Life and achievements
Early life
Eleanor Roosevelt was born into a high-standard New York City family in 1884. She was born a wealthy woman, but her childhood was full of misfortunes. Her mother died of diphtheria when she was eight years old, and two years later, her father also died. This string of losses impacted Eleanor badly, which made her develop shyness and insecurity throughout her youth. She was, therefore, taken to her maternal grandmother's house, where she completed her studies under the care of tutors. But it was not until she was 15 years old and sent to Allenswood Academy in England that she flourished under the tutelage of her headmistress, Marie Souvestre.
Souvestre, a progressive educator, was instrumental in molding Eleanor's beliefs. The time spent at Allenswood gave her a sense of freedom and confidence that she could carry with her for her entire life. When Eleanor returned to New York at 18, she actively participated in social service, being a member of the Junior League and teaching in settlement houses. These early experiences were the basis for her commitment to social justice and human rights.
She entered public life after marrying Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1905. Despite their marriage's problems, especially when Franklin cheated on Eleanor with Lucy Mercer, the latter saw her causes in social and political spheres expand. She played a significant role in Franklin's political life, particularly after poliomyelitis paralyzed him. Nevertheless, Eleanor did not give up the idea of advocating for the things she considered necessary during the entire time.
Legacy
Eleanor Roosevelt remains a model of human rights and a social justice advocate for future generations. She also campaigned for civil rights, women's rights, and refugee rights, which made her work go beyond the ordinary work of any First Lady. Her most significant triumphs were when she was the chairperson of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights and helped develop the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document, which remains a part of the International Human Rights Law today, is a testament to her firm belief in people's inherent dignity and rights.
Her advocacy for social justice was not only when she was the First Lady of the White House. After Franklin died in 1945, Eleanor stayed on in public life and became the main force behind the creation of the United Nations. She worked hard and was fondly called the "First Lady of the World," a sign of reaching global reach. Besides her activities in the international arena, Eleanor was an active campaigner for civil rights for blacks in the United States, and she did not shy from voicing her objection to the segregation of blacks.
Eleanor's impact was not only focused on politics; she was a very active writer and speaker who actively addressed people on various topics. Millions read her daily column "My Day," and she wrote about politics, human rights, and life. Her images are in the many institutions and awards named after her, such as the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights, awarded to people who have kept the fight for equality and justice alive.
Milestone moments
Mar 17, 1905
Marriage to Franklin D. Roosevelt
Eleanor married Franklin D. Roosevelt, her fifth cousin once removed, and the marriage was a grand affair that brought together two influential branches of the Roosevelt family.
This marriage brought Eleanor into the political arena, where she would eventually emerge as a political power.
Franklin's political career would have been more effective if Eleanor had played an active role in it and the First Lady's increased activity as a social activist.
They did have personal troubles, but they stayed together, and Eleanor became Franklin's political support, significantly after he contracted polio.
This encounter heralded political and personal association between the two for the rest of their lives.
Aug 13, 1933
First Lady of the United States
When Franklin D. Roosevelt assumed the presidency of the United States of America and became the 32nd president, Eleanor Roosevelt became the First Lady in the United States up to 1945.
Eleanor was a working First Lady in a way that the previous ones were not; she became involved in making policies, especially in civil rights and social justice.
She had press conferences, wrote a column for a daily newspaper, traveled to observe the impacts of the Great Depression, and became the "eyes and ears" of the Roosevelt administration.
Her support of the oppressed and her active participation in administration activities such as the New Deal transformed the position of the First Lady.
Thus, the years of Eleanor's activity were crucial for forming her future activities as an international social activist.
Jul 18, 1939
Marian Anderson Concert at the Lincoln Memorial
On April 9, 1939, Marian Anderson was allowed to perform a concert at the Lincoln Memorial because of the efforts of the NAACP.
Eleanor Roosevelt, for example, had a sensational story when she was forced to publicly disown the Daughters of the American Revolution after they denied the black singer Marian Anderson the opportunity to perform in Constitution Hall.
As a result, Eleanor played a pivotal role in arranging an open-air concert at the Lincoln Memorial, attended by 75,000 people, and became the turning point in the history of the struggle for civil rights.
This moment exemplifies Eleanor's determination to fight against racism and ethnic prejudice and her desire to change the situation.
Her actions in support of Anderson's cause went a long way in establishing her as one of the most critical persons in the fight for civil rights.
It has become one of the most significant spectacles of civil disobedience against racial inequality in the pre-civil rights era.
Aug 14, 1945
Creation of the United Nations and the U.N. Human Rights Commission
Upon Franklin's demise, Eleanor was appointed by President Truman as a member of the United States' representation in the newly formed United Nations, and she served as the chair of the Commission on Human Rights.
She was crucial in writing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, passed in the U.N. General Assembly.
One of the most significant documents defining fundamental rights and freedoms for all people is one of the most important works of Eleanor, who has been devoted to the problem of social justice throughout her life.
Through her work at the United Nations, she was named the "First Lady of the World" for her humanitarian work on human rights.
By this accomplishment, Eleanor Roosevelt became one of the most adored personalities in international relations and humanitarian activities.