Franklin D. Roosevelt’s inauguration on January 20, 1937, marked a significant milestone as the first U.S. president to be sworn into office in January. This was his second of four inaugurations, with the first one taking place on March 4, 1933.
Roosevelt’s decision to hold his second inauguration in January was a result of the 20th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which changed the start date of presidential terms from March 4 to January 20. This amendment aimed to reduce the transition period between administrations and provide a more efficient transfer of power.
Interestingly, Roosevelt’s four inaugurations were historic in their own ways. His first inauguration in 1933 was marked by his famous speech, in which he declared, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”. His subsequent inaugurations took place in 1941 and 1945, with the latter being notable for its simplicity due to the austerity measures in place during World War II.
