← Back to home← Russian Public Opinion Research Center

Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr.

(American politician, 1914–1988)

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr.

Roosevelt in 1945

Personal details

Military service

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr. (August 17, 1914 – August 17, 1988) was an American figure who managed to weave a complex, if at times perplexing, path through the worlds of law, politics, and business. Born into a lineage that practically defined American political aristocracy, he was, perhaps inevitably, destined for public life, yet his career often seemed to defy easy categorization or consistent success.

He commenced his political journey by serving as a United States congressman for New York from 1949 to 1955, a relatively brief tenure for someone with such a formidable name. Later, in 1963, he was appointed United States Under Secretary of Commerce by President John F. Kennedy, a role that hinted at higher aspirations. His most notable federal appointment arrived under President Lyndon B. Johnson, who tapped him as the inaugural chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from 1965 to 1966. This was a position of genuine historical consequence, even if his time there was fleeting. Beyond Washington, Roosevelt made two attempts to secure the governorship of New York, both of which, rather predictably, met with defeat. His involvement in public service extended to the immediate post-World War II era, where he contributed to Harry S. Truman's President's Committee on Civil Rights. Of course, no mention of Franklin Jr. would be complete without acknowledging his parentage: he was the son of the towering political figures, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Prior to his political and legal career, he served as an officer in the United States Navy during World War II, a period that saw him decorated for acts of bravery, a detail that often stands in stark contrast to later assessments of his legislative efforts. [1]

Early life

Born precisely on August 17, 1914, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr. entered the world as the fifth of six children to Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945) and Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962). At the time of his arrival, his father was already ensconced in public service, holding the position of Assistant Secretary of the Navy, a role that would foreshadow his own later military involvement. [1] The circumstances of his birth were, as one might expect for a Roosevelt, rather idyllic: he was born at his parents' summer residence on Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada. This picturesque locale has since been immortalized as an international historical park, a testament to the family's enduring legacy and perhaps the sheer weight of their collective history.

His immediate family included siblings who also carved out their own, often public, lives. These included Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (1906–1975), James Roosevelt II (1907–1991), and Elliott Roosevelt (1910–1990). There was also a tragically short-lived Franklin Roosevelt, an elder brother of the same name, who passed away in November 1909 after only seven months, a grim reminder of the fragility of life even within the most prominent families, and a common practice of the era to reuse names. The youngest of the Roosevelt brood was John Aspinwall Roosevelt II (1916–1981). [1] One can only imagine the sheer volume of personality and ambition jostling for attention within that household.

A particularly dramatic episode in Roosevelt Jr.'s youth occurred in 1936, when he contracted a severe streptococcal throat infection. The infection rapidly escalated, leading to life-threatening complications that left the medical staff at the White House contemplating a highly risky surgical intervention. However, a groundbreaking alternative emerged in the form of Prontosil, the very first commercially available sulfonamide drug. Its successful administration spared young Roosevelt from the perilous surgery, and the dramatic recovery made headlines in major newspapers like The New York Times. This personal medical crisis, resolved by a nascent pharmaceutical marvel, inadvertently served as a highly visible public announcement for the dawn of the era of antibacterial therapy in the United States, forever changing the landscape of medicine. [2] One wonders if the medical staff truly understood the implications of their decision, or if they were simply relieved to avoid a political nightmare.

Education

Roosevelt's early education followed the predictable, well-trodden path of America's elite. He matriculated from the esteemed Groton School in 1933, a preparatory institution known for shaping future leaders, or at least those with sufficient connections. He then proceeded to Harvard College, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1937, a credential almost as essential as a pulse for a young man with his surname. His legal training was completed at the University of Virginia School of Law, where he received his Bachelor of Laws degree in June 1940. [3] [4] A solid academic background, certainly, though one might argue the name "Roosevelt" probably opened more doors than any diploma ever could.

Among his siblings, a common sentiment held that Franklin Jr. bore the strongest resemblance to his illustrious father, not merely in physical appearance but also in demeanor. His brother James Roosevelt, a man who certainly knew a thing or two about living in his father's shadow, famously remarked: "Franklin is the one who came closest to being another FDR. He had father's looks, his speaking voice, his smile, his charm, his charisma." [5] This observation, while perhaps flattering, also highlights the inherent burden of such a comparison—to be forever measured against a titan, and often found, by some accounts, to be a lesser echo rather than a distinct voice. The expectations, one can only assume, were crushing.

U.S. Navy service

World War II

General C. R. Smith, Elliott Roosevelt and FDR Jr. at the Casablanca Conference, 1943

Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr.'s military service commenced with his commission as an ensign in the United States Navy Reserve on June 11, 1940. He served as a junior naval officer throughout World War II, a period during which he garnered commendations for bravery, particularly for his actions in the Naval Battle of Casablanca. It seems even with the name, one still had to occasionally demonstrate actual courage.

At the specific request of his father, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Franklin Jr., alongside his brother Elliott Roosevelt, was present at several pivotal wartime summits. This included the Argentia meeting in August 1941, where the foundational Atlantic Charter was forged with Prime Minister Winston Churchill. He also attended the Casablanca Conference in January 1943, a high-level strategic meeting where the Allies decided on future war efforts. Furthermore, Franklin Jr. met his father in Africa preceding the Tehran Conference, another critical wartime gathering. Upon his return from Argentia, he even sailed with Churchill and stood beside him during parades in newly American-occupied Reykjavik, Iceland. These appearances, clearly orchestrated, were intended to visually symbolize American solidarity with the United Kingdom, and perhaps to give the President's sons a unique vantage point on history, or at least a good story for dinner parties. [6]

His brother James Roosevelt provided a concise, if somewhat dramatic, summary of "Brud's" naval career: "Franklin served on a destroyer that dodged torpedoes from Iceland to Minsk [sic!][He, obviously, meant Murmansk]." While the geographical error is notable, the sentiment conveys the perilous nature of his service. Franklin rose to become the executive officer of the destroyer USS Mayrant (DD-402), which endured a bombing attack at Palermo during the Allied invasion of Sicily. The famed war correspondent Quentin Reynolds reportedly went out of his way to write to Eleanor Roosevelt, detailing Franklin's courageous actions during that "bloody ordeal." He was specifically cited for exposing himself to enemy fire to carry a critically wounded sailor to safety, an act for which he was awarded the Silver Star Medal. [7] A moment of genuine heroism, perhaps, amidst the broader chaos and the ever-present shadow of his family name.

Later in the war, on March 1, 1944, he was promoted to lieutenant commander. On July 18, 1944, Franklin took command of the destroyer escort USS Ulvert M. Moore (DE-442). The Ulvert M. Moore was deployed to the Pacific theater, where it distinguished itself by successfully shooting down two Japanese aircraft and sinking the Imperial Japanese Navy submarine Ro-115. By September 2, 1945, the Moore was positioned in Tokyo Bay, a direct witness to Japan's formal surrender. James Roosevelt, ever the family chronicler, recalled that his brother was affectionately known as "Big Moose" by the men under his command, and that he performed "a tremendous job." It seems, despite all the political baggage, he was capable of leading men when it truly mattered.

Military awards

Roosevelt's commendable service in the United States Navy during World War II earned him a distinguished array of military decorations and awards, a testament to his participation in significant wartime operations and specific acts of valor. These accolades underscore a chapter of his life where personal courage and duty transcended the complexities of his political heritage. His decorations include:

A rather impressive collection of shiny objects, proving that even a Roosevelt could earn his stripes, or at least be given them for showing up in the right places.

Career

Law practice

Following his military service, Roosevelt embarked on a legal career, engaging with several prominent law offices in New York. He eventually became a senior partner in the New York firm of Roosevelt and Frieden, a practice that later evolved into Poletti, Diamond, Freidin & Mackay. [9] This legal work spanned periods both before and after his tenure in Congress, suggesting a pragmatic fallback or perhaps a genuine interest in the law. Time magazine, ever the arbiter of public perception, announced his association with Poletti, Diamond, Rabin, Frieden & Mackay on December 3, 1945. [10]

However, his legal career wasn't without its predictable controversies. Roosevelt triggered a significant public outcry for his representation of the notoriously brutal Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo in the U.S.. This particular client choice raised eyebrows and ethical questions, given Trujillo's human rights record. It was only prior to Trujillo's assassination in 1961 that Roosevelt, perhaps sensing the inevitable political fallout or a sudden pang of conscience, decided to drop the account. [11] One might argue the timing of such moral clarity is often suspiciously convenient.

Politics

Beyond the courtroom, Roosevelt was, almost by birthright, deeply entwined in political affairs. In 1946, he served on the President's Committee on Civil Rights for President Harry Truman, a role that aligned with his family's progressive legacy, even if his later actions sometimes diverged. In a move that surprised many, especially given his family's staunch Democratic ties, he, along with his brothers, publicly declared support for Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1948. [12] This was part of the burgeoning draft Eisenhower movement, a moment of political realignment that showcased a willingness to cross party lines, or perhaps just a pragmatic assessment of who held the winning hand.

In 1946, Roosevelt Jr. also joined the Empire State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, a membership that, for someone of his lineage, was less about proving patriotism and more about acknowledging an inescapable historical fact. [13]

U.S. House of Representatives

From left to right: Vito Marcantonio, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., and Roosevelt, three congressmen unsuccessful in their attempt to save the Fair Employment Practice Committee, February 23, 1950

Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr. secured his election as a member of the United States House of Representatives in a special election in 1949. Interestingly, he initially ran as a candidate of the Liberal Party of New York, a deviation from the traditional Democratic path, before being re-elected in both 1950 and 1952 under the Democratic banner. He represented the 20th congressional district of New York, which at the time encompassed the affluent Upper West Side of Manhattan, from May 17, 1949, until January 3, 1955. [1]

Despite the undeniable advantage of his iconic surname and the extensive network of connections it afforded him, Roosevelt Jr. gradually found himself falling out of favor with the Democratic leadership. A telling anecdote comes from Speaker Sam Rayburn, who, upon the election of Franklin's brother James Roosevelt to the House, reportedly advised him, "not to waste our time like your brother did." This blunt assessment was echoed by James himself, who offered a rather scathing critique of Franklin's congressional performance: "Franklin had a dreadful record in Congress. He was smart, but not smart enough. He had good ideas and the power of persuasion, but he did not put them to good use. He coasted instead of working at his job, considering it beneath him, while he aimed for higher positions. He may have had the worst attendance record of any member of those days, and it cost him those higher positions." [14] It seems the charisma of a Roosevelt could only carry one so far when actual legislative diligence was required. The weight of expectation, it turns out, sometimes leads to a rather spectacular lack of effort.

Seeking the governorship of New York

Following his rather underwhelming congressional stint, Roosevelt set his sights higher, pursuing the Democratic nomination for governor in 1954. [15] However, his ambition was swiftly redirected by the formidable influence of Tammany Hall boss Carmine DeSapio. After a period of persuasion, Roosevelt ultimately abandoned his gubernatorial bid and was instead nominated by the Democratic State Convention to run for New York State Attorney General. [16] This political maneuver, orchestrated by DeSapio, proved to be a misstep for Roosevelt, as he was ultimately defeated in the general election by the Republican candidate, Jacob K. Javits. This loss was particularly conspicuous, as all other Democratic nominees on the ticket managed to secure their elections. The fallout from this defeat had far-reaching consequences: it galvanized Eleanor Roosevelt, who, incensed by DeSapio's perceived manipulation and her son's defeat, embarked on a sustained campaign against the Tammany Hall leader, a relentless effort that eventually forced DeSapio to relinquish his power in 1961. [16] So, while Franklin Jr. couldn't win the office, his mother certainly won the political war against those who undermined him.

Undeterred by his previous gubernatorial failure, Roosevelt made another attempt to claim the governorship of New York in 1966, this time running on the Liberal Party ticket. However, history, as it often does, repeated itself, and he was once again defeated, this time by the incumbent Republican, Nelson A. Rockefeller. [1] Perhaps some lessons, especially in politics, are simply too difficult to learn.

Ties to John F. Kennedy

Roosevelt with his mother Eleanor and his son, Franklin Delano Roosevelt III, October 6, 1961

Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr.'s political trajectory became notably intertwined with the Kennedy family, largely at the instigation of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr.. Roosevelt played a crucial role in campaigning for John F. Kennedy during the intensely contested 1960 West Virginia Democratic primary. [4] During this campaign, he engaged in a particularly unsavory tactic, falsely accusing Kennedy's opponent, Hubert Humphrey, of having dodged the draft during World War II. This episode, a stark reminder of the cutthroat nature of political contests, certainly helped Kennedy, but perhaps at the cost of Roosevelt's own integrity, if such a thing still existed in politics. [17]

Following Kennedy's victory, Roosevelt was rewarded for his loyalty, albeit not with the highest positions he might have coveted. Kennedy appointed him Under Secretary of Commerce and also as chairman of the President's Appalachian Regional Commission. Notably, his ambition to be appointed Secretary of the Navy was vetoed by Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, a clear indication that even a Roosevelt had limits to his influence. As one observer put it, "JFK and Franklin were friends and their families were close. Socially, Franklin spent a lot of time in the White House during JFK's reign. But when Kennedy was killed, Franklin fell from power." [18] A rather brutal, yet accurate, assessment of the transactional nature of political friendships and the fleeting warmth of proximity to power.

Roosevelt continued his public service, briefly, under Kennedy's successor. He served as the first chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from May 26, 1965, to May 11, 1966, during the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson. [1] This was a significant, if short-lived, role in the nascent stages of federal efforts to combat workplace discrimination.

Entrepreneur

After his political endeavors, Roosevelt transitioned into the world of business, a field where his inherited connections and charisma could perhaps be more directly monetized. He became a prominent distributor of both FIAT and Jaguar Cars automobiles across the United States. [19] This venture into luxury and foreign car sales allowed him to cultivate a network beyond Washington's political circles. In 1970, he eventually sold his distributorship, the Roosevelt Automobile Company. [1] His foray into the automotive industry also cemented a personal friendship with the influential Fiat chairman, Gianni Agnelli, further illustrating his ability to move effortlessly among global elites. [20]

Beyond the fast cars, Roosevelt also maintained a more pastoral interest, running a small cattle farm. His passions extended to the elite world of Thoroughbred racehorses, where he indulged in the breeding and racing aspects of the sport. In 1983, he bred the colt named Brothers N Law, a horse that showed promise early on. As a two-year-old, it secured a victory and later, in 1986, ran a respectable second in the Empire Stakes, which was hosted that year by the prestigious Saratoga Race Course. [21] A man of varied pursuits, it seems, always seeking a new challenge, or perhaps just a new distraction.

Personal life and death

Franklin with his first wife Ethel du Pont, September 11, 1937

Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr.'s personal life was, much like his political career, marked by a series of significant relationships and transitions. He first married Ethel du Pont on June 30, 1937, in Wilmington, Delaware, a union that brought together two of America's most prominent families. Together, they had two children: Franklin D. Roosevelt III, born on July 19, 1938, and Christopher du Pont Roosevelt, born on December 21, 1941. However, this marriage, like many in the public eye, eventually dissolved. Ethel du Pont arrived in Reno, Nevada, on April 8, 1949, discreetly using the pseudonym Ethel Pyle to initiate divorce proceedings, taking advantage of Nevada's notably lenient residency requirements for divorce at the time (a mere six weeks). Roosevelt Jr. became the third of his father's children to undergo a divorce, following in the footsteps of his siblings Elliott and Anna, a pattern that might suggest a certain familial predisposition or perhaps simply the pressures of their extraordinary lives. [22] [23] Their divorce was formally granted on May 21, 1949. [9]

A mere three months later, on August 31, 1949, Roosevelt embarked on his second marriage, this time to Suzanne Perrin, the daughter of Lee James Perrin, a notable New York attorney. [9] This marriage produced two daughters before it, too, ended in divorce in 1970, with the proceedings finalized in Juárez, Mexico. [19] Their daughters were Nancy Suzanne Roosevelt (born January 11, 1952), [24] who later married Thomas Ellis Ireland, a grandson of Robert Livingston Ireland Jr., in 1977, [25] and Laura Delano Roosevelt (born October 26, 1959). [24]

On July 1, 1970, Roosevelt entered into his third marriage, taking Felicia Schiff Warburg Sarnoff as his wife. [24] Felicia brought her own distinguished lineage to the union, being a granddaughter of Felix M. Warburg and a great-granddaughter of Jacob Schiff, figures of immense influence in American finance and philanthropy. [19] Prior to her marriage to Roosevelt, she had been married to Robert W. Sarnoff, who served as chairman and president of the RCA Corporation. [19] This marriage, however, was childless and ultimately concluded in divorce in 1976. [24]

His fourth marital venture began on May 6, 1977, [24] when Roosevelt married Patricia Luisa Oakes (born 1951). [26] Patricia also boasted an impressive, if somewhat dramatic, family tree. She was the daughter of the British actor Richard Greene [27] and Nancy Oakes von Hoyningen-Huene. [28] Her maternal grandfather was the gold mining tycoon Sir Harry Oakes, whose sensational unsolved murder in the Bahamas in 1943 remains a topic of intrigue. [28] From this marriage, one son was born, John Alexander Roosevelt (born October 18, 1977), [24] [29] [27] before their divorce in 1981. [24] It seems the ties that bind were often less resilient than the ties to wealth and fame.

Finally, on March 3, 1984, Roosevelt married his fifth and final wife, Linda McKay "Tobie" Stevenson Weicker. [24] [26] Linda had previously been married to Theodore M. Weicker, the brother of Connecticut Governor Lowell P. Weicker Jr.. [30] This marriage, a testament to enduring hope or perhaps sheer stubbornness, lasted until his death. [4]

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr. passed away on his 74th birthday, August 17, 1988, at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie, New York. [1] His death was attributed to lung cancer. [4] A life lived large, in the shadow of giants, marked by ambition, public service, personal complexities, and a relentless pursuit of, well, something. One can only hope he found it, eventually.