"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
~Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt was born on October 11, 1884, in New York City, New York. She died on November 7, 1962, at the age of 78. Her parents were Elliot Roosevelt and Anna Rebecca Hall. Eleanor had two younger brother: Elliot Roosevelt and Gracie hall Roosevelt. Eleanor endured an unhappy childhood. Her mother, father, and one of her brothers died very early in her life. Orphaned, she was sent to the Hudson River Valley to live with her grandmother. Eleanor was first taught by a private tutor from 1889 to 1890. For the next couple years she attended school in Italy. She was then enrolled at the Allen Wood Academy in London. She was deeply influenced by the feminist headmistress, Marie Souvestre, and they developed a close relationship. While traveling, Eleanor met her distant cousin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. They were married on March 27, 1905, and they had six children. There marriage was complicated when Franklin had an extramarital affair. Though their partnership endured, Eleanor was fueled by this incident to forge her own path.
Eleanor Roosevelt was a revolutionary First Lady. Influenced by Theodore Roosevelt, she became active in the social reform movement during the Progressive Era. Eleanor advocated for the rights of workers and empowerment for women, which were controversial subjects at the time. During her time as First Lady, from 1933-1945, Eleanor showed the world that her post was an important part of the American government, and she became the first presidential spouse to work closely with the president and his administrative staff. She was an outspoken and influential First Lady. During World War II, Eleanor Roosevelt was an important symbol to the public masses. She supported the Red Cross and volunteered in wartime efforts, setting an example for female involvement in the War effort. After the death of her husband, Eleanor remained active in politics. She continued to be a public figure, and she gave speeches and kept up her writing. She focused on international peace and civil rights, and helped write the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which she considered her greatest achievement.
At Eleanor Roosevelt's memorial service, Adlai Stevenson said, "She would rather light a candle than curse the darkness, and her glow has warmed the world."
Eleanor dedicated much of her life to fighting for political and social change. She left quite the legacy, having dramatically changed the role of First Lady. She was a great humanitarian and a leader for reform of women's rights and civil rights. She touched the lives of countless people. During her life she was part of numerous controversial movements, and she endured a lot of criticism. But, her efforts ultimately benefited countless people, and the praise she earned was well deserved.
Eleanor dedicated much of her life to fighting for political and social change. She left quite the legacy, having dramatically changed the role of First Lady. She was a great humanitarian and a leader for reform of women's rights and civil rights. She touched the lives of countless people. During her life she was part of numerous controversial movements, and she endured a lot of criticism. But, her efforts ultimately benefited countless people, and the praise she earned was well deserved.
Below is a link to a mini biography of Eleanor Roosevelt. It traces her childhood and the novel accomplishments of her career.