On March 4, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt was sworn in as the 32nd president of the United States, facing an economic catastrophe unlike anything the country had ever seen.
The longest running president – serving over 12 years in total – his leadership would go on to define an era, guiding the USA through the Great Depression and World War II. Roosevelt’s presidency was marked by significant achievements and challenges, from establishing the New Deal to reshaping the role of the federal government. Here are five key facts about FDR that showcase his impact on American history!
1. FDR was the last president to be inaugurated in March
For most of U.S. history, presidents were inaugurated on March 4th, a tradition dating back to George Washington. But after FDR’s first term, the 20th Amendment was ratified, moving the date to January 20th to shorten the lame-duck period. That means Roosevelt’s first inauguration was the last one ever held in March.
After his unprecedented third-term victory in 1940, Roosevelt recognised the importance of a smooth transition of power. Though he did not benefit from it himself, he helped shape the modern transition process, influencing the eventual ratification of the 20th Amendment, which moved the presidential inauguration date from March 4 to January 20, shortening the lame-duck period. This decision ensured that future presidents could take office more quickly during national emergencies.
Read an extract from FDR’s first inaugural address
I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our people impel. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.
2. The USA was in economic crisis when Roosevelt came to office
Roosevelt inherited a country which was majorly suffering from the impacts of the Great Depression, as a result of the Wall Street Crash in 1929. Republican presidents’ hands-off approach had only exemplified the spiralling of the economy into chaos, and it was clear that a more direct handling of government was needed.
At the time of Roosevelt’s inauguration, one in four Americans were unemployed, and between 1929 and 1933, wage income fell by 42.5% and industrial production fell by nearly 47%. Banks were closing daily, and the day before the inauguration, March 3rd, every bank in the country had shut down and people were hoarding cash. Roosevelt’s first act as president was declaring a bank holiday to stop the financial panic.
3. Roosevelt was the only president with a disability
Roosevelt was the first (and so far only) physically disabled president, having been paralysed from the waist down due to polio. Despite this, his team carefully controlled his public image. During the inauguration, he used steel leg braces, a cane, and the support of his son to walk a short distance.
The press largely cooperated in avoiding photos that showed him struggling, helping to maintain an image of strength and resilience.
4. Roosevelt’s was the first inauguration to be broadcast live
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s first inauguration in 1933 was the first to be broadcast live on the radio, marking a major shift in how presidents communicated with the public. For the first time, millions of Americans could hear the oath of office and Roosevelt’s famous “Nothing to fear but fear itself” speech in real time. This was especially significant during the Great Depression when the country was in crisis. By addressing the nation directly, Roosevelt was able to project confidence and reassurance, helping to restore public trust in the government.
The live broadcast also reflected the growing influence of radio as the dominant form of mass communication. Roosevelt later used this technology to great effect through his Fireside Chats, directly engaging with the American people in a way that no president had before. His use of radio set a precedent for future presidents, who would continue to utilise emerging technologies – from television to social media – to connect with the public.
5. FDR’s New Deal reshaped America’s economy
FDR’s New Deal was a series of government programs and reforms introduced in response to the Great Depression. It aimed to provide relief for the unemployed, recovery for the economy, and reform to prevent future economic crises:
- Relief: Immediate help for the unemployed through programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Public Works Administration (PWA).
- Recovery: Economic stimulus through the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA).
- Reform: Long-term protections, such as Social Security, banking regulations, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to prevent another financial collapse.
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency had a lasting impact on American politics and society. His leadership during the Great Depression and World War II helped shape key policies, including the New Deal, which aimed to address the economic crisis and reform the country’s financial system. Roosevelt’s actions also influenced the presidential transition process and marked a shift in how presidents communicated with the public, particularly through his use of radio. While his tenure brought significant changes to the nation, it also set precedents that continue to affect the presidency and American governance today.