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Today in history: April 12
In 1945, America lost its only four-term president
On this day. 1945: Franklin D. Roosevelt died. He was the 32nd president, serving between 1933-45. Elected to the presidency a record four times, Roosevelt guided America through its most challenging period — the Great Depression and World War II. After his death, the constitution was amended, saying a president could only be elected twice.
Roosevelt's New Deal coalition dominated American politics for two decades. Elected at the very depths of the Great Depression, FDR entered office under the campaign theme song "Happy Days Are Here Again." His first 100 days were a whirlwind of activity against which all subsequent administrations have been measured. Despite the polio that required him to use crutches or a wheelchair, Roosevelt's never-ending optimism revived the spirit of the nation. As Europe plunged into war in 1939, Roosevelt at first maintained neutrality but soon gave today's equivalent of $650 billion in aid to Great Britain, the Soviet Union, China, and other nations. After America entered the war itself in December 1941, Roosevelt oversaw the transformation of the United States into the "Arsenal of Democracy" that led to the defeat of Nazi Germany, Italy, and Japan.
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Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
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