Existing comment:
Franklin Roosevelt, 1882-1945
Eleanor Roosevelt, 1884-1962
Born Hyde Park, New York
Eleanor Roosevelt 1884–1962
Born New York City
This 1940 news photograph shows Franklin Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor at an unidentified event. Roosevelt's mentor in politics was New York governor Al Smith, whom he dubbed "the happy warrior," and Roosevelt shared Smith's love of campaigning. After surviving polio, Roosevelt was determined not to let his paralysis limit him; indeed, the disease instilled in him the drive to make his life count in the public arena. In 1940 he was finishing his second presidential term, and his domestic agenda -- the New Deal -- was largely completed. Roosevelt was now turning his attention to foreign policy and navigating America's response to the outbreak of war in Europe. The severity of the international situation would cause him to break with precedent and seek reelection for a third term in 1941.
Unidentified artist, c 1940 |