Eleanor Roosevelt

Definition

Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945 and a prominent political figure, diplomat, and activist. She transformed the role of the First Lady by taking an active role in American politics and championing human rights, women's rights, and social justice, influencing the creation and operation of international organizations such as the League of Nations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Eleanor Roosevelt was a key figure in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights after World War II, highlighting her commitment to global human rights.
2. She held press conferences specifically for female reporters, breaking barriers for women in journalism during her time as First Lady.
3. Eleanor frequently traveled abroad to promote U.S. interests and build international alliances, making her an essential figure in post-war diplomacy.
4. She became a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly after FDR's presidency, continuing her advocacy for human rights on a global scale.
5. Eleanor's work with the League of Nations focused on establishing international cooperation and peacekeeping efforts, although her impact was limited due to the organization's eventual failure.

Review Questions

• How did Eleanor Roosevelt redefine the role of First Lady during her husband’s presidency?
  • Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the role of First Lady by actively engaging in politics and advocating for social issues such as civil rights and women's rights. She broke from traditional expectations by holding press conferences, writing a daily newspaper column, and traveling extensively to connect with citizens. Her involvement helped elevate the position of First Lady into one that could influence policy and public opinion significantly.
• Discuss Eleanor Roosevelt's contributions to human rights and her relationship with the League of Nations.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt's contributions to human rights were profound, particularly through her work on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights after World War II. Although her engagement with the League of Nations was prior to this milestone, she advocated for international cooperation and social justice within that framework. Her vision for a peaceful world directly influenced her later efforts at the United Nations, where she continued promoting human rights.
• Evaluate Eleanor Roosevelt’s lasting impact on American politics and international relations post-World War II.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt's lasting impact is evident in both American politics and international relations through her relentless advocacy for human rights and social justice. By serving as a delegate to the United Nations and playing a crucial role in shaping international human rights policies, she set a precedent for future generations of political figures. Her pioneering approach to diplomacy and public engagement inspired many leaders to adopt a more inclusive perspective on governance and international collaboration.

Related terms

League of Nations: An international organization established after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among countries, though it ultimately struggled to maintain its authority.

Human Rights: The basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death, which Eleanor advocated for on both national and global stages.

FDR: Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States and Eleanor's husband, who led the country during the Great Depression and most of World War II.