Roosevelt's Work To American History example essay topic
414 words
The significance of Eleanor Roosevelt's work to American History. "What other single human being has touched and transformed the existence of so many? She walked in the slums and ghettos of the world, not on a tour of inspection, but as one who could not feel contentment when others were hungry". Adlai Stevenson The first five decades of the twentieth century saw the world endure such things as war, depression, the industrial revolution, the emancipation of women, a more out-spoken youth culture and a society that needed direction dealing with such issues. Eleanor Roosevelt, as the First Lady, did much more than her predecessors, during this time. The impact of her work on American History has been profound. Although First Lady from 1932 to 1945, her work influenced American society for much longer. Born into an era of male dominance, Eleanor became one of America's great leaders of reform. She championed many courses and inspired others to pursue change for the good of humanity. She gave the underdog a voice, she was a remarkable woman who, through her position and talents helped bring about much needed social change. Beside her wheelchair-bound husband, Franklin D. Roosevelt, the American people viewed her as an independent woman, who, while a close advisor to him, was a public figure in her own right. She was seen as an average person with weaknesses and vulnerabilities, however was approachable and listened to the people, understood their issues and for women, the poor, blacks and the youth of the time, was the outspoken influence in politics they needed.
Eleanor's ability to work along side the people, teaching, lecturing, travelling widely and listening, humanise d her in the eyes of the public. Positions of power came usually from wealth but Eleanor's came from popularity with the general public. She made herself accessible to people through her daily newspaper column 'My Day', where she was opinionated and controversial. "No writing has any real value which is not the expression of genuine thought and feeling".
My Day December 20 1939. As a female public figure she challenged the roles of females in society. The issues that Eleanor tackled not only ensured public awareness and positive change but laid the foundations for human rights reform. As Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights she was instrumental in the drafting of the UN Declaration of Human Rights.
