The most outstanding Eleanor Roosevelt achievements are rarely talked about!
It’s pretty rare for a First Lady to reach almost the same level of popularity as her husband. We all know that Jackie Kennedy managed to do it. But what you might not have known is that Eleanor Roosevelt did it first! These two are among the most popular women in American history.
And among the most influential as well. But what made Eleanor Roosevelt so popular? For starters, she accomplished a lot before moving into the White House. What are some Eleanor Roosevelt achievements that are rarely discussed? She was a diplomat, an American political figure, and an activist.
Eleanor served as the First Lady between March 1933 and April 1945. This makes her the longest-serving First Lady of the United States of America. That’s not the most interesting thing about her, though. President Truman called her “The First Lady of the World,” honoring her battle for human rights.
As a member of two well-known American families, Eleanor went to Allenwood Academy in London. She got married to her 5th cousin, Franklin D. Roosevelt. After he was diagnosed with a paralytic illness in 1921, she began giving speeches and appearing at campaign events in his place.
Many loved her during her term as a First Lady, but some opposed her. And the truth is that she fought her way to the top. But don’t just take my word for it. Check out the 9 most remarkable Eleanor Roosevelt achievements and decide for yourself.
Eleanor Roosevelt achievement: She advocated for Civil Rights
Eleanor Roosevelt was a vocal supporter of racial equality during an era of discrimination and segregation. Her decision to step away from the Daughters of the American Revolution because they refused to let Marian Anderson, an African-American singer, to perform in Constitution Hall was a fearless statement.
But she even went a step further by arranging for Anderson to perform at the Lincoln Memorial in a concert that symbolized racial justice. Eleanor also regularly met with African-American leaders and endorsed anti-lynching legislation despite resistance from Southern politicians.
She was also a tireless advocate for women’s rights and fought to grow opportunities for women in public life. During the Great Depression, she pushed for the inclusion of women in New Deal programs, ensuring they could benefit from initiatives like the Works Progress Administration.
And during World War II, she encouraged women to take on roles in the workforce that were usually held by men and fought for equal pay. She believed in women’s potential to lead and constantly used her platform to inspire women to seek positions of influence and power.
Eleanor Roosevelt achievement: She transformed the role of First Lady
Eleanor Roosevelt fundamentally transformed the traditional role of the First Lady. Before her time in the most famous house in Washington, the First Lady’s role was mainly confined to being a hostess and ceremonial figure.
Eleanor, however, became a politically active companion to Franklin D. Roosevelt, holding press conferences, attending public events, and voicing her opinions on social issues and policies.
Her activism and independence set a precedent for all future First Ladies, demonstrating that they didn’t just have to stand beside their husbands and could be influential leaders in their own right.
Eleanor Roosevelt achievement: She worked on New Deal Programs
Eleanor Roosevelt traveled a lot during the Great Depression to take a hard look at the hardships faced by everyday Americans. She brought her conclusions to her husband and pushed for New Deal programs that addressed the needs of the youth, the unemployed, and minorities.
She was extremely involved in initiatives like the National Youth Administration, which provided education and work opportunities for the younger generation. Her advocacy guaranteed that the New Deal addressed the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
Eleanor Roosevelt achievement: She supported the Tuskegee Airmen
Eleanor Roosevelt was a critical supporter of the Tuskegee Airmen, who were the first African-American military aviators in the US Armed Forces. During a visit to Tuskegee Army Air Field back in 1941, she demanded on flying with one of the pilots.
This small gesture affirmed her confidence in their abilities and shattered racial stereotypes. Her public endorsement helped secure military and political support for the program, which was pivotal in integrating the US military and demonstrating the value of African-American service members.
Eleanor Roosevelt achievement: She wrote a popular and widely read column, My Day
Eleanor’s daily syndicated newspaper column, My Day, was a groundbreaking way for her to speak directly with the American people. Beginning in 1935, she wrote six days a week, addressing everything from social and political issues to her experiences and personal thoughts.
Through this column, she spotlighted topics such as education, civil rights, and poverty while also humanizing her role as the First Lady of America. The column ran until shortly before she passed away in 1962, reaching millions of readers and keeping her connected to the public.
Eleanor Roosevelt achievement: She was a pioneer in Humanitarian Efforts
Eleanor Roosevelt’s lifelong dedication to humanitarian work extended far beyond her years in the White House. She championed causes like education, affordable housing, and healthcare, constantly working with grassroots organizations to push change.
After leaving the White House, she chaired JFK’s Presidential Commission on the Status of Women, which progressed the discussion on gender equality. Her dedication to social justice and her hands-on approach to activism inspired future generations to continue the struggle for a more equitable society.
Eleanor Roosevelt achievement: She promoted Refugee Aid During WWII
As World War II raged on, Eleanor Roosevelt was a strong advocate for helping refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. She publicly condemned restrictive US immigration policies that restricted the number of Jewish refugees allowed to enter the US.
Even though she faced opposition, she used her power to push for the acceptance of more refugees and supported organizations working to provide resettlement and relief. Her efforts brought attention to the difficulty of those fleeing the Holocaust and underscored the importance of compassion in US policy.
Eleanor Roosevelt achievement: She was the first chairperson of the UN Human Rights Commission
As the 1st chairperson of the United Nations Human Rights Commission, Eleanor worked to launch its mission and framework. Her leadership was instrumental in bringing together representatives from various nations to form the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
She highlighted the importance of universal equality, dignity, and freedom, navigating intricate political tensions during the drafting process. It can be said that her work pretty much laid the foundation for international human rights advocacy and inspired efforts to protect human rights worldwide.
Eleanor Roosevelt achievement: She left a long legacy through education and empowerment
After leaving her home on Pennsylvania Avenue, Eleanor Roosevelt continued to impact society through education by establishing a few organizations focused on promoting civic engagement and empowering youth, such as The National Youth Administration.
She believed education was essential in fostering informed citizens who could contribute positively to democracy, which is an ethos still applicable as we strive towards an inclusive society to this day. Eleanor’s achievements have left an unforgettable mark on history.
She redefined what it meant to be a First Lady and became an icon of activism for civil liberties, women’s rights, and human dignity… all crucial issues today. Contemplating her contributions, we can draw inspiration from her relentless commitment to advocating for justice and equality.
What do you think about all these Eleanor Roosevelt achievements? Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
And if you liked this article, you should also check out: 7 Most Beloved US Presidents To Sit in the Oval Office