He was preempting the reception, reaction and consequences based on the the attitudes and prejudices of the time he lived in. Polio was called infantile paralysis, because most of its victims were children. In the world of the 1920s (he came down with polio, a potentially fatal disease, at age 38) it was considered a disability that was a prescription for pity, “warehousing,” and a life far removed from the social and economic world of the able-bodied person. Most medical treatment was inadequate, ineffective, and grim. What was evident, rather than wishing to deceive, he didn't want the focus to be on his disability or make others uncomfortable. And a wheelchair would have been a potent symbol of being 'a cripple'. despite misimpressions to the contrary, Americans of Roosevelt's day were well-aware of his disability. In fact, Roosevelt's struggle to overcome his affliction was an important part of the personal narrative that fueled his political career. FDR desperately wanted to overcome polio and his haven was the 'Little White House' in Warm Springs, Georgia.The model there was based on the regime Roosevelt himself followed from a progressive physician -exercises of rehabilitation (rehabilitative medicine) and warm water swimming.

No president could hide this today.

This is more than remarkable. Struck with a major blow like paralysis from the waist down how many people out of a million would even think of making the effort to keep up such an illusion while being Potus?

I don't think it was a secret, he just avoided making it a focus. Certainly my parents (b. 1904) knew about his disability.

Nah, once you realize what Roosevelt did you'll be amazed

Eleanor Roosevelt was a great person, staying with him for that long, because in those days, if someone became disabled, their spouses probably would leave.

Anyone remember when President Ford kept falling down around town. He even fell down the steps of Air Force One.

FDR's condition would not be kept hidden from the general public today, unfortunately!!!

It shows you something how journalists wanted to show a president of strength, but now they want to show a president of weakness. It's so terrible.

How do you NOT notice that? I mean the guy has a cane and is holding on to every rail barely moving and clearly using his upper body for support. I would have noticed this immediately...

I’d also argue that people were more aware of disability due to polio in those days. It was likely they knew of, or knew someone personally who was disabled. FDR also gave the impression that he was getting stronger and healthier throughout his political career.

God bless the first lady

With only the most cursory of searches through historical newspapers, I was able to find clippings going back as far as 1933 that mention his exact condition and others that talk about his wheelchair. I even stumbled upon Republicans chiding each other not to make a big deal out of his wheelchair for fear it might get him elected again. Did he go to extraordinary and ruthless lengths to project an image of strength and vitality? Yes. But were Americans of the 1930s as ableist as we are today? It seems not.

He was a good president for his time very well liked. His wife was unbelievable ❤

The finest and best man to ever hold the Office!

I remember learning about FDR's polio in elementary school.

the media hasnt changed a bit. they will still go out of their way to protect and help who they want as president

Few Americans knew??? I think everyone knew he had a polio. Everyone knew his conditions,

Page 437 In the next 11 years, six children were born.

Wow. Very strange

wow, who would have known?

Many hello's to Mr. Roosevelt, know when abuse take place and injustice I will not remain silent nor am I letting my self take hits with out countering and striking back.I will throw the blue eagle into the pot of hot boiling water.

I just wanted to see how they would treat me. 🌹

this will only affect the flesh mind and heart of people.

Anybody from Apush watching this ?

Most of the American people thought that it was due to arthritis and that is how FDR's people explained it if someone asked. He wouldn't have been able to keep such a secret today.

Greatest president in history

no that's lincoln