Eleanor Roosevelt

Definition

Eleanor Roosevelt was an influential American political figure, diplomat, and activist who served as the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. She played a crucial role in shaping New Deal programs and advocating for social reforms, significantly impacting American society and politics during her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the role of First Lady by actively participating in her husband's administration and addressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and civil rights.
2. She held weekly press conferences for female reporters to discuss political matters, providing a platform for women in journalism.
3. Eleanor was instrumental in creating the National Youth Administration, which provided job training and employment opportunities for young people during the Great Depression.
4. After her husband's death, she continued her advocacy work by becoming a delegate to the United Nations and helping draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
5. Eleanor wrote a daily newspaper column called 'My Day,' where she shared her thoughts on political issues, social justice, and her experiences as First Lady.

Review Questions

• How did Eleanor Roosevelt influence the New Deal programs and what specific initiatives did she advocate for?
  • Eleanor Roosevelt had a significant influence on the New Deal programs by advocating for initiatives that focused on social justice and equality. She pushed for measures that addressed the needs of marginalized groups, including women and minorities. Her efforts led to the establishment of programs like the National Youth Administration, which provided job training for young people, reflecting her commitment to improving social conditions during the Great Depression.
• Discuss Eleanor Roosevelt's role as a public figure during her time as First Lady and how she changed perceptions of that role.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt redefined the role of First Lady by taking an active stance in politics and social issues. Unlike previous First Ladies who were more traditional, she engaged directly with the public through press conferences and speaking events. This shift allowed her to address pressing issues like poverty and civil rights while also empowering other women to participate in political discourse, fundamentally changing how future First Ladies would approach their roles.
• Evaluate Eleanor Roosevelt's lasting impact on American society beyond her time as First Lady, particularly regarding human rights and women's rights.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt's impact on American society extended far beyond her tenure as First Lady, particularly through her advocacy for human rights and women's rights. Her work with the United Nations after World War II was pivotal in establishing international human rights standards with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Additionally, she championed gender equality throughout her life, inspiring future generations of women leaders and activists to pursue social justice and political involvement, solidifying her legacy as a transformative figure in American history.

Related terms

New Deal:

A series of programs and policies implemented by Franklin D. Roosevelt to address the Great Depression, focusing on relief, recovery, and reform.

Human Rights: The basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, which Eleanor advocated for, particularly through her work with the United Nations after World War II.

Women's Rights: The rights and entitlements claimed for women and girls, which Eleanor championed throughout her life, promoting gender equality and social justice.