Eleanor Roosevelt, born Anna Eleanor Roosevelt on October 11, 1884, in New York City, was one of the most influential and revered women of the 20th century. She was the niece of President Theodore Roosevelt and married her distant cousin Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1905. As First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, she transformed the role, using it as a platform to champion social causes and human rights.
Early Life and Marriage
Eleanor had a challenging childhood; her mother died when she was eight, and her father died two years later. She was sent to England to study at Allenswood Academy, where she was deeply influenced by the headmistress, Marie Souvestre, who encouraged independent thinking and social responsibility.
In 1905, she married Franklin D. Roosevelt, who would later become the 32nd President of the United States. They had six children, one of whom died in infancy. Their marriage was complex, marked by Franklin’s political ambitions and infidelity, but they maintained a strong partnership.
Role as First Lady
When Franklin became President in 1933, Eleanor redefined the role of First Lady. Unlike her predecessors, who mostly confined themselves to social and ceremonial duties, Eleanor was actively involved in politics. She held press conferences, wrote a daily newspaper column called “My Day,” and traveled extensively, often as Franklin’s eyes and ears, particularly when he was stricken with polio.
Eleanor was a passionate advocate for civil rights, women’s rights, and the poor. She lobbied for the New Deal, a series of programs and reforms aimed at recovering from the Great Depression. She also supported the establishment of the National Youth Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Human Rights Advocacy
After Franklin’s death in 1945, Eleanor continued her public service. President Harry Truman appointed her as a delegate to the United Nations, where she played a pivotal role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948. Her work at the UN earned her the title “First Lady of the World.”
Eleanor was also involved in numerous other social causes. She supported the civil rights movement and worked with organizations like the NAACP. She was an advocate for refugees and the poor, and she spoke out against racial discrimination, segregation, and injustice.
Legacy
Eleanor Roosevelt’s legacy is vast and enduring. She was a trailblazer for women in politics and a tireless advocate for human rights and social justice. Her influence extended far beyond her years as First Lady, and she remains a symbol of compassion, strength, and courage.
She passed away on November 7, 1962, but her work and ideals continue to inspire generations around the world.
