32.) Franklin Delano Roosevelt 1933-1945

"This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny." - Franklin Roosevelt ~~~ When FDR was sworn in on March 4, 1933, the nation, and the world, were in dire straights. Nation's around the world had abandoned democracy for militaristic authoritarian solutions, and many Americans were tempted to join them. Radio priest Father Coughlin espoused an American fascism from the right, while Louisiana kingpin Huey Long flirted with a socialist form of dictatorial power on the left. As if t...