Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt (1941–1945)

The Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt (1941–1945) constitutes the fourth and final term of Franklin Delano Roosevelt as President of the United States. It commenced on January 20, 1941, and ended with his death on April 12, 1945. This period was almost entirely dominated by World War II, marking a profound shift in American foreign policy and domestic priorities.

Entering his fourth term, Roosevelt focused on continuing to support the Allied powers against the Axis powers. Despite initial neutrality, the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, led to a declaration of war against Japan and subsequent declarations of war against Germany and Italy. Roosevelt then dedicated his administration to mobilizing the nation's industrial capacity and manpower for the war effort.

Key aspects of this period include:

• World War II: Roosevelt acted as commander-in-chief, working closely with his military advisors and Allied leaders such as Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin. He played a crucial role in planning military strategy and coordinating resources for the Allied cause.

• The Arsenal of Democracy: Roosevelt's vision of the United States as the "arsenal of democracy" saw a massive expansion of American industry to produce weapons, equipment, and supplies for the Allied forces. This dramatically transformed the American economy, ending the Great Depression and creating millions of jobs.

• The New Deal Continues (Modified): While the war effort took precedence, many New Deal programs continued to operate, although often adapted to meet wartime needs. Agencies like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) were repurposed to support the war.

• Internment of Japanese Americans: A controversial aspect of this period was Executive Order 9066, which authorized the forced removal and internment of Japanese Americans from the West Coast.

• The Yalta Conference: In February 1945, Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin met at Yalta to discuss the post-war reorganization of Europe and the future of the United Nations. This conference has been subject to considerable historical debate, particularly regarding its implications for the Cold War.

• The United Nations: Roosevelt strongly advocated for the creation of the United Nations as a means of preventing future wars. He died before the UN officially came into being, but his vision played a significant role in its formation.

• Roosevelt's Death: Roosevelt's health declined significantly during his fourth term. He died on April 12, 1945, in Warm Springs, Georgia, from a cerebral hemorrhage, leaving the presidency to Vice President Harry S. Truman. Roosevelt's death came shortly before the end of the war in Europe and significantly impacted the post-war world.