Leading by Example

Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt shared in the wartime sacrifices of their fellow citizens during World War II.

The Roosevelts purchased war bonds, placed blackout shades on their windows, and endured wartime rationing. Their four sons served overseas in America's military. Daughter Anna was a trusted confidant of FDR and lived at the White House in 1944-1945 while her husband served overseas on a military-government assignment.

The war placed special strains on the Roosevelt's relationship. Eleanor prodded her husband to take stronger action on issues like racial integration in the military and defense industries, day care for the children of women war workers, and planning for the postwar economy. Worn down by wartime decision-making, Franklin was sometimes unreceptive. But the mutual respect between the two never ceased.