Eleanor Roosevelt: An Extraordinary First Lady

In today’s article we want to tell you more about Eleanor Roosevelt because she was a really extraordinary woman. Today she is one of the most important and influential personalities of the past century. As a diplomat and also as a human rights activist , she influenced some of the most important events of the 20th century.

She was the niece of American President Theodore Roosevelt Jr. and later married his distant cousin Franklin Delano Roosevelt. When he was elected US President, Eleanor Roosevelt became the American first lady. Due to her role she was able to make a significant contribution to more social justice in the women’s movement through various institutions. She was also committed to global human rights.

While her predecessors in the role of First Lady only represented and accompanied the President, she filled this function with substantial content. And not only for the benefit of the government, but also for the benefit of the American people. In fact, her influence expanded when she became the American delegate to the United Nations. She left an important legacy that continued after her husband’s presidency.

Your early years

Eleanor was born in New York. Her family was very wealthy and had a great influence in American politics. It is believed that her childhood was not very happy as she lost both parents before she was ten. She then went to London and attended a private boarding school there. Here she met a person who was very important for her future life. A teacher she respected and who helped Eleanor grow into a strong and charismatic young woman.

When she returned to the United States, Eleanor deepened contact with her sixth-degree uncle, the aspiring Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The two married in 1905. After Franklin became a Senator, they moved to Albany. They had six children together, one of whom died as an infant.

In addition to her family responsibilities, Eleanor Roosevelt also took on various political roles. She was a member of numerous organizations. These included, for example: the League of Women Voters and the Women’s Trade Union League. She also ran a furniture factory and was responsible for literature and history at a middle school. During the First World War she also worked for the Red Cross.

Eleanor Roosevelt becomes first lady

When her husband was elected President of the United States in 1933, she assumed the role of First Lady. During his entire twelve-year tenure, she filled this role at his side in an impressive manner.

At that time women were of little importance in public or political life. Hence, their activities were a testament to their strong will and assertiveness. She gave over 300 lectures for journalists and took part in a wide variety of political events. She was particularly committed to women’s rights and specifically to the rights of Afro-American women.

Eleanor fought for the rights of the most disadvantaged people. She achieved this, among other things, through the more than 3000 articles she wrote for newspapers and magazines. She also wrote a monthly column in Woman’s Home Companion magazine encouraging people to tell their stories. In addition, she also published four books.

During World War II she was responsible for civil defense matters and eventually she publicly rejected the decision of her husband who had thousands of Japanese immigrants arrested.

Eleanor Roosevelt: Her Significant Legacy

Her husband died during his fourth term as president. But even his death did not end her political commitment. Instead of withdrawing from public life, she worked as a delegate for the United Nations under President Truman.

Indeed, Eleanor Roosevelt was instrumental in the great work of the United Nations: the 1948 Declaration of Human Rights. Hence, their influence and legacy extends to the present day. Their thoughts on protecting the rights of all men and women around the world can be found in the constitutions of many countries.

President Truman once called Eleanor Roosevelt “The First Lady of the World.” In doing so, he expressed his great appreciation for her contribution to human rights.

John F. Kennedy also paid tribute to her services. He referred to her as the archetype of the American woman, as her legacy is an inspiration to every first lady who succeeds her. Through Eleanor Roosevelt and her great commitment, women were given access to political offices. She died in New York City on April 23, 1962 at the age of 78.

To this day, Eleanor Roosevelt has inspired many women around the world. Those who work for the rights of women and minorities today recognize the considerable influence that they have exerted on these issues through their activities.

The dignity of all people

When Eleanor Roosevelt died, her admirers published many very appreciative obituaries. One of her admirers was Adlai Stevenson, an American representative to the United Nations. He said of her: “I lost more than just a beloved friend with her. I’ve lost an inspiration. She would always have lit a candle instead of cursing the darkness. And its glow has warmed the whole world. “

This quote describes her character and her strength very well. Eleanor Roosevelt obviously kindled a warming flame in everyone who knew her.