Source: Franklin D. Roosevelt inauguration. Eleanor Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt, Library of Congress

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the first and only president to serve four terms in office. Although the elections of 1940 and 1944 were won by smaller margins than of previous elections, it was clear that the American voters wanted Roosevelt as president.

Before Roosevelt, most presidents served two terms voluntarily. Many believed that term limits for presidents were necessary to avoid a president with too much power. In 1947, Congress proposed a law that would limit the president to two consecutive terms. The 22nd Amendment officially limited a president to two consecutive four-year terms.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned how President Roosevelt became the first president with a physical disability, turned the broken economy around, and served as the Commander-in-Chief during World War II. His New Deal program created programs that still impact the lives of Americans today. Roosevelt was also an advocate for civil rights, racial and gender equality, and appointing several African Americans and women to important federal positions.

Roosevelt’s administration was strengthened by his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, who was extremely active in many political affairs. She often stood in for her husband when he was ill, or unable to walk, but she also championed many causes for herself. Eleanor Roosevelt was very involved in securing equal rights for the poor, minorities, or those who were otherwise disadvantaged.

Source: Eleanor Roosevelt with children, Harris & Ewing, Library of Congress

The First Lady also had a global impact on social issues. After FDR’s death, she was appointed to the United Nations Assembly, representing the United States. She worked on the draft of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was adopted and is still in effect today.

Franklin Roosevelt worked tirelessly throughout his administration. In 1944, he learned that he had a serious heart condition. The worry of the war and issues within the United States took a toll on his health. On April 12, 1945, he suffered a heart attack and later died at the age of 63. His death came before he could see the American victory in Europe and the Pacific.

Source: 77144(1), Franklin Delano Roosevelt Library and Museum