Eleanor Roosevelt as one of Influential First Ladies

Last Updated: 27 Feb 2023
Pages: 2 Views: 210

Over the course of the 21st century, numerous books, podcasts, videos, articles, and other media have been published that explore the achievements and controversies of the First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS). Since Martha Washington, wife of George Washington, served in the Oval Office in the 1790s, the role of the FLOTUS has evolved significantly.

Today, it includes involvement in political campaigns, managing the White House, advocating for social causes, and representing the president at official and ceremonial events. Despite being categorized as an unofficial job, the role of the First Lady has been a critical counterpart to every president throughout history, although some people still dismiss its importance.

Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the most distinguished first ladies in American history, has been hailed by historians as the "Most Iconic First Lady." Her pioneering efforts to advance women's roles in the workplace, advocate for civil rights for African Americans and Asian Americans, and fight for the rights of World War II refugees are widely recognized. After her husband, Franklin Roosevelt, contracted polio two years after the end of World War I in 1919, Eleanor became even more active in public service.

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Despite leading a somewhat separate life from her husband, she joined the League of Women Voters in 1920. After Franklin's election as the thirty-second president of the United States in 1933, Eleanor quickly began to use her platform to help people, and the following year, she started working with the NAACP in the fight for equality.

In 1946, Eleanor Roosevelt was elected to the United Nations as the head of the Human Rights Commission. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the country faced economic hardships, and Eleanor was sent around the country by her husband to talk to people. She visited coal miners, veterans, and sharecroppers, a first for a First Lady. Eleanor's trips allowed her to witness the struggles of the people and report back to Franklin on what she saw, and she believed that the government had a responsibility to defend the vulnerable.

She spoke out about the need for decent housing, healthcare, and education for all Americans, and she was a vocal opponent of racism, anti-Semitism, and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Even after her husband's death, Eleanor continued to travel the world and make a difference. Her humanitarian efforts led to her being referred to as the "First Lady of the World.

In conclusion, this remarkable woman has made significant contributions to shaping the United States into the great country it is today. Despite not being officially elected to office, her tireless efforts and support for her husbands' presidential terms cannot be overlooked. Eleanor Roosevelt was very interesting women, with her own strengths and challenges. Eleanor was a fearless activist. She faced her own trials, whether it was Eleanor's outspokenness in the face of adversity to conform to the expectations of her husband's beliefs. This woman, along with all of the other First Ladies, has made her mark in history and their contributions will never be forgotten.

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Eleanor Roosevelt as one of Influential First Ladies. (2023, Feb 25). Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/eleanor-roosevelt-as-one-of-influential-first-ladies/

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