legacy

Eleanor Roosevelt redefined the role of First Ladies. Unlike past wives of presidents, Eleanor participated in making many decisions regarding FDR’s duties as president. She also actively fought for many causes she personally was passionate about, sometimes going against the beliefs of her husband. She was publicly present much more often then past first ladies and was seen as her own person, not only the supporting wife of her husband, for which she was greatly admired.

Communication

Roosevelt’s activity with the public made her methods of spreading the awareness of inequality ever so successful. Eleanor was the public face that represented many of the associations she was involved in. She used many forms of communication to get across a message. Eleanor Roosevelt inspired many other women to take risks and pave the way for future generations that would hopefully be seen as equal.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt delivering a speech. Getty Images, National First Ladies Library.