Chapter 33: The Great Depression and the New Deal (1933-1939) FDR: Politician in a Wheelchair FDR had infantile paralysis which taught him patience, tolerance, compassion, and strength of will. Eleanor, FDR?s wife, was his distant cousin. She overcame the misery of an unhappy childhood and emerged as a champion of the dispossessed, and the ?conscience of the New Deal? Part of Women?s Trade Union League and League of Women Voters; Brought an unprecedented number of women activists to DC ?most active First Lady in history Loved by liberals, she was one of the most controversial public figures of 20th century. Though favoring frugality, FDR believed that money, rather than humanity, was expendable.