Narrated by David Pietrusza Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945), commonly known as FDR, was a American statesman and political leader who served as the President of the United States 1933-1945. A Democrat, he won a record four elections and dominated his party for many years as 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.