Leaving school as a lawyer, he began to practice law in New York City before entering politics. 

Later Education

in 1905, Roosevelt married his distant cousin Eleanor, who was the niece of President Theodore Roosevelt.

Together, they had six children. 

Marriage + Children 

Roosevelt began his political career in 1910, elected to the New York State Senate.

He was soon appointed as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Woodrow Wilson. 

Entering Politics

In 1921 while on vacation, Roosevelt contracted poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis), slowly losing his ability of his legs. 

Roosevelt began to help other polio victims and looked to fund an eventual vaccine.

Start of an incurable illness...

Roosevelt's political career was derailed due to his polio, with many such as his mother saying he should retire. 

However, many advisors, including his wife encouraged him to continue fighting for what was right.

Help from his wife Eleanor... 

The New Governor of New York

Roosevelt ran for governor of New York, being endorsed by many political figures, becoming a popular candidate in New York and soon the entire country. 

Running for President

Roosevelt soon turned his attention to national politics, wanting to become the next President of the United States. 

in His 1932 campaign, he called for government intervention in the economy to provide relief, recovery, and Reform. 

Roosevelt's activist approach and personal charm helped to defeat herbert Hoover in November 1932 by seven million votes.

An Electoral Landslide: Roosevelt Victory!