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Roosevelt's health failed rapidly in 1944-45, even as he ran for reelection. He died On April 12, 1945. Despite polio which crippled him starting in the early 1920s, he exuded a sense of confidence and hope for the future that made for a charismatic personality.  

Roosevelt's health failed rapidly in 1944-45, even as he ran for reelection. He died On April 12, 1945. Despite polio which crippled him starting in the early 1920s, he exuded a sense of confidence and hope for the future that made for a charismatic personality.  

Conservative scholars have argued that some relief efforts actually helped to prolong the [[Great Depression]]. However, World War II brought a return to prosperity for every sector of the economy. The amount spent on the New Deal before the war was less than the $21 billion borrowed by the government over two years during World War I.<ref>David M. Kennedy, ''Freedom From Fear,'' page 178</ref>

Conservative scholars have argued that some relief efforts actually helped to prolong the [[Great Depression]]. However, World War II brought a return to near full employment for every sector of the economy. The amount spent on the New Deal before the war was less than the $21 billion borrowed by the government over two years during World War I.<ref>David M. Kennedy, ''Freedom From Fear,'' page 178</ref>

==Early Life==

==Early Life==

Franklin was born to two old families, both based in upstate New York: the Dutch Roosevelts, and the Yankee Delanos.  His father James Roosevelt (1828-1900), a wealthy railroad executive, was never close to Franklin and died when he was in college. Franklin was the only son of Sara Roosevelt (1854-1941), who exerted tight control over the family money, and tight psychological control over Franklin, until the day she died in 1941. The Delanos made their money in trading with China (originally, in selling opium); Sara was a world traveler who raised her son with the aid of tutors until he went to [[Groton]] at age 14; by that time Franklin had been to Europe many times and spoke fluent French and German. He was a gentleman at Harvard College, where he edited the student newspaper. He graduated from Columbia Law School, and was a successful lawyer before entering politics in 1910, and again while out of politics in the mid-1920s.

Franklin was born to two old families, both based in upstate New York: the Dutch Roosevelts, and the Yankee Delanos.  His father James Roosevelt (1828-1900), a wealthy railroad executive, was never close to Franklin and died when he was in college. Franklin was the only son of Sara Roosevelt (1854-1941), who exerted tight control over the family money, and tight psychological control over Franklin, until the day she died in 1941. The Delanos made their money in trading with China (originally, in selling opium); Sara was a world traveler who raised her son with the aid of tutors until he went to [[Groton]] at age 14; by that time Franklin had been to Europe many times and spoke fluent French and German. He was a gentleman at Harvard College, where he edited the student newspaper. He graduated from Columbia Law School, and was a successful lawyer before entering politics in 1910, and again while out of politics in the mid-1920s.

FDR is most famous for his [[New Deal]], a set of programs designed to produce recovery from the Depression, reform so it would never happen again, and relief  for the tens of millions suffering severe hardships.  

FDR is most famous for his [[New Deal]], a set of programs designed to produce recovery from the Depression, reform so it would never happen again, and relief  for the tens of millions suffering severe hardships.  

FDR's favorite program--and the nation's favorite as well, was the [[Civilian Conservation Corps]], begun in springc 1933. The CCC sent several hundred thousand young men at a time--2.5 million in all by 1943 --to newly formed work camps for 6-month stints. There were no uniforms or military drills.  Of all the New Deal innovations, perhaps the most generally applauded was the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It was strongly approved at the time by conservatives and liberals alike, including most religious and business leaders as a way to save the boys who were perpectually unemployed and drifting into gangs. The CCC was ended in 1943 when the need had vanished.

FDR's favorite program--and the nation's favorite as well, was the [[Civilian Conservation Corps]], begun in springc 1933. The CCC sent several hundred thousand young men at a time -- 2.5 million in all by 1943 -- to newly formed work camps for 6-month stints. There were no uniforms or military drills. It was strongly approved at the time by conservatives and liberals alike, including most religious and business leaders as a way to save the boys who were perpectually unemployed and drifting into gangs. The CCC was ended in 1943 when the need had vanished.

In 1934-35 the '''Second new Deal''' showed Roosevelt moving left. Key innovations included the Wagner Act (1935) that created the National Labor Relations Board and allowed [[Labor unions]] to rapidly expand.  The [[WPA]] was a federalized releif progarm, in which 2+ million unemployed workers were hired by the federal government to work on projects sponsored by local government. Most important of all was the Social Security program, passed over intense Republican opposition.

In 1934-35 the '''Second new Deal''' showed Roosevelt moving left. Key innovations included the Wagner Act (1935) that created the [[National Labor Relations Board and allowed [[Labor unions]] to rapidly expand.  The [[WPA]] was a federalized relief progarm, in which 2+ million unemployed workers were hired by the federal government to work on projects sponsored by local government. Most important of all was the Social Security program, passed over intense Republican opposition.

==Second Term==

==Second Term==

Roosevelt successfully built up the "[[New Deal Coalition]]", a powerful coalition of voters and interest groups that supported liberalism. Key components included big city machines and labor unions. Key voter groups included traditional Democrats, white Southerners, Catholics, Jews, and liberals, as well as many blacks. This united voter base allowed Democrats to be elected to Congress and the presidency for much of the next 30 years.

Roosevelt successfully built up the "[[New Deal Coalition]]", a powerful coalition of voters and interest groups. Key components included big city machines and labor unions. Key voter groups included traditional Democrats, white Southerners, Catholics, Jews, and liberals, as well as many blacks. This united voter base allowed Democrats to be elected to Congress and the presidency for much of the next 30 years.

After a sweeping landslide reelection in 1936--losing only Maine and Vermont--Roosevelt stunned the nation, and his party, by calling for legislation to enlarge the Supreme Court by five new members. A firestorm of opposition erupted, led by his own vice president [[John Nance Garner]]. Roosevelt was defeated by an alliance of Republicans and conservative Democrats, who formed a [[Conservative Coalition]] that managed to block nearly all liberal legislation. (Only a minimum wage law got through.) Angry with the conservative wing of his own party, Roosevelt tried to destroy it. In 1938, he actively campaigned against five incumbent conservative Democratic senators; all five senators won re-election.  

After a sweeping landslide reelection in 1936--losing only Maine and Vermont--Roosevelt stunned the nation, and his party, by calling for legislation to enlarge the Supreme Court by five new members. A firestorm of opposition erupted, led by his own vice president [[John Nance Garner]]. Roosevelt was defeated by an alliance of Republicans and conservative Democrats, who formed a [[Conservative Coalition]] that managed to block nearly all liberal legislation. (Only a minimum wage law got through.) Angry with the conservative wing of his own party, Roosevelt tried to destroy it. In 1938, he actively campaigned against five incumbent conservative Democratic senators; all five senators won re-election.  

== Third Term ==

== Third Term ==

Early in 1939 FDR made up his mind to seek a third election in the [[United States presidential election, 1940|presidential election of 1940]].  FDR realized the political difficulties involved in a third nomination so he wanted to make it appear as a "draft Roosevelt" movement. He kept other candidates dangling in hope, including Democratic National Committee Chairman [[James Farley]], whom FDR rejected because he was [[Roman Catholic]], and Secretary of State Cordell Hull.   

Early in 1939 FDR made up his mind to seek a third election in the [[United States presidential election, 1940|presidential election of 1940]].  FDR realized the political difficulties involved in a third nomination so he concocted a "draft Roosevelt" movement. He kept other candidates dangling in hope, including Democratic National Committee Chairman [[James Farley]], whom FDR rejected because he was [[Roman Catholic]], and Secretary of State Cordell Hull.   

Administrative Assistants to Roosevelt included [[James Forrestal]], [[Lauchlin Currie]] and [[David K. Niles]]. Their function was to get information and to condense and summarize it for Roosevelt's use. FDR soon moved Forrestal to the Navy department, where he took over the responsibilities of the incompetent secretary.  

Administrative Assistants to Roosevelt included [[James Forrestal]], [[Lauchlin Currie]] and [[David K. Niles]]. Their function was to get information and to condense and summarize it for Roosevelt's use. FDR soon moved Forrestal to the Navy department, where he took over the responsibilities of the incompetent secretary.  

Public opinion on entering the war became polarized in very complicated ways. Conservatives divided into pro-war ("interventionist") and anti-war ("isolationist") blocs, as did liberals. Republicans split and Democrats split. FDR was the leader of the interventionist liberal Democrats, but he was opposed by old allies like [[John L. Lewis]] and [[Joe Kennedy]], and supported by old foes like [[Henry Stimson]].

Public opinion on entering the war became polarized in very complicated ways. Conservatives divided into pro-war ("interventionist") and anti-war ("isolationist") blocs, as did liberals. Republicans split and Democrats split. FDR was the leader of the interventionist liberal Democrats, but he was opposed by old allies like [[John L. Lewis]] and [[Joe Kennedy]], and supported by old foes like [[Henry Stimson]].

In general the dispute was entirely focused on Europe. Virtually every group was hostile to Japan and supported a strong pro-[[Nationalist China]] policy, which FDR pushed vigorously.  Tokyo was threatened: end its invasion of China or FDR would--and did at urging of [[KGB]] agent [[Harry Dexter White]] working as an Undersecretary of the Treasury--cut off Japan's oil supplies.  Japan responded to an ultimatum--written by Harry White--with a decision for war.  Once Pearl Harbor was attacked (Dec. 7, 1941), all the prior divisions vanished overnight, and all groups supported the war effort. Later stories to the effect that FDR knew about the Pearl Harbor attack in advance were all false fabrications.

In general the dispute was entirely focused on Europe. Virtually every group was hostile to Japan and supported a strong pro-[[Nationalist China]] policy, which FDR pushed vigorously.  Tokyo was threatened: end its invasion of China or FDR would--and did at the urging of [[KGB]] agent [[Harry Dexter White]] working as an Undersecretary of the Treasury--cut off Japan's oil supplies.  Japan responded to an ultimatum--written by Harry White--with a decision for war.  Once Pearl Harbor was attacked (Dec. 7, 1941), all the prior divisions vanished overnight, and all groups supported the war effort. Later stories to the effect that FDR knew about the Pearl Harbor attack in advance were all false fabrications.

see [[American Homefront, World War II]]

see [[American Homefront, World War II]]

[[Image:Josephstalin.jpg‎|thumb|325px|right|Roosevelt in 1941 formed an alliance of convenience with Stalin to defeat Hitler.]]  

[[Image:Josephstalin.jpg‎|thumb|325px|right|Roosevelt in 1941 formed an alliance of convenience with Stalin to defeat Hitler.]]  

In August 1939 Stalin made an alliance with Hitler under which both jointly waged aggressive war against Poland; the two divided Poland and eastern Europe between them, as Germany turned toward France and Britain.  With Roosevelt strongly supporting France and Britain, the American Communist Party began attacking Roosevelt in the wildest terms and did so for the next twenty-two months.  In the 1940 election, pro-Moscow elements in the CIO forced [[John L. Lewis]] to turn against Roosevelt and support the liberal Republican [[Wendell Willkie]]. Roosevelt meanwhile moved right, and brought into top jobs the GOP vice presidential nominee from 1936, Frank Knox (a conservative who became Secretary of the Navy) and conservative Republican lawyer [[Henry Stimson]], who took over the War Department.  Rejecting advice from the far left, 90% of CIO members voted for Roosevelt, who was easily elected to a third term.

In August 1939 Stalin made an alliance with Hitler under which both jointly waged aggressive war against Poland; the two divided Poland between them, as Germany turned toward France and Britain and the Soviet Union invaded Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Finland.  With Roosevelt strongly supporting France and Britain, the Communist Party USA at Moscow's direction began attacking Roosevelt in the wildest terms and did so for the next twenty-two months.  In the 1940 election, pro-Moscow elements in the CIO forced [[John L. Lewis]] to turn against Roosevelt and support the liberal Republican [[Wendell Willkie]]. Roosevelt meanwhile moved right, and brought into top jobs the GOP vice presidential nominee from 1936, Frank Knox (a conservative who became Secretary of the Navy) and conservative Republican lawyer [[Henry Stimson]], who took over the War Department.  Rejecting advice from its communist organizers, 90% of CIO members voted for Roosevelt, who was easily elected to a third term.

Roosevelt was determined to help Britain and at one point after Pearl Harbor [[Winston Churchill]] even moved into the White House to coordinate war strategy.  Isolations, led by the [[America First]] Committee and Senator [[Burton K. Wheeler]] tried to block the moves toward war.  

Roosevelt was determined to help Britain and at one point after Pearl Harbor [[Winston Churchill]] even moved into the White House to coordinate war strategy.  Isolationists, led by the [[America First]] Committee and Senator [[Burton K. Wheeler]] tried to block the moves toward war.  

Roosevelt in February 1940 sharply attacked the Soviet Union:

Roosevelt in February 1940 sharply attacked the Soviet Union:

The Soviet Union, as everybody who has the courage to face the fact knows, is run by a dictatorship as absolute as any other dictatorship in the world. It has allied itself with another dictatorship [Germany], and it has invaded a neighbor [Finland] so infinitesimally small that it could do no conceivable possible harm to the Soviet Union, a neighbor which seeks only to live at peace as a democracy, and a liberal, forward-looking  democracy at that.<ref>Quoted in Robert E. Sherwood, ''Roosevelt and Hopkins: An Intimate History'', (1948), [http://americandeception.com/index.php?action=downloadpdf&photo=/PDFsml_AD/Roosevelt_and_Hopkins-An_Intimate_History-Robert_E_Sherwood-1948-1034pgs-GOV-POL.sml.pdf&id=252&PHPSESSID=03d3557b41f249f71349e6d730cc8498 p. 138] pdf.</ref>}}

The Soviet Union, as everybody who has the courage to face the fact knows, is run by a dictatorship as absolute as any other dictatorship in the world. It has allied itself with another dictatorship [Germany], and it has invaded a neighbor [Finland] so infinitesimally small that it could do no conceivable possible harm to the Soviet Union, a neighbor which seeks only to live at peace as a democracy, and a liberal, forward-looking  democracy at that.<ref>Quoted in Robert E. Sherwood, ''Roosevelt and Hopkins: An Intimate History'', (1948), [http://americandeception.com/index.php?action=downloadpdf&photo=/PDFsml_AD/Roosevelt_and_Hopkins-An_Intimate_History-Robert_E_Sherwood-1948-1034pgs-GOV-POL.sml.pdf&id=252&PHPSESSID=03d3557b41f249f71349e6d730cc8498 p. 138] pdf.</ref>}}

===Germany invades Russia===

===Germany invades Russia===

In June 1941 Germany invaded Russia, and Communists immediately switched from anti-FDR isolationism to support for FDR and demands the US enter the war.  The conservative isolationists were convinced that FDR was conniving to somehow trick the American people and enter the war.  Public opinion steadily moved to support FDR's aggressive policies against Japana and germany.

In June 1941 Germany invaded Russia, and Communists on Moscow's instructions immediately switched from anti-FDR isolationism to support for FDR and demands the US enter the war.  The conservative isolationists were convinced that FDR was conniving to somehow trick the American people and enter the war.  Public opinion steadily moved to support FDR's aggressive policies against Japan and Germany.

[[File:Warplan.jpg|thumb|400px|Wheeler leaks top secret US war plan three days before Pearl Harbor]]

[[File:Warplan.jpg|thumb|400px|Wheeler leaks top secret US war plan three days before Pearl Harbor]]

In early December 1941 a military officer gave Senator Burton Wheeler, an isolationist liberal Democrat, a copy of the top secret American war plan for fighting Germany. Wheeler gave it to the ''Chicago Tribune'', which published the secrets in a desperate effort to weaken the American military so much that Roosevelt would avoid war. Pearl Harbor came a few days later and Wheeler and the isolationists went quiet.

In early December 1941 a military officer gave Senator Burton Wheeler, an isolationist liberal Democrat, a copy of the top secret American war plan for fighting Germany. Wheeler gave it to the ''Chicago Tribune'', which published the secrets in a desperate effort to weaken the American military so much that Roosevelt would avoid war. Pearl Harbor came a few days later and Wheeler and the isolationists went quiet.

The policy makers in Washington--including those at the newly constructed Pentagon--wanted to focus on defeating the main enemy, Germany.  Public opinion (and the Navy) insisted on defeating Japan first. Given the military situation, there was little in 1942-43 the U.S. could do to defeat Germany except send military supplies to Britain and Russia, which was done.  The war in 1942-43 of necessity focused on Japan, and it was a very hard-fought war fought primarily with naval aviation.  The great American victory at the [[Battle of Midway]] ended the Japanese blitzkrieg and evened out the forces. Japan was unprepared for a long war, and already by early 1942 the U.S. had far more warships and warplanes under construction than Japan did.  Before the material edge became decisive, American forces defeated the Japanese at the [[Battle of Guadalcanal]]. By 1943 the "island hopping" campaign under Admiral [[Chester Nimitz]] in the central Pacific, and under General [[Douglas MacArthur]] in the Southwest Pacific was inexorably pushing American forces toward the Japanese home islands, with the goal of invading them and capturing Tokyo.

The policy makers in Washington--including those at the newly constructed Pentagon--wanted to focus on defeating Germany.  Public opinion (and the Navy) insisted on defeating Japan first. Given the military situation, there was little in 1942-43 the U.S. could do to open a ground front in Europe except send military supplies to Britain and Russia, which was done.  The war in 1942-43 of necessity focused on Japan, and it was a very hard-fought war primarily with naval aviation.  The great American victory at the [[Battle of Midway]] ended the Japanese blitzkrieg and evened out the forces. Japan was unprepared for a long war, and already by early 1942 the U.S. had far more warships and warplanes under construction than Japan did.  Before the material edge became decisive, American forces defeated the Japanese at the [[Battle of Guadalcanal]]. By 1943 the "island hopping" campaign under Admiral [[Chester Nimitz]] in the central Pacific, and under General [[Douglas MacArthur]] in the Southwest Pacific was inexorably pushing American forces toward the Japanese home islands, with the goal of invading them and capturing Tokyo.

American and British troops invaded North Africa in 1942, and Sicily and Italy in 1943. In retrospective these were not major strategic goals, but they did provide the Army with the combat experience needed to prepare for the real invasion of France in June 1944. By then the German Luftwaffe had been destroyed by the U.S. Air Force, and the vast advantage in war material made the German military position hopeless. With the huge Russian armies pressing in from the east, and the smaller but more powerful Allied armies coming in from the west, the Nazi war machine was crushed in 1944-45.

American and British troops invaded North Africa in 1942, and Sicily and Italy in 1943. In retrospect these were not major strategic goals, but they did provide the Army with the combat experience needed to prepare for the real invasion of France in June 1944. By then the German Luftwaffe had been destroyed by the U.S. Air Force, and the vast advantage in war material made the German military position hopeless. With the huge Russian armies pressing in from the east, and the smaller but more powerful Allied armies coming in from the west, the Nazi war machine was crushed in 1944-45.

FDR worked very closely with his military advisors, and followed their strategic advice.  His main role was fostering diplomatic relations with Britain, Russia and China, helping themn with [[Lend Lease]] supplies of food and munitions.

FDR worked very closely with his military advisors, and followed their strategic advice.  His stated policy was fostering diplomatic relations with Britain, the Soviet Union, and the Chinese Nationalists, and helping with [[Lend Lease]] supplies of food and munitions.

Roosevelt had his closest contest in 1944, with a subdued contest that was decided by turnout of FDR allies in the cities and labor unions, and increasingy among soldiers.

Roosevelt had his closest election in 1944, with a subdued contest that was decided by turnout of FDR allies in the cities and labor unions, and increasingy among soldiers.

== Fourth Term ==

== Fourth Term ==

:''See also '''[[Yalta conference]]'''''

:''See also '''[[Yalta conference]]'''''

At the [[Yalta conference]] in February 1945, victory was in sight in Europe. A [[reparations]] commission was set up to help repay Russia from German assets. The key arrangements allowed Sovciet control of Eastern Europe. Roosevelt, in failing health, seemed to think that he and Stalin would personally iron out any difficulties after the war ended.  FDR did get Stalin to promise to enter the war against Japan 90 days after Germany surrendered. Stalin did so.

At the [[Yalta conference]] in February 1945, victory was in sight in Europe. A [[reparations]] commission was set up to help repay Russia from German assets. The key arrangements allowed Soviet control of Eastern Europe. Roosevelt, in failing health, seemed to think that he and Stalin would personally iron out any difficulties after the war ended.  FDR persuaded Stalin to promise to enter the war against Japan 90 days after Germany surrendered. Stalin did so. Stalin was an ally of Japan by virtue of the Matsuoka pact up to that point.

In February 1944 Congress rejected Roosevelt's demand for a $10,500,000,000 tax increase and cut it to $2,300,000,000. Roosevelt vetoed it saying this was a "bill not for relief of the needy but of the greedy."  Senator [[Alben Barkley]], Democratic leader, rose on the floor of the Senate to say the veto was "a calculated and deliberate assault upon the legislative integrity of every member of Congress." The entire Senate united in a roar of applause. Barkley declared that after seven years of carrying the [[New Deal]] banner for Roosevelt, he would resign his post as Democratic majority leader and he called on every member of the Congress to preserve its self respect and override the veto. The Senate overrode it 72 to 14 and the House 299 to 95.  

In February 1944 Congress rejected Roosevelt's demand for a $10,500,000,000 tax increase and cut it to $2,300,000,000. Roosevelt vetoed it saying this was a "bill not for relief of the needy but of the greedy."  Senator [[Alben Barkley]], Democratic leader, rose on the floor of the Senate to say the veto was "a calculated and deliberate assault upon the legislative integrity of every member of Congress." The entire Senate united in a roar of applause. Barkley declared that after seven years of carrying the [[New Deal]] banner for Roosevelt, he would resign his post as Democratic majority leader and he called on the Congress to preserve its self respect and override the veto. The Senate overrode it 72 to 14 and the House 299 to 95.