Eleanor Roosevelt: Revolution of Role as First Lady

Childhood - Marriage

Eleanor Roosevelt was born in 1884 in New York City but tragically, her parents both passed away when she was just 10 years old. She pursued her education in England which contributed to her having a better and more insightful perspective on the world and foreign relations than the average woman. In 1905, Eleanor married her distant cousin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who she would stand by her entire life especially during his difficult times.

Role as First Lady

Eleanor is thought to be the most active First Lady of United States history until that day. As a minority herself, she communicated to a diverse array of American citizens in hopes to be involved in their lives as a sympathizer. She was a strong advocate for racial equality, women's rights, and human rights. She went so far as to serve as the chair of United Nations' Human Rights Commission after her husband's death (appointed by ensuing president, Harry Truman). She revolutionized the the meaning of First Lady by taking advantage of a growing mass media, the newspaper, to openly discuss her public actions such as the soldiers she visited during WWII. Although criticized by some who denounced her government involvement as "too radical", a lot of Americans supported not only President Roosevelt, but also First Lady Roosevelt as an individual. 

Ultimately, Eleanor Roosevelt charmed the majority of American people as the sweeter face of federal government. She worked to propel her husband's reforms and support him as a trustee for him to lean back on, however, she was different from the preceding First Ladies in that she took actions for her own pleasure as well. To address social concerns and encourage people to never lose hope, Eleanor Roosevelt stood by the poor, blacks, children, and women. 

Sources:

http://www.biography.com/people/eleanor-roosevelt-9463366#us-first-lady

https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600/first-ladies/eleanorroosevelt