Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States of America, was one of the greatest and most influential figures in its history. He was often referred to by his initials, FDR. This extraordinary man, guided the United States through its most noteworthy personal crisis, besides the Civil War, and its greatest foreign crisis. His administration—which spanned twelve years—was unmatched, not only in length but also in scope. That said, here are five facts you probably didn’t know about FDR.
1. FDR Was Handicapped
In August 1921, while on a summer vacation in Campobello Island, Canada, 39 years old, Roosevelt was diagnosed with polio, a disease at that time with no known cure. Some of the symptoms of his condition were fever, increasing symmetric paralysis, facial paralysis, and so on.
FDR was permanently paralyzed, starting from the waist down and experienced long periods of careful physical restoration to attempt to regain his legs. Even though he gained some ground by figuring out how to move short distances with the aid of a steel brace and a stick, it was, in reality, a difficult time for him since he could neither dress nor wash on his own.
The public never knew the extent of his disability. In any case, where a photographer took his picture to reveal this secret, Secret Service Agents reportedly tore down all their proofs.
2. FDR Followed in His Father’s Footsteps in Picking a Bride
Did you know that just as FDR was married to his supposed distant fifth cousin, Eleanor Roosevelt, his father, James Roosevelt I, married his sixth cousin as a second wife? Eleanor was also the nephew to his uncle Theodore Roosevelt. So, it seems like the family had a thing for keeping their line within themselves because that was what Theodore Roosevelt meant on FDR’s wedding when he said, “Well Franklin, there’s nothing like keeping the family name in the family.”
3. FDR Had Extra-marital Affairs
FDR was known to have several extra-marital affairs, and this also happened with his wife’s social secretary, Lucy Mercer. His extra-marital relationship started the moment they appointed her in early 1914.
In September 1918, Eleanor found out about FDR’s affairs with Lucy, and although she offered him a divorce, his mother strongly objected, and Lucy would not agree to marry a divorced man with five children.
Although FDR promised to quit his affairs, later in 1941, he again started seeing Lucy, and she was even with him when he passed on in 1945.
4. FDR’s Court-packing Plan
After Franklin D. Roosevelt won the 1936 presidential election in a landslide, he proposed a bill to expand the membership of the Supreme Court. This law would have added one justice to the Court for each sentence over the age of 70, with a maximum of six additional judges.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, who has the qualification of being elected for a more significant number of terms than other presidents, needed 15 supreme Court judges. Roosevelt’s aims were clear – to shape the ideological parity of the Court so it would stop striking down his New Deal enactment. Therefore, the arrangement generally and energetically censured. Congress never enacted the law, and Roosevelt lost a lot of political support for having proposed it.
5. FDR’s Aid From Welders in World War II
During World War II, also known as the resource war, which was all about countries striving for who could outproduce each other in weaponry, welders played a tremendous role. That’s why there’s a National Welding Month to commemorate their significant contribution. During the Washington Memorial, FDR commended them for their assistance.
That said, are you a welder like me? It’s utterly fascinating that one of my best US presidents recognized my trade during his lifetime. Speaking of welding, let me seize this opportunity to remind fellow welders and tradies about the importance of keeping safe in our line of work. You must work in the appropriate boots, jackets, gloves, and the likes for safety measures. If, for instance, you need an excellent protective and perfect control jacket, consider checking this at a shop near you.
You might find one that’s good enough for your budget and other specific needs. Also, keep an eye out for this space, alongside writing about the life and times of FDR, I’ll be recommending other product reviews that welders and tradies alike can benefit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Franklin D. Roosevelt did lots of things to help America despite his health condition. He not only got rid of the great depression in the country but significantly increased the responsibilities of his office to help serve and secure the future of the country.
Sources
Wikipedia – Franklin D. Roosevelt