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Eleanor Roosevelt Research Paper Draft

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ENG 103
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History
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May 7, 2024
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1 THE LEGACY OF ELEANOR ROOSEVELT Name Course Date
2 Before Eleanor Roosevelt, first ladies in the White House were known as wives to presidents with their primary role entailed being in charge of various social events that occurred in the White House. The role and responsibilities of a United States' First Lady change remarkably when Eleanor Roosevelt became a First Lady. As a First Lady and wife to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt defied the expectations established before by engaging in numerous political and activism activities. Eleanor Roosevelt is known for her relentless pursuit and advocacy for human rights. She is hailed and remembered as one of the most influential 20 th century American woman. Besides serving as the First Lady of the United States, her involvement in politics, media and human rights made her the most influential and revered First Lady in the history of the United States. Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was born in New York City, On October 11. 1884. She was the daughter to Anna Hall Roosevelt and Elliott Roosevelt. 1 Although Eleanor Roosevelt was born in a socially prominent and wealthy family, her early life was filled with tragedy. At an age of eight years, she lost her mother. Two years later, her father died of alcoholism. With the unfortunate demise of her parents, Eleanor Roosevelt was forced to live in New York City with her maternal grandmother. 2 Although she was a shy and an insecure child, she was able to find solace in writing and books. She was mostly educated by private tutors until she aged 15 where she was sent to England, at the Allenswood Academy school of girls. 3 She finally gained independence and confidence while at the institution. Eleanor married Franklin D. Roosevelt, a distant cousin and a rising star in politics in 1905. 4 In 1933, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt was sworn 1 Roosevelt, Eleanor. The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt . New York: Harper & Bros., 1961. 2 Ibid. 3 Burke, Fran. "Eleanor Roosevelt, She Made a Difference" in Public Administration Review , Vol. 44, No. 5 (September-October 1984), pg.708. 4 Roosevelt, Eleanor. The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt . New York: Harper & Bros., 1961
3 in as President, Eleanor began the journey of being a first lady, transforming the position from a social hostess into a more active and visible participant in Franklin Roosevelt's administration. As a First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt championed for rights and privileges of minority groups especially women. Two days after taking office, Eleanor started setting up her own new conference. The newly established new conference only allowed women reporters 5 . Eleanor achieved this in a period where women were barred from accessing White House press conferences. In essence, this initiative prompted various media companies to hire women. In her tenure as a first lady, she gave more than 300 press conference, with an average of 35 women in every press conference. 6 Besides, she also encouraged her husband to make more women appointments. Eleanor news conference would talk about critical issues facing Americans such as commerce, economics, foreign affairs, defense as well as various health issues affecting Americans. Eleanor received letters from various women asking for help. 7 Her contributions towards alleviating the position of women in the society includes her role in the realization of the New Deal for Women and facilitating the realization of First American Woman Cabinet Member. 8 She took up their issues to the President, often leading to several of women needs being met through presidential connections and New Deal Programs. Eleanor contribution for social justice can be also be seen when In November 1933, Eleanor published her first book It's Up to The Women. The book encouraged all women to be work together to gain social justice. 9 In the book, she appealed to organize consumer groups, 5 Burke, Fran. "Eleanor Roosevelt, She Made a Difference" in Public Administration Review , Vol. 44, No. 5 (September-October 1984), pg.708. 6 Ibid. 7 Seeber, Frances M. "Eleanor Roosevelt and Women in the New Deal: A Network of Friends." Presidential Studies Quarterly 20, no. 4 (1990): 707-17. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20700155. 8 Ibid. 9 Marcellus, Jane. ""It's Up to the Women" Edward Bernays, Eleanor Roosevelt, and feminist resistance to shopping for patriotism."  Feminist Media Studies  12, no. 3 (2012): 389-405.
4 support trade unions and get involved in the American politics. She also highlighted about the significance of abolition of poverty, youth issues, minority and women rights along with childcare. It was a message from the First Lady to American women that with more women in influential positions with the administration, it will be a great opportunity for all women to improve their way of life and those of their families. 10 I 1933, Eleanor signed a deal with the Women's Home Companion where she wrote a column known as the "I Want You to Write to Me". 11 The column provided with a critical platform for both President Franklin Roosevelt and the First Lady to evaluate public opinion and educate the masses about important issues. Eleanor Roosevelt made a significant contribution in the New Deal following the Great Depression. The Roosevelt took office amidst one of the most devastating economic recessions, the Great Depression. 12 The Great Depression began in 1929 and lasted for almost a decade. In order to address the Great Depression, President Franklin Roosevelt and the Congress passed a series of economic recovery reforms also referred as the New Deal. As the United States' First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt travelled across the country, acting as the President's eyes and years. 13 She explained and promoted the New Deal programs to Americans across the country. She reported back to the President after visiting various facilities and programs. In the signing of the New Deal, Eleanor Roosevelt was a primary champion and advocator of American workers, young people, women and the poor. 14 She actively supported government funded programs for writers and artists. Eleanor encouraged President Roosevelt to include the people including the 10 Ibid. 11 Roosevelt, Eleanor. The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt. New York: Harper & Bros., 1961. 12 Burke, Fran. "Eleanor Roosevelt, She Made a Difference" in Public Administration Review , Vol. 44, No. 5 (September-October 1984), pg.708. 13 Winfield, Betty Houchin. "The Legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt." Presidential Studies Quarterly 20, no. 4 (1990): 699-706. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20700154. 14 Seeber, Frances M. "Eleanor Roosevelt and Women in the New Deal: A Network of Friends." Presidential Studies Quarterly 20, no. 4 (1990): 707-17. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20700155.
5 African Americans in all the programs. 15 She did this despite reactions of the Southern Democrats who a had a significant voting power. Nonetheless, her initiative was critical in ensuring that minority groups benefitted from the New Deal. Eleanor Roosevelt's racial activism and civil rights are woven into her private and public life. As a First Lady she continued advocating for racial equality. In 1933, the First Lady views about equality in all races had become one of her critical values as an individual. 16 Eleanor believed that the United States had a critical duty to initiate as well as enforce various changes that would further racial equality. At that time, the majority white population had radical views about the issue of racial injustices within the American society. 17 However, this did not distract her from the mission of achieving social justice. In 1938, Eleanor Roosevelt established her position against discriminatory laws and policies when she went to the Southern Conference of Human Welfare, in Birmingham, Alabama. While at the conference, she moved her sitting position to aisle between the "colored only" and the "whites only" sections. 18 Similarly, when was attended a conference at Howard University, she insisted to be photographed between two male African-American guards. The picture was printed and shared widely, igniting conversations about racism in the United States. 19 As a first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt was bold to stand against racisms despite criticism from the majority white population. Eleanor Roosevelt's role in civil rights played an important in the realization of social equity within the American society. As the First Lady of the United States, her acts alleviated the position of minority groups, especially the African Americans within the American society. 20 In 15 Winfield, Betty Houchin. "The Legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt." Presidential Studies Quarterly 20, no. 4 (1990): 699-706. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20700154. 16 Roosevelt, Eleanor. 2016. The Moral Basis of Democracy . Newburyport: Open Road Integrated Media, Inc. 17 Roosevelt, Eleanor. The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt. New York: Harper & Bros., 1961. 18 Roosevelt, Eleanor. 2016. The Moral Basis of Democracy . Newburyport: Open Road Integrated Media, Inc. 19 Roosevelt, Eleanor. The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt. New York: Harper & Bros., 1961. 20 Burke, Fran. "Eleanor Roosevelt, She Made a Difference" in Public Administration Review , Vol. 44, No. 5 (September-October 1984), pg.708.
6 one of her heroic acts to promote racial equity, in 1935, she appointed an African American, Mary McLeod Bethune who was an educator to the National Advisory Committee of the National Youth Organization. A years after Mary's appointment, Eleanor helped in the creation of a Negro Affairs of the NYA. 21 Eleanor Roosevelt also worked with other groups that represented people of color. She also worked passionately as a chair of the National Committee to Abolish Poll Tax. In the New Deal Program, Eleanor Roosevelt strongly advocated for racial equity. 22 Among her major contributions as an advocator for racial equity, during the New Deal, she advocated that those who are responsible for administering the Agricultural Adjustment Act should acknowledge the fact that while landowners openly discriminated against the blacks. 23 In her advocacies, she sought to ensure that the blacks are paid same wages as the whites. Eleanor Roosevelt initiatives to ensure racial equity provided with an important basis to the passing of the civil rights act. Eleanor Roosevelt commitment to the New Deal ensured that Americans lived better lives during the Second World War. Eleanor remained focused on the New Deal despite the President beginning to shift his attention from the Economic New Deal, to strategies that could be undertaken to prepare the country to enter into the Second World War that was growing in Europe. 24 Despite the new shift in attention, Eleanor never lost sight of various efforts to make American lives better that was undertaken in the early years of the Roosevelts administration. Notably, this is evident with her continued interest in the state of living condition in Washington D.C. Eleanor's interest also included institutions that were under the federal government. She 21 Winfield, Betty Houchin. "The Legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt." Presidential Studies Quarterly 20, no. 4 (1990): 699-706. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20700154. 22 Burke, Fran. "Eleanor Roosevelt, She Made a Difference" in Public Administration Review , Vol. 44, No. 5 (September-October 1984), pg.708. 23 Seeber, Frances M. "Eleanor Roosevelt and Women in the New Deal: A Network of Friends." Presidential Studies Quarterly 20, no. 4 (1990): 707-17. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20700155. 24 Ibid.
7 made regular tours and inspections to homes of the elderly, childcare centers and schools. 25 She was determined to ensure that every form of poor conditions of these institutions were made public, as a result compelling for a foreign. 26 It is through these initiatives and interests that Eleanor Roosevelt became initial First Lady in the history of the United States to testify before the Congress. Her primary concern was essentially the welfare of all Americans amidst the war. During the Second World War, Eleanor Roosevelt stood out to be an advocator and a champion for refugees' wellbeing. With the United States getting drawn into the war taking place in Europe, the First Lady's primary concern was entailed the welfare of all refugees. 27 Through her initiative, Eleanor Roosevelt received several letters from all over the world, with various people seeking her help. As a result, she was prompted to participate in several charity organizations including the British War Relief Society, the United States Committee for the Care of European Children and the emergency Rescue Committee. 28 She conducted her operations both through private organizations and federal organizations. During the war, Eleanor Roosevelt was committed to ensure that the welfare of all refugees were met. Her commitment led to Eleanor openly disagreeing with Breckinridge Long, the State Department's chief of visa operation who opposed changes in immigration policies. 29 On a case-to-case basis, Eleanor Roosevelt helped refugee's immigrant into the country. However, this process limited the rate of immigration into the country leading to disagreement with the State Department Chief of Visa operation. These selfless initiatives significantly explain Eleanor Roosevelts' efforts for the promotion of human rights. 25 Roosevelt, Eleanor. The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt. New York: Harper & Bros., 1961. 26 Winfield, Betty Houchin. "The Legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt." Presidential Studies Quarterly 20, no. 4 (1990): 699-706. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20700154. 27 Roosevelt, Eleanor. "The struggle for human rights."  Paris, France, September 28 (1948). 28 Ibid. 29 Ibid.
8 Eleanor Roosevelt concerns for human rights is further manifested with he actions during the Second World War. During the war, the First Lady three trips overseas. Eleanor was the first high ranking government official to do so during the war time. 30 Her first trip was in 1942, where she was invited by the Queen of England. In the visit, she visited hospitals, battlefields and military installation facilities. The First Lady concerns for humanity was significant when she visited every injured serviceman in hospitals, who were more than 400,000. 31 She could stop, give each a handshake and thanking them for their service. She made several visits including a trip to the military bases and hospitals located in the Caribbean basin. While travelling during the war, she took all her meals from the mess halls. She took whatever food the soldiers were taking, without asking for any privileges or special treatment. 32 Additionally, in her visit, she took notes of the challenges and difficulties faced by the servicemen, which she reported to the President, and advice on how best the soldiers' conditions could be improved. Her actions during the Second World War were primary motivation to the servicemen in the warfront. Furthermore, during the Second World War, the First lady lobbied for the integration equality within the America's military. Eleanor Roosevelt pushed for President Franklin Roosevelt to de-segregate the military. 33 However, this move and advocacy attracted a significant public criticism during that time. Despite the criticism, in 1939, the President compromised by signing into law the Public Law 18. The legislation expanded the Army Air Corp, as a result giving hope for Africa Americans who wished to advance their military careers beyond the motor pool and the kitchen. 34 At one point, in illustrating her concerns about segregation within 30 Roosevelt, Eleanor. "The struggle for human rights."  Paris, France, September 28 (1948). 31 Roosevelt, Eleanor. The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt. New York: Harper & Bros., 1961. 32 Winfield, Betty Houchin. "The Legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt." Presidential Studies Quarterly 20, no. 4 (1990): 699-706. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20700154. 33 Burke, Fran. "Eleanor Roosevelt, She Made a Difference" in Public Administration Review , Vol. 44, No. 5 (September-October 1984), pg.708. 34 Roosevelt, Eleanor. 2016. The Moral Basis of Democracy . Newburyport: Open Road Integrated Media, Inc.
9 the American military, the First Lady rode with an African American pilot, and ensured the she was photographed. This initiative played a huge role in initiating public outcry about discrimination against the African Americans. 35 Through the First Lady relentless pursuit for social equity, in 1941 the War Department created the 99 th Pursuit Squadron. With this, the first All-American flying unit was established. More than 2,000 African American were trained and enlisted into the army. Eleanor Roosevelt commitment to human rights increased after leaving the White House. After leaving the White House, she successfully advocated for the creation of a Justice Department Civil Rights Division. 36 She worked with several civil rights groups including serving in the board of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She visited civil rights activists who were incarcerated for being part of protests. Through this action, she openly defied threats by the Ku Klux Klan. She ended up becoming the first woman to be placed a bounty on by the Ku Klux Klan. 37 Eleanor Roosevelt was among influential persons that openly criticized the Eisenhower Administration terming his government to be inherently passive in the civil rights struggles. 38 In an effort to boost the severity of the civil rights movement, Eleanor organized fundraising campaigns for activists who utilized a non- violent technique towards civil disobedience. She worked with notable civil rights figures including Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Park. In 1962, her commitment on human rights further exemplified itself when she testified before the Congress, supporting legislations that would ensure gender pay equity. 39 She also supported the Equal Rights Amendment. In essence, 35 Ibid. 36 Burke, Fran. "Eleanor Roosevelt, She Made a Difference" in Public Administration Review , Vol. 44, No. 5 (September-October 1984), pg.708. 37 Winfield, Betty Houchin. "The Legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt." Presidential Studies Quarterly 20, no. 4 (1990): 699-706. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20700154. 38 Roosevelt, Eleanor. 2016. The Moral Basis of Democracy . Newburyport: Open Road Integrated Media, Inc. 39 Ibid.
10 Eleanor Roosevelt initiatives played a huge role in the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, leading to the establishment of a more socially equitable American society. Eleanor Roosevelts commitment on behalf of human rights is further amplified in her work with the United Nations. The United Nations was established two months after the end of the Second World War. In the establishment of the United Nations, Eleanor Roosevelt was appointed by President Harry Truman, to be a part of the United States delegation. 40 Eleanor Roosevelt went on into chairing the United Nation's Human Rights Committee. In 1948, Eleanor delivered one of the famous speeches, The Struggle for Human Rights to the United States Council. 41 In her speech, Eleanor urged members of the United Nations to pass the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights. In essence, to the modern world, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights stands out to be a defining document in reference to global issues. In her speech, she stated that the primary problem that affects the world entailed the preservation of human freedom for the particular individual as well as the society they are a part of. 42 The proposal was formally adopted in 1948. During Eleanor Roosevelt tenure at the United Nations, she managed to lay critical groundwork for a binding covenant on political and civil rights. It also included binding agreements on the social, economic and cultural rights. With Eleanor Roosevelt overseeing the passing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the document continues to serve as an important model in regards to how nations and humans should treat each other. While working at the United Nations, Eleanor Roosevelt was dedicated towards global peace and the preservation of human rights. She was serving as the only woman in the five 40 Roosevelt, Eleanor. "Making Human Rights Come Alive." The Phi Delta Kappan 31, no. 1 (1949): 23-33. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20331861. 41 Roosevelt, Eleanor. "The struggle for human rights."  Paris, France, September 28 (1948). 42 Winfield, Betty Houchin. "The Legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt." Presidential Studies Quarterly 20, no. 4 (1990): 699-706. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20700154.
11 American delegates in the United Nations. 43 Over the years at the United Nations, Eleanor Roosevelt travelled across the Atlantic oceans to several United Nations meetings held in Paris, Geneva, Munich as well as in her hometown, New York City. These meetings led to signing of peace accords and treatise, necessary for the preservation of global peace. 44 The State Department Office of Special Political Affairs termed Eleanor Roosevelt to be successful in her role in the United Nations. While at the United Nations she remained unrelenting in advocating for the millions of people around the world who were tyrannized and oppressed. 45 In doing this, she called out European colonial masters to end colonialism and grant independence to the countries that they were colonizing. Her advocacies also included the creation of Israel that would be a Jewish homeland. Eleanor stood firm against the Soviets. She was relentless in forcing for the resettlement of the refugees that the Soviet claimed were political enemies and therefore should be repatriated. 46 Eleanor took her knowledge and experiences about politics and human behavior into the new arena. Her critical role in the United Nations led to more women being included in the committees and delegations from other countries. Anna Eleanor Roosevelt remains to be one of the most revered First Lady in the history of the United States. She endlessly fought for justice, freedom and equality for all people. She established new standards for excellence as a First Lady. Although she was faced with multiple challenges in her advocacy for human rights, Eleanor relentlessly worked to improve the state of life all not only for all Americans, but also for all people around the world. Her role as the First Lady and a fearless civil rights activist changed forever the expected roles and responsibilities of 43 Roosevelt, Eleanor. "Making Human Rights Come Alive." The Phi Delta Kappan 31, no. 1 (1949): 23-33. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20331861. 44 Ibid. 45 Ibid. 46 Roosevelt, Eleanor. "Making Human Rights Come Alive." The Phi Delta Kappan 31, no. 1 (1949): 23-33. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20331861.
12 a First Lady. She created a new perception of political wives while improving the lives of millions of people around the world. Eleanor Roosevelts' lifetime achievement has impact across countries, generations, ethnicities, creed, social status and creed. Eleanor Roosevelt's work at the United Nations followed with her contribution in the International Declaration of Human Rights continue to be a force of good in the modern world. She strengthened women rights, advocated for racial equality and improved the general quality of minority groups in ways that it continues to be felt in the contemporary world.
13 Bibliography Burke, Fran. "Eleanor Roosevelt, She Made a Difference" in Public Administration Review , Vol. 44, No. 5 (September-October 1984), pg.708. Marcellus, Jane. ""It's Up to the Women" Edward Bernays, Eleanor Roosevelt, and feminist resistance to shopping for patriotism."  Feminist Media Studies 12, no. 3 (2012): 389-405. Roosevelt, Eleanor. "The struggle for human rights."  Paris, France, September 28 (1948). Roosevelt, Eleanor. "Making Human Rights Come Alive." The Phi Delta Kappan 31, no. 1 (1949): 23-33. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20331861. Roosevelt, Eleanor. 2016. The Moral Basis of Democracy . Newburyport: Open Road Integrated Media, Inc. Roosevelt, Eleanor. The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt. New York: Harper & Bros., 1961. Seeber, Frances M. "Eleanor Roosevelt and Women in the New Deal: A Network of Friends." Presidential Studies Quarterly 20, no. 4 (1990): 707-17. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20700155. Winfield, Betty Houchin. "The Legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt." Presidential Studies Quarterly 20, no. 4 (1990): 699-706. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20700154.
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