Delve into Eleanor Roosevelt's fascinating life, from her activism as First Lady to her unconventional marriage with FDR. Explore her impact on human rights, her media presence, and her enduring legacy in civil rights and women's rights advocacy.
Eleanor Roosevelt redefined the First Lady role by actively advocating for civil rights and social reform.
Despite facing danger and personal turmoil, Eleanor Roosevelt remained committed to standing up for civil rights and equality.
Deep dives
Eleanor Roosevelt Faces Death Threats from the KKK
Eleanor Roosevelt, amidst her busy widowhood, receives a warning from the FBI about a $25,000 bounty placed on her head by the Ku Klux Klan. Despite the danger, she refuses to cancel her visit to an integrated school in Tennessee where she stands for civil rights and equality.
Eleanor Roosevelt's Early Life and Family Dynamics
Born into a wealthy and politically active family, Eleanor Roosevelt faces neglect from her mother and later her father's decline into alcoholism. Raised alongside her brother, she experiences a rural upbringing with limited formal education but notable intellectual curiosity nurtured by her influential Uncle Teddy.
Eleanor Roosevelt's Marriage and Personal Struggles
Eleanor's marriage to cousin Franklin is marred by his affair with Lucy Mercer, leading to a strained partnership rather than a romance. Despite the turmoil, Eleanor supports Franklin's political endeavors, welcoming six children but enduring the pain of infant mortality.
Eleanor Roosevelt's Activism and Influence
As First Lady, Eleanor defies expectations, actively advocating for civil rights, gender equality, and social reform. She transforms the role by engaging with marginalized communities, challenging segregation, and using her platform to address injustices, ultimately becoming a pivotal figure in history.
Eleanor Roosevelt was a woman who redefined the role of the First Lady of the United States. By refusing to be merely a passive companion and wife, and choosing instead to pursue a life of activism, she was seen as an equal to her powerful husband. But what made Eleanor Roosevelt - a woman who was born an aristocrat - fight so hard for the underdog? How did she balance her commitment to social justice with family life? And what was the truth about her unconventional marriage to one of America’s most renowned presidents?
This is a Short History Of Eleanor Roosevelt.
Written by Jo Furniss. With thanks to Allida Black, founder of the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project, and a distinguished fellow at the Rothermere American Institute at the University of Oxford.
Get every episode of Short History Of a week early with Noiser+. You’ll also get ad-free listening, bonus material, and early access to shows across the Noiser network. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions.