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Franklin Delano Roosevelt ( or ; January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945 ), also known by his initials, FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States ( 1933 – 1945 ) and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic depression and total war.

The only American president elected to more than two terms, he facilitated a durable coalition that realigned American politics for decades.

With the bouncy popular song " Happy Days Are Here Again " as his campaign theme, FDR defeated incumbent Republican Herbert Hoover in November 1932, at the depth of the Great Depression.

Energized by his personal victory over paralytic illness, FDR's unfailing optimism and activism contributed to a renewal of the national spirit.

He worked closely with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin in leading the Allies against Germany and Japan in World War II, but died just as victory was in sight.