Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt, often referred to as FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States, and led it during World War II. He was born in Hyde Park, New York in 1882, and actually became President during the Great Depression. He was at first famous because the Depression had lasted a long time, and his program, the New Deal, helped put Americans to work and ensure that they didn't starve.

The bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 ensured that the U.S. would enter World War II, and Roosevelt led the country through that time too. He was actually elected for four terms; this is no longer possible. An extemely popular President, his radio messages rallied Americans to win a difficult war, one that many had not wanted to enter to begin with.

It was widely suspected that he had at least one affair, though he had a long career in the public spotlight, and people seemed to keep voting for him anyway. Also, he contracted a paralyzing illness and spent most of his presidency in a wheelchair, but this also didn't diminish his popularity. He was widely seen as a champion of the poor and the common man, who he had kept from starving during the Great Depression.


___ 1. According to the passage, what is FDR most famous for?
a. having an illness
b. having at least one affair
c. leading the country through the Depression and World War II
d. being born in New York State

___ 2. What did he do on his radio programs?
a. find jobs for Americans
b. encourage the war effort
c. campaign for another term of office
d. make people not want to go to war

___ 3. What was the Great Depression?
a. a time of war
b. a time of no work and no money
c. a time when soldiers came back from the war
d. a time when many people were sick