Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945), 32nd President of the United States, the longest-serving holder of the office and the only person to be elected President more than twice, was one of the central figures of 20th century history. He is best known for leading the U.S. through the Great Depression using his New Deal, building a powerful Democratic party coalition that dominated American politics for three decades, and leading the military alliance that defeated Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and the Empire of Japan in World War II. A child of economic and social privilege, he overcame crippling illness to place himself at the head of the forces of reform. Universally called FDR, he was both loved and hated in his day but today many consider him one of the greatest of American presidents.