ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

Eleanor Roosevelt was a hero to many people int the United States and around the world. She helped form many organizations that change the lives of children, women, and the poor. Her famous quote was, "You get more joy out of the giving to others and should put a good deal of thought into the happiness you are able to give."

Eleanor Roosevelt was born in New York, New York on October 11, 1884. Her parents Elliott Roosevelt and Anna Rebeca Hall had both passed away before she was 10 years old.

Eleanor's grandmother raised her and sent her to school at the Allenswood Girl's Academy in London, England 1898 - 1902.

Eleanor learned many languages, English literature, music, art and dance. She called those years the happiest years of her life. At the age of 18 she returned to New York to join the social reform movement.

Eleanor Roosevelt cared about helping others. In 1903 she became a member of the Junior League of New York and the Consumer's League to help people who had unfair and unhealthy work places and homes such as sweatshop workers.

She also worked with the American Red Cross and helped Navy soldiers who returned from World War I and improved the level of their hospital care.

In 1905 she married Franklin D. Roosevelt who became president in1933.

As First Lady, she helped people who became poor in the Great Depression, and joined the United Nations during World War II to form UNICEF which helps children around the world.

Eleanor had to face the struggle of unequal rights for women. In 1920 to 1936 she joined the Women's League of Voters, Trade Union, and Democratic Party to give women the same rights as men in Government and jobs.

She also fought for Civil Rights of African Americans. Even after she got many threats against her, she still supported the National Association for Advancement of Colored People.

INTERESTING FACTS

• Her actual name was Anna Eleanor Roosevelt.
• Her husband had polio and was paralyzed.
• She had 6 kids but 1 died of influenza before the age of 1.
• Eleanor held all-women news conferences.
• No other First Lady reached 12 years in Presidential history.

Eleanor Roosevelt was dedicated to helping others and this is why she is known as the First Lady of the world.

SOURCES

• Eleanor Roosevelt and the Women's Movement, George Washington University Website.
• Washington Press Club Foundation Website.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library by the National Archives and Records Administration.
• Timeline: Eleanor Roosevelt's life by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Website.