On a chilly January day in 1945, Franklin D Roosevelt took the oath of office for the fourth time, marking an extraordinary moment in American history.
As the nation grappled with the final stages of World War II, Roosevelt’s continued leadership was seen as essential to guiding the country through these turbulent times.
This fourth inauguration, held at the White House rather than the Capitol due to wartime austerity, underscored both the personal toll of the presidency on Roosevelt, whose health was visibly declining, and the trust the American people placed in his leadership.
His unprecedented tenure would soon prompt a constitutional change, ensuring that no future president could serve more than two terms.
