Eleanor Roosevelt example essay topic

'Eleanor Roosevelt, The Life and Times'A Report by Justin Boba l Prepared for Ms. Brenneman by Justin BobalFilename: C: My Documentseler. wp d Table of Contents The Introduction 'To be the thing we seem to do the thing we deem enjoyed by duty To walk in faith nor dream of questioning God's scheme of truth and beauty' This poem was composed by Eleanor Roosevelt at the age of fifteen. It signifies her life as a whole, never questioning what God's mission was for her, but knowing what it was he wanted. She set forth and accomplished many things in politics, and for human kind alike. Even though she was born into a wealthy family, Eleanor Delano Roosevelt overcame many hardships that could have thrown her off the beaten path, and remained strong to lend a helping hand in the matters of the world. Born Eleanor Roosevelt on October 11, 1884 her life even though filled with (Lash 27) prestige, was not the easiest one to grow up with. By the age of six she had already visited Italy many times, and was sent to live in a French convent.

When her mother contracted diphtheria, she was forced to move back to New York and live with her Godmother Mrs. Parish. (Roosevelt 6) Due to the extreme pressures of what was happening around him, her father Elliot Roosevelt, began to turn to the bottle. Due to his alcoholism, he was sent to a sanitarium in Paris, where he could hopefully get better. Shortly after though on December 7, 1892, Eleanor's mother died from complications of diphtheria. (Harrity 12) Being unfit to take care of the children, her father moved to Southwest Virginia to seek help for his alcoholism... Eleanor was sent to live with her Grandmother in New York.

Even though being separated Eleanor and her father still communicated through letters which spoke of activities that they would participate in together. August 14, 1894, due to complications of his alcoholism, Elliot Roosevelt died, Eleanor was at the age of ten at this time. She had loved her father dearly even though he had been absent from most of her childhood. (Roosevelt 9) 'He was the one great love of my life as a child, and in fact like many children I have lived a dream life with him; so his memory is still a vivid, living thing to me' (Lash 27) To get through those hard times, relied on the rest of her family for love and guidance.

She had adored her Aunts, Maude and 'pussies', whom took over the role of her mother, educating her in anyway possible. (Kearney 9) 'Very early, I became conscious of the fact that there were people around me who suffered in one way or another' (Roosevelt 12) At the age of nineteen, Eleanor joined the Junior League. She began helping the unfortunate people around New York City, by keeping children of immigrants entertained. She also worked with the children of the Riving ton Street Settlement House, when she could find the time. She was an avid meme br of the Consumer's League.

She investigated the textile and garment factories, to inspect the quality of the facilities provided to the workers. Even though helping out with the community she still found some time to enjoy life. (Roosevelt 40) She frequently visited her soon to be husband, Franklin Roosevelt, who was attending law school at Harvard University. After spending countless hours with Franklin, he purposed to her, and the engagement was announced in the Autumn of 1904. (Roosevelt 44) Soon after graduating from Harvard University, he sought to extend his college education by attending courses at Columbia University. Thirteen days before the marriage, Theodore Roosevelt, Eleanor's uncle, was inaugurated for a second term.

Eleanor and Franklin were in attendance. 'I told myself I had seen a historical event- and I never expected to see another inauguration in the family. ' Eleanor was awestruck of the event. (Roosevelt 48) The thirteen days had passed and now Eleanor was becoming a woman.

On March 17, 1905 Eleanor and Franklin Delano had become happily married. Even though just married, Eleanor and Franklin were not the topic of conversation, a lone wolf was present in the crowd. Eleanor's uncle was in attendance, Theodore Roosevelt had stolen the show with his stories and all the guests were crowded around the newly inaugurated president. Eleanor and Franklin had no choice but to join in and listen to the interesting conversation. (Roosevelt 50) Still attending law school at Columbia, the happily married couple had no money to spare, so the moved into an apartment, that was located above a hotel in New York City.

Almost one year had gone by and the couple became a family, on may 3rd, the couple was blessed with a child. Anna Eleanor, was the first but not the last child to be born into this new couple's life. Her second child, James Roosevelt, was born shortly after December 23, 1907. But to all this joy there is a tragedy, On march 18th, 1909 another child was born. This baby had not been as lucky as the other children and had contracted influenza. Shortly after an attack of the disease he had died as quickly as he was born.

(Harrity 54) Now, becoming a prominent figure in the political scene, Franklin made a decision that would change their lives forever. He had decided to run for the office of New York Senator. The same year he decided to run, another child was born in the month of September. Due to the appeal to the voters Franklin was elected to a chair as a New York State Senator. (Harrity 55) When Franklin was appointed to the position as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, the Roosevelt family then moved to Washington D.C. to take up residence becase of the new hardships associated with this new position. The fifth child was born on August 17, 1914 and was named after his father, Franklin D Roosevelt Jr.

Eleanor's last child, John Aspinwall, was born on M rach 16, 1916. (Harrity 57) The year was 1917, and Eleanor has five children, what else would challenge this woman? World War I. Eleanor seizing the opportunity began to set up and work in the Red Cross. Doing her part in the war effort by preparing food in the Red Cross canteen. Eleanor also visited the Navy hospitals giving out packs of cigarettes to the injured sailors of the war. (Harrity 58) Eleanor encountered a change in her everyday life when her husband was nominated to run for vice president alongside James M. Cox.

Eleanor was by his side everywhere he traveled for his new position. She finally was able to learn about politics with a first hand account from her husband. She learned many things when she was able to speak with Republicans and Democrats alike. (Harrity 59) Using her new found knowledge of politics, Eleanor took an active part as a board member of the New York State League of Woman Voters..