Franklin Roosevelt

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) is the only American president elected to the position four times. With the help of the "New Deal," he pulled the United States out of the Great Depression and led them for almost the entire duration of World War II. Thanks to him, the country put an end to traditional isolationism and became an influential member of the global community, while its citizens received a powerful social protection system. Sentimental belief in goodness and justice coexisted in him with selfishness, calculation, and a willingness to make considerable sacrifices. He could be noble and petty, selfless and vengeful. Why did Roosevelt sympathize with Stalin and dislike de Gaulle? Who won in their intellectual contests with Churchill? How did his family feel about his love affairs? How did he manage to deliver speeches while standing, despite suffering from polio?