Eleanor Roosevelt Essay

Eleanor Roosevelt was very influential in the policies of the New Deal, and also spoke very openly in support of civil rights and women’s rights. She worked to expand the amount of women in the Roosevelt administration and said that women should still be able to have jobs even if their husbands were employed. She supported the Southern Tenant Farmer’s Union and promoted the inclusion of blacks in the government. Eleanor visited migrant camps, coal mines, and the homes of sharecroppers. She also founded many programs to help people who were affected by the Great Depression.

She also liked to attend meetings at the Capitol building and listen to speakers (Morey, 30). In the winter and spring of 1917-1918, Franklin came down with pneumonia and Eleanor discovered that Franklin was having an affair with their good friend, Lucy Mercer. During this time they saw each other very little, but did not get a divorce (Cook, 222-224, vol. 1). In fact, Franklin’s mother threatened that if he got a divorce, she would “cut him out without a cent” and he needed her money for his campaign, so they did not get a divorce (Morey, 33). After Franklin got over his pneumonia, Eleanor still stayed dedicated to him even after his affair and they tried to work on their relationship. They even began to travel together again. Eleanor still went through some periods of depression but through this she developed independence and leadership (Morey, 35-36).

In 1932, when Franklin Roosevelt becomes the president of the United States, his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt benefits from that position and as the video says she, “used its influence to promote her own ideas”. Being the first lady, allowed her to serve as a role model and encourage her point of view on things like equality between men and women, equal pay for women and the minorities, and also powerful labor unions. Her journey, to make such an impact in the Declaration of Humans Right, began after president Roosevelt die in 1945. One year after his dead, in 1946, the succeeding president, Harry S. Truman, invited her to be a United Nations delegate, and a year later, she was chosen to be the chair of United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962), one of the most admired women in American history, acted as first lady from 1933 until 1945, longer than any other presidential spouse, and put that position on the nation’s political map. Yet, ironically, Eleanor did not want the job because she thought it would hamper her own self-development as an independent person. Through her own path-breaking efforts she transformed her role from official hostess to important spokesperson for her husband’s administration. In the process she became a role model for millions of Americans who applauded her activism on behalf of social causes.

Born in New York City on October 11, 1884, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, daughter of Elliot Roosevelt, the younger brother of President Theodore Roosevelt, and Anna Hall, who was a member of the prestigious Livingston family, was no stranger to unfairness or to tragedy. As a child, she was orphaned and made to live with her grandmother. She grew up a shy and awkward child, desperately trying to obtain something that she never really got, love and recognition. This experience, however difficult, made her into the person she was, a kind person, sensitive to the underprivileged regardless of their race, creed, or country. This quality, lead her to be one of the most influential and courageous women in American history.

Eleanor was born on October 11, 1884 in New York City. She was born into a prominent, wealthy family, however, her parents both died when she was a young age. Later, she was sent off to boarding school and that was the crux that turned her away from her docile personality. Furthermore, she also had an uncle named Theodore Roosevelt. In 1905, she married Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In 1921, Franklin caught polio, but Eleanor still encouraged him to continue his political career despite his despondent spirit. In 1933, FDR was elected president and she became the First Lady. FDR’s disability gave her an opportunity to interact with the public through mass media. She fought for women’s rights, human rights, racial discrimination, and also frequently went to visit U.S. troops and the poor suburbs. Additionally, she worked with the League of Women Voters and created her own newspaper column, “The Day.” Tragically, FDR died on April 12, 1945. After this political office, she became a delegate of the United Nations General Assembly and the UN Human Right Commission. Most imperatively, she wrote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of her most influential and permanent contributions. Sadly, at the age of 76, on November 7, 1962, she died of cancer in her home in New York City. Notwithstanding this fact, her legacy still lingers throughout

This action, however, never made an appearance in the White House before her reign. The press conferences proved that “women had such faith in Eleanor Roosevelt that they wrote letters to her begging for everyday items…” (“A New Woman Emerges”). As she connected with the public, ordinary women glorified her actions and recognized her as a role model. The letters that she received serve as evidence of her importance in American history.

A young child, neglected from birth for not being "beautiful and graceful" (Weebly Source 2) lives on through sexism to be a hero and inspiration. This child, otherwise known as Eleanor Roosevelt, still is greatly remembered today. Eleanor Roosevelt created a whole new view of women, (first ladies in particular) used persistence to overcome sexism and childhood neglect, and illuminated the world by empowering women in government as she created a lasting footprint in the history of the world. Create- Eleanor Roosevelt, former first lady did many incredible acts.

Eleanor Roosevelt was a popular speaker and lecturer in person and on radio and television. She was a writer with many articles and books. What was most interesting about Eleanor Roosevelt was that she could do all those things in one day. The next day she would go and do those things all over again. What amazes me is how she could do all of those things in one day because that is something I could not do.

“Eleanor Roosevelt” Book, Inc. The World Book Encyclopedia. 2009 ed. Chicago, IL: World Book, 2009. Print.

A wise woman once wrote, “With the new day come new strengths and new thoughts.” These are some of the wise words from Eleanor Roosevelt. Eleanor lived a rough live, but she believed that things could become better at any moment. She was a kind, helpful, good woman that had a good life through it all. Eleanor Roosevelt was a hero to American History. Inspiring people to follow their dreams, work to be the best of their ability, and also to start a new day with no regrets or worries. She helped many people around her within her lifetime and definitively set a good example for others.

Eleanor Roosevelt was born in 1884, the niece of Theodore Roosevelt. By the age of 10, she was orphaned and at 14, went to a boarding school that taught women’s rights. She married Franklin D. Roosevelt and had six children with him. Even though she was busy, she worked for the American Red Cross during World War I. After her husband became paralyzed, she encouraged him to continue in politics and he became the President of the United States. Since he was unable to get around, she became his eyes and ears around the country. Instead of being satisfied doing little, as First Ladies before her, she became an outspoken leader who used mass media to drive her point home to everyone in America. She spoke out against racism while speaking out for women’s rights and equality for all. After F.D.R. died, she was asked to take a position in the United Nations where she was active in writing and passing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (Biography.com Editors)

When, in 1921 Franklin Roosevelt became paralyzed from polio, Eleanor nursed him while still encouraging him to be involved in public life, much to F.D.R.’s mother’s dismay. Eleanor became a member of the Women’s Trade Union League, to help them pay off mortgage on their club house and to carry through plans on the Val-Kill experiment (Roosevelt, This I Remember. 31). She also joined the Democratic State Committee and met Marion Dickerman and Nancy Cook in 1922. Marion and Nan had lived and worked together for years.

For during years, one of the greatest influences was Eleanor Roosevelt. She was also known as First Lady of the United States. She was a politician for the U.S. Eleanor’s childhood wasn’t very happy. She and her two younger brothers had to suffer the death of both of its parents.

Women have always been taking part in building the future of this world. They continue defying the stereotype set for them by men in the early years of civilization. Women are influential and this notable female helped the U.S. become a greater land. She transformed the role of First Lady from a White House hostess to a powerful leader. Eleanor Roosevelt made numerous contributions to society.