Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States served longer than any other president in the history of the United States. He held office during two of the greatest crises ever faced by the United States: the Great Depression and World War II. Both in times of peace and war, his impact on the presidency was enormous. In Roosevelt's twelve years in office, his strong executive leadership became an essential part of the United States government. For those twelve years, he was the presidency. It was hard imagine anyone else in the White House. He made the office of the president the center of politics and domestic reform. Beyond the presidency, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a man of character as well as an example for all men to follow and abide by.
Background.
Roosevelt was born at his family's estate, Springwood, at Hyde Park, in Dutchess County, New York on January 30th, 1882. Franklin Roosevelt was the son of James Roosevelt and his second wife, Sara Delano. With the expectation of a half-brother twenty-six years older, he had no other siblings. His father was a fairly successful businessman, with various investments in the coal industry. Roosevelt's father was also a Democrat who was interested in politics during the time period. This gave stardom to FDR's great political calling. Sara Delano Roosevelt brought a fortune to the marriage that was significantly larger than that of James Roosevelt. Thus, Franklin grew up in a loving, caring, and well-off environment. .
Until the age of fourteen he received his schooling from governesses and private tutors. Roosevelt's most prominent educational experience was at Groton School, in Massachusetts, which he attended between 1896 and 1900. Groton's headmaster, the Reverend Endicott Peabody, was a controlling, yet inspiring leader who enforced Christian ethics and benefits of public service into his students. At Groton, Franklin revealed that he could adapt himself readily to different circumstances.