Franklin D. Roosevelt biography timeline

Franklin Delano Roosevelt is born at Hyde Park, New York.

Birth of Franklin Delano Roosevelt

The future Democratic president is born into the Roosevelt family.

The Colorado River Compact for construction of the Hoover Dam splits the river basin into upper and lower halves with the states within each region deciding how the water would be divided

The Colorado River Compact for construction of the Hoover Dam splits the river basin into upper and lower halves with the states within each region deciding how the water would be divided

A commission is formed with a representative from each of the Basin states and one from the Federal Government, the federal representative is Herbert Hoover, then Secretary of State for Commerce under President Warren Harding

Wins good majorities in the House & the Senate, unprecedented in US history. Wins 22 million votes

Inaugurated President of the USA

US banks close for 4 days due to a financial crisis. US banks close for 4 days due to a finacial crisis

Roosevelt suspends banking transactions while authorities examine institutions before reopening them.

Banks are closed, only "sound" institutions associated with the Federal Reserve remain

The Act provides federal procedures for reopening solvent banks and supporting financial institutions.

Banks are closed, only "sound" institutions associated with the Federal Reserve remain

The order requires most privately held monetary gold to be delivered to authorised institutions.

Executive Order 6102 requires most privately held monetary gold to be surrendered for currency.

Roosevelt prohibits gold exports and redemption, formally suspending the United States gold standard.

Goes on TV & describes plans to give work to 1/4 million unemployed

The TVA begins integrated development of electricity, navigation and flood control.

The Securities Act requires disclosure for many securities offered to the public.

Creates the Civilian Conservation Corps to reduce unemployment

Creates the Civilian Conservation Corps to reduce unemployment. Creates the civilian conservation corps to reduce unemployment

Creates the Civilian Conservation Corps to reduce unemployment

Creates the Civilian Conservation Corps to reduce unemployment

The Act separates major commercial and investment-banking activities and creates deposit insurance.

The National Recovery Act is passed by Congress

The National Recovery Act is passed by Congress

The National Recovery Act is passed by Congress

Introduces to Congress the National Industrial Recovery Bill to increase employment

Introduces to Congress the National Industrial Recovery Bill to increase employment

Introduces to Congress the National Industrial Recovery Bill to increase employment

Introduces to Congress the National Industrial Recovery Bill to increase employment

Introduces the National Industrial Recovery Bill to Congress

Introduces the National Industrial Recovery Bill to Congress

9 March-16 June, 1st phase of the "Hundred Days" to reform the economy

9 March-16 June, 1st phase of the "Hundred Days" to reform the economy

9 March-16 June, 1st phase of the "Hundred Days" to reform the economy

The USSR is recognized by the USA, to counteract Japans rise in the Far East

The Navy Dept is allocated $238 million to build 32 new warships

The Civil Works Administration employs 4 million on public works

Creates the Civilian Conservation Corps to reduce unemployment. The Civilian Conservation Corps finds work for 2 million

Introduces the National Industrial Recovery Bill to Congress. Creates the Civilian Conservation Corps to reduce unemployment. Creates the civilian conservation corps to reduce unemployment. Prepared to accept a national debt of $31,000 million to reduce unemployment. Introduces the "New Deal". $400 million is made available for road building & improvement

Prepared to accept a national debt of $31,000 million to reduce unemployment

Founds the National Recovery Administration

Introduces to Congress the National Industrial Recovery Bill to increase employment. Creates the Civilian Conservation Corps to reduce unemployment. The Civil Works Administration employs 4 million on public works. The Civilian Conservation Corps finds work for 2 million. Prepared to accept a national debt of $31,000 million to reduce unemployment. Introduces the "New Deal". Founds the National Recovery Administration

Appointed President of the USA, 32nd President, 1st term

Prepared to accept a national debt of $31,000 million to reduce unemployment

Creates the Civilian Conservation Corps to reduce unemployment.

Introduces the "New Deal". $500 million is made available for "public works". $400 million is made available for road building & improvement.

Introduces to Congress the National Industrial Recovery Bill to increase employment.

Prepared to accept a national debt of $31,000 million to reduce unemployment.

The Civil Works Administration employs 4 million on public works.

The Civilian Conservation Corps finds work for 2 million.

The USSR is recognized by the USA, to counteract Japans rise in the Far East. The Navy Dept is allocated $238 million to build 32 new warships

The Act transfers monetary gold to the Treasury and changes the official gold value.

The Gold Reserve Act transfers monetary gold to the Treasury and prohibits dollar redemption in gold.

The US promises the Philippines independence

The US promises the Philippines independence

The US promises the Philippines independence

Japan issues the "Amu-Settlement", a "hands off" China warning to the USA & Britain

Japan issues the "Amu-Settlement", a "hands off" China warning to the USA & Britain

Japan issues the "Amu-Settlement", a "hands off" China warning to the USA & Britain

The Act regulates securities exchanges and creates continuing reporting requirements.

Roosevelt signs the Federal Credit Union Act, establishing Credit Unions

Roosevelt signs the Federal Credit Union Act, establishing Credit Unions

Roosevelt signs the Federal Credit Union Act, establishing Credit Unions

Roosevelt signs the Federal Credit Union Act, establishing Credit Unions

The USA joins the Internation Labour Organisation

The Act creates federal old-age benefits and cooperative unemployment-insurance programmes.

Concentrates on social security & sets up a works progress administration

Concentrates on social security & sets up a works progress administration

The United States joins Britain and France in coordinating exchange stability without restoring classical gold convertibility.

Wins every state except for 2. Wins 60% of the vote during the Presidential elections, 27 million of the poll

The Neutrality Laws are strengthened

The Neutrality Laws are strengthened

Passes the Soil Conservation Act which controls farm surpluses. Opens the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River

Passes the Soil Conservation Act which controls farm surpluses

Passes the Soil Conservation Act which controls farm surpluses

Wins all States except for Maine & Vermont in a landslide, success of his "new deal"

Wins all States except for Maine & Vermont in a landslide, success of his "new deal"

Appointed President of the USA, 26th President, 2nd term

Congress Approves Roosevelts Social Security Act

Roosevelt renounces the neutrality policy towards Japan

Roosevelt renounces the neutrality policy towards Japan

The US asks that all powers help refugees fleeing from the Nazis

The US stops buying Mexican silver in reprisal for the Mexican seizure of American oil companies

Roosevelt appealed to the governments involved to continue negotiations and avoid a European war.

The US Ambassador is withdrawn from Berlin after "crystal night"

Criticises the German Government at a press conference

Washington sends its fourth note to Berlin demanding amnesty for Jews

Requests Congress to amend the Neutrality Act to sell arms

Requests Congress to amend the Neutrality Act to sell arms

Requests Congress to amend the Neutrality Act to sell arms

Einstein writes a letter to Roosevelt to develop the atomic bomb

Authorises creation of the Advisory Committee on Uranium.

Roosevelt authorizes the creation of the Advisory Committee on Uranium

Roosevelt authorizes the creation of the Advisory Committee on Uranium. Economist Alexander Sachs meets with President Roosevelt and delivers the Einstein-Szilard letter

First meeting of the Uranium Committee, headed by Lyman Briggs of the National Bureau of Standards, 6000 dollars is budgeted for neutron experiments

First meeting of the Uranium Committee, headed by Lyman Briggs of the National Bureau of Standards, 6000 dollars is budgeted for neutron experiments

Arms can be shipped to belligerent powers if they pay cash & US ships transport them

Signs an amendment to the Neutrality Act

Signs an amendment to the Neutrality Act

Signs an amendment to the Neutrality Act

President Franklin Roosevelt calls on Lyman Briggs of the National Bureau of Standards to head "The Uranium Committee" to undertake nuclear research, as a result of the Einstein-Szilard letter

President Franklin Roosevelt calls on Lyman Briggs of the National Bureau of Standards to head "The Uranium Committee" to undertake nuclear research, as a result of the Einstein-Szilard letter

Requests Congress to amend the Neutrality Act to sell arms. The outbreak of war & the Russo-German non-aggression pact change US attitudes

Roosevelt authorises preliminary work for a third set of locks to increase wartime capacity.

Provides for a shipbuilding program for entry into the 2nd World War

Provides for a shipbuilding program for entry into the 2nd World War

Will supply Britain with 50 WW1 destroyers for the lease of Caribbean naval bases

Congress authorizes the President to call the National guard & other reserves for 1 yr

Congress authorizes the President to call the National guard & other reserves for 1 yr

Congress agrees to lend 50 destroyers to Britain in return for 99 yr naval base leases

Congress agrees to lend 50 destroyers to Britain for 99 yr leases on naval bases

Congress agrees to lend 50 destroyers to Britain in return for 99 yr naval base leases

Congress agrees to lend 50 destroyers to Britain in return for 99 yr nave base leases

Burke-Wadsworth Bill, passed to provide for limited conscription

Burke-Wadsworth Bill, passed to provide for limited conscription

Burke-Wadsworth Bill, passed to provide for limited conscription

Elected for a 3rd term, 27 million votes to Wilkies 22 million votes

Makes a speech pledging more aid to Britain & declares the Axis will not win the war

The Defence Commission announces approval for arms contracts worth œ2.5 million. Makes a speech pledging more aid to Britain & declares the Axis will not win the war. It is announced that the "loan or lease" plan will be extended to Greece & China

The Defence Commission announces approval for arms contracts worth œ2.5 million

The Lend Lease Act provides for the US to lend Britain & her Allies war materials. SAends the Lend-Lease Bill to Congress

The Act authorises material assistance to countries considered vital to American defence.

Approves the British support of the Free French in capturing Madagascar

Approves the British support of the Free French in capturing Madagascar

Roosevelt declares a state of emergency, the Government assumes wide-ranging control of the economy & pledges to resist German aggression

Roosevelt declares a state of emergency, the Government assumes wide-ranging control of the economy & pledges to resist German aggression

Begins the Atlantic Conference while the United States remains formally neutral.

Meets Churchill in Newfoundland to discuss war aims and the postwar order.

Attends a joint Sunday service aboard HMS Prince of Wales.

The service visibly demonstrates growing Anglo-American solidarity.

Links postwar security with social welfare and economic advancement.

Places rejection of territorial expansion among the charter's common principles.

Places unhindered maritime movement within the charter's international vision.

Promotes political self-determination within the charter's postwar vision.

Supports an eight-point framework for wartime aims and postwar peace.

Supports establishment of a wider permanent system of general security.

Supports freedom of the seas as a central postwar principle.

Supports international economic cooperation and improved labour standards.

Supports restoration of sovereign rights and self-government after Axis occupation.

Supports the principle that neither country seeks territorial aggrandizement.

The principle anticipates later work toward the United Nations.

Works with Churchill on a statement of common international principles.

Concludes the Atlantic Conference after four days of meetings.

Leaves Newfoundland with agreement on common principles and strategic cooperation.

Issues the joint declaration later known as the Atlantic Charter.

Publicly sets out eight common principles with Churchill.

Bush takes MAUD report to Roosevelt who approves project to confirm MAUD's findings

The Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor sinking or damaging 18 ships. The bombing of Pearl Harbour bring the US into World War II

The USA declares War on Japan

Romania declares war on the USA

The USA declares war on Germany

The Selective Service Act requires all men aged 18-64 register, men aged 20-44 are liable to conscription

The Selective Service Act requires all men aged 18-64 register, men aged 20-44 are liable to conscription

Declares, "When Germany is defeated, the collapse of Italy & Japan will follow"

The US freezes all Japanese assets in the US. The US applies sanctions against Japan for closing the "Open Door" policy in Asia

The US applies sanctions against Japan for closing the "Open Door" policy in Asia

The US applies sanctions against Japan for closing the "Open Door" policy in Asia

Relations break down when Roosevelt demands Japanese withdrawal from China & Indochina

Helps transform the charter's principles into a wider Allied commitment.

Signs the Declaration by United Nations incorporating Atlantic Charter principles.

An allied pact becomes the United Nations

Declaration by 26 Allies not to conclude a separate armistice. An allied pact becomes the United Nations

Declaration by 26 Allies not to conclude a separate armistice, the pact becomes the UN

Declaration 26 by Allies not to conclude a separate armistice becomes basis for the UN

Declaration by 26 Allies not to conclude a separate armistice, the pact becomes the UN. Declaration 26 by Allies not to conclude a separate armistice becomes basis for the UN

Britain, the USA, China & 22 Allies agree not to make a separate peace with Germany

At a General Staff Conference the US is given the task of planning entry into Europe. At a General Staff Conference the US is given planning mobilization in Britain

Japanese expansion in the Pacific is stopped off New Guinea

Appoints Eisenhower as the Commander of the US forces in Europe

Declares the Allied war aims of world peace, freedom & self-determination

The Dieppe raid is defeated, concerns about Operation Sledgehammer are confirmed

Supports Operation Torch, which opens a western front in North Africa and eases pressure on Egypt and Suez.

The Allies launch Operation Torch & jointly invade north Africa

Roosevelt approves detailed plans for full-scale production facilities and atomic-weapon development.

Roosevelt approves a greatly increased Manhattan Project cost estimate of about 400 million dollars submitted through Vannevar Bush.

The US wish to relieve pressure on Russia by attacking the Pas de Calais in the summer

Authorizes an American biological warfare programme during the Second World War while emphasizing retaliatory preparedness.

Roosevelt & Churchill demand the unconditional surrender of Germany, Italy & Japan. 2nd meeting of US & UK leaders

Sicily will be invaded in July & in August. An Allied strategy is agreed to defeat Germany then Britain will fight against Japan. A joint Allied offensive will be launched on the Contentin Peninsula

The Casablanca Conference agrees Sicily will be invaded in July & in August

The Allies adopt unconditional surrender as their declared objective for Germany, Italy and Japan.

Roosevelt & Churchill demand the unconditional surrender of Germany, Italy & Japan

The US airforce bombs Germany for the 1sr time

Roosevelt opens strategic discussions with Churchill at the Trident Conference in Washington

The Trident Conference confirms planning for a cross Channel invasion while continuing Mediterranean operations

Miners go on strike

Opening day of Conference for Allied leaders in Cairo to discuss the war in Asia

Japan will lose Pacific Islands seized since the beginning of World War I. It is agreed to restore all territory lost by the Republic of China. 1st day of bi-lateral talks between Britain & the USA

Roosevelt lands at Gale Morghe airfield and proceeds to the American Legation under tight security.

Roosevelt flies from Cairo to Tehran to meet Churchill and Stalin for the first Big Three summit.

Roosevelt joins Churchill and Stalin at the first plenary meeting of the Tehran Conference.

Roosevelt meets the Joint Chiefs to review American strategic positions before the first plenary session.

Roosevelt moves into the Soviet Embassy compound after security concerns are raised about travel through Tehran.

Roosevelt supports giving the cross-Channel invasion priority in Allied European strategy.

Roosevelt inspects the Sword of Stalingrad after Churchill formally presents it to Stalin.

Roosevelt meets the American Chiefs of Staff before the second plenary session.

Roosevelt joins Churchill and Stalin for the second full plenary meeting of the conference.

Roosevelt hosts Churchill and Stalin for luncheon before the third plenary session.

Roosevelt meets Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi during the Tehran Conference and discusses relations with Iran.

Roosevelt presents Churchill with a Kashan bowl during the Prime Minister's birthday dinner.

Roosevelt joins Churchill and Stalin for the third formal plenary meeting.

Agreed to mount Overlord & send a diversionary force to the south of France in May 1944

The US Senate recognizes the need for an international peacekeeping organisation. Senate voting is 85-5 in favour

Roosevelt signs the declaration supporting Iran's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Roosevelt meets Churchill, Stalin and senior advisers for the final day of conference negotiations.

Roosevelt agrees the final communiqué with Churchill and Stalin after the last conference discussions.

Roosevelt accepts the coordinated plan for Overlord and a supporting operation against southern France in 1944.

Roosevelt confirms agreement that Operation Overlord will be launched in May 1944.

Roosevelt opens the Tehran political discussion by hoping Polish-Soviet relations can be restored before final decisions on disputed frontier questions.

Roosevelt, Churchill & Kai-Shek demand Japans unconditional surrender. Roosevelt, Churchill & Kai-Shek demand Japans return to its 1894 boundaries

Roosevelt signs the joint declaration confirming Allied agreement on coordinated military operations against Germany.

Camp Detrick becomes the principal centre for the United States wartime biological warfare research programme.

Invites Russia to attend the Casablanca Conference but Stalin refuses

Announces the Allies will only accept the unconditional surrender of the Axis powers. A joint Allied staff COSSAC is set up for invasion of Europe in the Summer of 1944

Plans a 4 power declaration to establish peace before the peace treaties are signed

A million Americans are shipped to Britain for the Allied invasion of Europe

A joint Allied staff COSSAC is set up for invasion of Europe in the Summer of 1944

Churchill refuses to participate in an Allied invasion of France

Roosevelt decides to test Einsteins theory & develop the atomic bomb

A million Americans are shipped to Britain for the Allied invasion of Europe

Roosevelt agrees to the British request to invade North Africa, Operation Torch

The GI Bill provides education, housing and unemployment benefits to returning veterans.

Proposes meeting Stalin and Churchill in Scotland to coordinate the next stage of Allied strategy.

Tells Stalin he hopes the three Allied leaders can meet as early as possible.

Suggests Malta, Athens or Cyprus as alternatives to a meeting on the Soviet Black Sea coast.

Offers Piraeus, Salonica or Constantinople as alternatives to the difficult Black Sea conference route.

Suggests postponing the Big Three meeting until after his January presidential inauguration.

Proposes a late January or early February meeting while continuing to prefer a Mediterranean location.

Relies on secured Middle Eastern routes, including the Suez Canal, for Allied logistics and communications.

Identifies Batum or Yalta as possible locations for the forthcoming meeting with Churchill and Stalin.

Seeks British coordination before asking Stalin to delay action on recognition of the Lublin Committee.

Asks Stalin to leave the question of recognizing the Lublin Committee unresolved until the tripartite meeting.

Plans for Harry Hopkins to visit Britain before the Malta and Yalta meetings.

Agrees with Churchill that journalists should not attend the conference sessions in Crimea.

Sends Churchill final travel arrangements for moving from the Malta talks to the Crimea conference.

Meets Churchill for lunch aboard USS Quincy before both leaders travel to meet Stalin.

Takes part in the first plenary session, which concentrates on the military situation in Europe.

Reviews proposed action on the United Nations, Germany, Poland, Eastern Europe, Iran and China with advisers.

Meets Churchill and Stalin as the Yalta Conference begins at Livadia Palace.

Participates in debate over German dismemberment, occupation zones, France and reparations.

Meets Churchill privately for lunch as negotiations over Germany, Poland and the United Nations continue.

Roosevelt tells Stalin at Yalta that he generally favours the Curzon Line but asks whether Poland might retain Lwow or nearby oil-producing territory.

Leads discussion of the American Security Council voting formula during the third plenary meeting.

Secures acceptance of the American formula for voting in the future United Nations Security Council.

Discusses possible international trusteeship arrangements for Korea during his bilateral meeting with Stalin.

Discusses air bases, supply routes and strategic cooperation in the Far East with Stalin.

Helps settle plans for the United Nations conference to open in the United States on 25 April.

Supports a declaration committing the Allies to consultation and democratic political processes in liberated Europe.

Joins agreement on a statement linking Poland's eastern frontier to the Curzon Line with adjustments.

Joins Churchill and Stalin in approving the Declaration on Liberated Europe.

Asks Stalin and Churchill to support additional American votes if the United States later seeks them in the General Assembly.

Agrees that the conference to draft the United Nations Charter will open in the United States on 25 April.

Supports the Declaration on Liberated Europe, which commits the Allies to democratic political processes in liberated states.

Signs the protocol establishing principles and machinery for German reparations.

Signs the secret agreement setting conditions for Soviet entry into the war against Japan.

Replies that the United States should insist on a genuine implementation of the Yalta agreement concerning Poland.