History That Doesn't Suck 173: From Hyde Park to the White House: The Early Life and Election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Feb 10, 2025
Explore the remarkable journey of Franklin Delano Roosevelt from his privileged upbringing to his political ambitions. Discover how personal challenges, including polio and a troubled marriage, shaped his resilience. Witness his evolution into a promising leader through his impactful speeches and strategic campaigning. The podcast highlights his efforts during the Great Depression and the emergence of his 'New Deal' agenda, emphasizing a powerful message of courage and unity in the face of adversity.
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FDR's Polio Diagnosis
- While vacationing, Franklin D. Roosevelt experiences sudden lower back pain, nausea, and a chill.
- His condition worsens, leading to paralysis and a month-long ordeal before a correct diagnosis of polio.
Polio or Guillain-Barre?
- Some historians believe FDR had Guillain-Barre syndrome, not polio.
- However, the polio diagnosis remains the accepted historical narrative.
Young Franklin's Admiration for TR
- As a boy, FDR admired his cousin Theodore Roosevelt.
- He attended Groton School, where TR visited and inspired him with stories of his time as a police commissioner.