Roosevelt, Franklin Delano, ROH zuh vehlt, FRANK lihn DEHL uh noh (1882-1945), served as president for more than 12 years, longer than any other person. He was the only president elected four times. Roosevelt led the United States through its worst depression and through its worst war. He died just 83 days after becoming president for the fourth time.

Roosevelt took office as president at the depth of the Great Depression. About 25 percent of the workers in the United States had lost their jobs. Many families had no money to buy food. Others had lost their homes because they could not pay their mortgages. Millions of Americans feared what would happen next. In Roosevelt's inaugural address, he called for faith in America's future. "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," he declared boldly.

A new era in American history began under Roosevelt. He called his program the New Deal. For the first time, the federal government took strong action to help make the United States prosperous. Roosevelt said he wanted to help the average American, whom he called the "forgotten man." He promised relief for unemployed workers. He said he would aid farmers. Under his leadership, the government put stronger controls on business companies than ever before. It spent billions of dollars on relief and public works to "prime the pump" of business activity. Dozens of new government agencies were set up. Many were known by their initials, such as CCC, TVA, and NRA. Roosevelt himself became widely known by his initials, F.D.R.

Probably no other president since Abraham Lincoln has been so bitterly hated or so deeply loved. Critics charged that Roosevelt's policies gave the federal government too much power. They accused him of taking over many rights that belonged to the states under the Constitution. Many Americans thought that government controls over business might destroy the free enterprise system and lead to socialism. But millions believed that Roosevelt was the friend and protector of the "common man." Their faith was the key to Roosevelt's success in politics.

The start of World War II in 1939 tended to divide Roosevelt's presidency into two parts. Until the German invasion of Poland that year, the government worked hard to end the Depression. The war then became the chief concern of Roosevelt and the United States.

Born into a wealthy family, Roosevelt entered politics because he believed it offered great opportunity for public service. Before he was elected president, he served in the New York state Senate, as assistant secretary of the Navy, and as governor of New York.

Roosevelt had a colorful personality. He was known for his friendly smile, flashing eyes, and genial manner. He had two famous "trademarks." These were the glasses that he wore clipped to the bridge of his nose, and the cigarette holder that jutted upward at a jaunty angle from his mouth. He was a fine speaker, with a warm, pleasing voice.

People in all parts of the world admired Roosevelt for his personal courage. Although he was crippled by polio at the age of 39, he refused to give up his career of public service. As he struggled to regain the use of his legs, his physical appearance changed. As a young man, Roosevelt had been slender and tall. After his illness, he became stocky and heavy-set. Roosevelt could never again stand without help. But a little more than 11 years after being stricken, he was elected president.