Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born to a wealthy and prominent New York family. His father James was a businessman and his mother Sara was from a distinguished family.

Franklin enrolled at the elite Groton School where headmaster Endicott Peabody instilled ideals of public service. He was influenced by his distant cousin Theodore Roosevelt.

Roosevelt studied at Harvard where he was editor of the student newspaper. He was a mediocre student but excelled socially and began his political awakening.

Franklin married his distant cousin Eleanor, niece of President Theodore Roosevelt who gave away the bride. Their partnership would transform American politics.

Roosevelt won election as a Democrat in a traditionally Republican district, launching his political career. He quickly gained attention for fighting machine politics.

President Wilson appointed FDR to the same position once held by Theodore Roosevelt. He gained valuable experience in military affairs and Washington politics.

Roosevelt was nominated for Vice President alongside James Cox. Though they lost to Harding, FDR gained national recognition and political connections.

Roosevelt contracted polio which left him permanently paralyzed from the waist down. He fought to recover and would hide the extent of his disability throughout his career.

Roosevelt won the governorship despite his disability, proving his political viability. His progressive programs during the Depression previewed the New Deal.

In the depths of the Great Depression, Roosevelt defeated Herbert Hoover in a landslide, promising Americans a 'New Deal' to restore prosperity.

In his first 100 days, FDR signed unprecedented legislation creating Social Security, regulating banks, and putting millions to work through federal programs.

Roosevelt won reelection carrying all but two states against Alf Landon. His coalition of urban workers, minorities, and the South dominated American politics for decades.

Following Pearl Harbor, Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan. He would lead the Allied war effort, forging the 'Grand Alliance' with Churchill and Stalin.

Despite declining health, Roosevelt won a fourth presidential term, the only person to serve more than two terms. He was determined to see the war through to victory.

Roosevelt died of a cerebral hemorrhage just weeks before Germany's surrender. He had led America through the Depression and most of World War II, transforming the presidency forever.