1. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Charismatic Leadership

2. Basic Biography Born 1882 Graduated from Harvard, 1904
Married Eleanor Roosevelt (niece of Theodore Roosevelt), 1905
Elected to New York legislature,
Assistant Secretary of the Navy,
Nominated for Vice-President, 1920
Stricken with polio, 1921; recovery at Warm Springs
Governor of New York,
President of U.S.,
Great Depression and New Deal
World War II
Died in Warm Springs, April 12, 1945
All photographs (except as noted) from Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Museum, and Digital Archives,

3. The Growth of a Leader Childhood a life of wealth and privilege
Family connections to to political leaders (birth and marriage)
Early ambitions to follow in footsteps of his uncle by marriage
Marriage to TR’s niece
Cabinet position as Asst. Secretary of Navy (also held by TR)
Early run for Vice-President
Perceived as a lightweight
Then…..

4. Polio
FDR contracted polio while on vacation at Campobello (Maine coast)
Despite years of treatment (Warm Springs), never regained ability to walk
With heavy braces, could simulate walking
Minimized disability – only two existing pictures of FDR in wheelchair
Many credit battle with polio for FDR’s sympathy with people

5. Becoming a Charismatic Leader
Times of crisis (Depression, WWII)
Radical solutions
New Deal (public employment, banking regulation, etc.)
Solutions accepted by most (but not all)
Giving hope to people
Inaugural address
Fireside chats
Eleanor Roosevelt
Projected confidence, but also willing to try anything

6. The Crisis: Economic
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7. The Crisis: War
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