Eleanor Roosevelt

Definition

Eleanor Roosevelt was a prominent American political figure, diplomat, and activist who served as the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. She transformed the role of the First Lady into a platform for social reform and human rights advocacy, significantly influencing American society during a pivotal time in presidential history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Eleanor Roosevelt was the first First Lady to hold regular press conferences and write a daily newspaper column, 'My Day', allowing her to address political issues directly with the public.
2. She played a key role in advocating for civil rights, particularly for African Americans and women, and used her influence to push for policies that addressed social injustices.
3. Eleanor was instrumental in the establishment of the United Nations and served as its first chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights.
4. Her advocacy for social welfare programs contributed to significant reforms during her husband's New Deal, highlighting her commitment to improving the lives of everyday Americans.
5. Eleanor Roosevelt's legacy as a champion of human rights is reflected in her lasting impact on international human rights law and her continued inspiration for future generations of activists.

Review Questions

• How did Eleanor Roosevelt change the perception of the role of First Lady in American politics?
  • Eleanor Roosevelt redefined the role of First Lady by actively engaging in political issues and using her position to advocate for social reform. Unlike her predecessors, she held regular press conferences, wrote a daily column, and spoke out on pressing topics such as civil rights and women's issues. This shift helped establish the idea that the First Lady could be an influential political figure rather than just a ceremonial spouse.
• Discuss Eleanor Roosevelt's contributions to civil rights during her husband’s presidency and how they were perceived at the time.
  • During Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency, Eleanor was a fierce advocate for civil rights, especially for African Americans. She publicly supported anti-lynching legislation and refused to segregate her delegation at events. While she faced criticism from some politicians and groups who were not ready for such progressive views, her actions helped lay the groundwork for future civil rights advancements and demonstrated her commitment to equality.
• Evaluate Eleanor Roosevelt's influence on international human rights through her work with the United Nations and its enduring impact today.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt's influence on international human rights was profound, particularly through her leadership in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document established a global standard for human rights protections and has inspired countless movements worldwide. Her commitment to advocating for those marginalized or oppressed continues to resonate today, making her a lasting figure in both American history and global human rights advocacy.

Related terms

Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A milestone document in the history of human rights, drafted in 1948 under Eleanor Roosevelt's guidance, which outlines fundamental human rights that are to be universally protected.

New Deal: A series of programs and policies implemented by Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression, which aimed at economic recovery and social reform, with Eleanor actively supporting many initiatives.

Women’s Rights Movement: A social movement advocating for equal rights and opportunities for women, which Eleanor Roosevelt significantly advanced through her public speeches and writings.