Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) was an American political figure, diplomat, and activist, best known for her role as First Lady of the United States during her husband President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four terms in office from 1933 to 1945. She was born Anna Eleanor Roosevelt in New York City to a wealthy and socially prominent family. Orphaned by the age of ten, she was raised by her grandmother.
Eleanor married Franklin D. Roosevelt, her distant cousin, in 1905. She became actively involved in public service during World War I, working with the American Red Cross and in naval hospitals. As First Lady, she dramatically changed the role from a largely ceremonial position to one of active advocacy, working for civil rights, women’s rights, and improved welfare for the poor and disadvantaged. She held press conferences and wrote a daily newspaper column, “My Day,” to communicate directly with the American public.
After her husband’s death in 1945, Eleanor continued her humanitarian efforts. She played a significant role in the formation of the United Nations, serving as a delegate to the UN General Assembly and was the first chairperson of the UN Commission on Human Rights. She was instrumental in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948.
Eleanor Roosevelt’s legacy as a champion for social justice and human rights has made her one of the most respected and influential women in American history.
