1930s

THE GREAT DEPRESSION

      The economic depression of the 1930’s was a time of struggle for many Americans. In the midst of the struggle, many opportunities opened up for women. The Works Progress Administration employed many women with lower paying jobs such as sewing, working in school lunch programs, bookbinding, and caring for the elderly cleaning ladies, secretaries, and nurses. This helped many single mothers provide for their families after marriage rates rapidly declined.

THE NEW DEAL

 ​​​​​​​      Eleanor’s husband, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States, well known for his series of programs and projects called “The New Deal.” Many issues women had were not addressed in The New Deal until FDR started to discuss Women’s Suffrage. This led to the Equal Rights Amendmet in 1972, which gave equal rights to everyone regardless of their gender. At first Eleanor was opposed to because she thought it would undermine the protective laws she and other reformers sought for women in the workplace. She later realized the benefits and doorways that were opened for women. 

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Franlin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt. Fotosearch/Getty Images, History.