Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) was the 32nd President of the United States, holding that office from 1933 to 1945. Coming into office during the Great Depression, FDR championed welfare, social security, job creation, and other things primarily devoted towards helping the working class. , young FDR developed a fascination with boats and stamps. The interest in boats helped motivate him to join the U.S. Navy, where he served in World War I.Unlike Lincoln, FDR didn't have personal experiences with this. His childhood was one of extreme privilege, but that didn't stop him from becoming the people's president.