Eleanor Roosevelt was widely known and respected as an American politician, activist, and diplomat. She served as First Lady of the United States for 12 years. She used her position to improve the civil rights of women, war refugees, and African- and Asian Americans.
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was born in New York City and was a member of the prominent Roosevelt and Livingston families. At an early age, she decided that she preferred to be called Eleanor.
By the age of nine, she had suffered the deaths of both of her parents and one of her brothers, which resulted in her having a very unhappy childhood and being prone to depression throughout the rest of her life.
In 1905, after completing her education at the Allenwood Academy in London, she returned to the U.S. and married her fifth cousin once removed, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The Roosevelts struggled with several challenges during their marriage, including infidelity and chronic illness.
After he was diagnosed with polio in 1921, Eleanor persuaded her husband to stay in politics. Since the disease cost him the use of his legs, Eleanor began making public speeches and campaign appearances in his place. This continued throughout the remainder of Franklin’s public career in government, and played a major role in Eleanor becoming a highly respected and influential public figure.
During her tenure as First Lady, Eleanor helped to reshape the expectations of presidential wives for decades to come. She was often outspoken and she had controversial opinions on racial issues that she was boldly vocal about. Occasionally, she even publically disagreed with her husband’s policies.
Even after her husband’s death, Eleanor continued to be active in politics for the rest of her life.
Due to her political prowess and passion for humanity, she convinced the United States to join the United Nations, and she became of one of the first delegates. Her talent, poise, and exemplary leadership demonstrated the true value of women in America and inspired thousands of women to pursue their dreams.