U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies in office; Vice President Harry S. Truman becomes President upon Roosevelt’s death.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, died in office on April 12, 1945, during his unprecedented fourth term. His death marked the end of a monumental era in American politics, as he had led the country through both the Great Depression and the vast majority of World War II. FDR passed away at his retreat in Warm Springs, Georgia, after suffering a massive cerebral hemorrhage. At the time, he was meeting with an artist for a portrait when he suddenly complained of a severe headache and collapsed shortly thereafter. His passing came as a shock to the nation, even though his health had visibly declined in the months prior. Vice President Harry S. Truman was quickly sworn in as president and inherited the final and most critical phase of World War II, including the decisions that would eventually lead to the war’s conclusion later that year.