"In 1907, Roosevelt mapped out a path to the presidency that closely mirrored what actually happened over the next 25 years of life . . . he described very accurately the steps which he thought could lead to this goal [to be President]. They were: first, a seat in State Senate, then an appointment as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, the governorship of New York . . . and finally the President of the United States . . ."
-William Sterbinsky, excerpted from The Early Political Career of FDR
January 30, 1882: Roosevelt is born in New York
"It was [Franklin's mother's] unshakeable faith in him that many believe gave him the self-confidence that enabled him to succeed later in life."
-The Famous People: Society for Recognition of Famous People "His youth spent in the company of adults helped him develop a charm that would prove indispensable later in life . . ."
-The Famous People: Society for Recognition of Famous People "His parents instilled in him the notion that you're born in privilege, but you're meant to give something back."
-Allan Lichtman, American University |
November 8, 1910: Roosevelt enters politics and is elected to the New York Senate
". . . Roosevelt portrayed himself as a man of the people . . . he began to develop the conversational style of public speaking that he later brought to the White House."
-Roosevelt Institute "As a freshman senator, he led a challenge to the Tammany bosses . . . FDR won wide renown for his efforts. He introduced legislation to protect farmers that successfully passed and . . . began to emerge as a leader in conservation."
-George Washington University |
January 1, 1913: Roosevelt is appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy
"…Roosevelt was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy . . . The Navy Department offered FDR substantial opportunities to gain valuable administrative experience and make important political contacts from coast to coast . . . FDR threw himself into his new position with great enthusiasm, and soon established a reputation as an energetic and effective administrator."
-Roosevelt Institute |
August 13, 1921: Roosevelt contracts poliomyelitis and loses the use of his legs
". . . in the summer of 1921, Roosevelt contracted poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis) . . . [In time, he] inspired, as well as directed, the March of Dimes program that eventually funded an effective vaccine."
-FDR Library and Museum "Perhaps his polio strengthened his sense of determination, strengthened his empathy with the less fortunate and the disadvantaged . . ."
-Allan Lichtman, American University "'He began to see the other fellow's point of view. He thought of others who were ill and afflicted and in want . . . Lying there, he grew bigger day by day.'"
-Louis Howe, Roosevelt's political adviser |
November 6, 1928: Roosevelt is elected as Governor of New York
"FDR established himself as a progressive governor by bringing tax relief to farmers . . . In September 1929, the stock market crashed and FDR spent the rest of his four years as governor dealing with the consequences . . . he became a strong advocate of government intervention. He established relief programs for people out of work, including a program that . . . would become the model for the CCC, one of the most successful New Deal programs. All of these actions established FDR's credentials as a liberal reformer."
-George Washington University "As Governor of New York, Franklin D. Roosevelt had a reputation for reorganizing government in order to achieve efficiency."
-James Stuart Olson, from the Historical Dictionary of the Depression "FDR's record as governor of New York—and specifically his laudable efforts to combat the effects of the Depression in his own state—only reinforced his place as the leading Democratic contender for the 1932 presidential nomination."
-Miller Center |
Roosevelt’s early life shaped him into an empathetic, confident, and courageous leader who was ready to try new policies to help struggling Americans.