annotated bibliography

4

History Project

Violeta Morales

Chamberlain University

Contemporary History

Professor Goldberg

January 19, 2022

History Project

Eleanor Roosevelt was a key figure during the most critical 20th-century social reforms in the United States. It was during her tenure as the First Lady that the US experienced movements like the New Deal, the Progressive Movement, the struggle for racial justice, the Women’s Movement, and the United Nations. Eleanor highly relied on her liberal ideologies and political network to become a key voice inside the White House. She advocated for the appointment of women in key administrative positions, championed the plight of the unemployed, and addressed the concerns of youth. During the Second World War, she took an active role in building a support network for women and an active role in European refugee programs. Even after the death of her husband in 1945, she continued engaging in political activities in crucial areas like the civil rights movement, and the new United Nations.

Eleanor played a significant role in advocating for the rights of women. Wrote articles and opinion pieces, gave speeches, and was involved in broadcasting where she urged her female audience to become active citizens and hold their leaders accountable while working together for the peace of the world (Luscombe, 2018). Women’s right was a major topic at that time when gender prejudice dominated all aspects of life.

The issue of minority rights was a major subject of discussion in the United States. Eleanor fought for the recognition of minorities by advocating for the integration of Africa-Americans in the US military, inviting activists to table their agenda in the White House, and joining in the Washington chapters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and National Urban League (Luscombe, 2018). She openly confronted those who advocated for white supremacy and discriminated against other races.

Eleanor Roosevelt played a significant role in the development of political and social conscience by fighting for the plight of others while finding legal and political solutions to prevailing problems. She joined active groups like the Women’s Trade Union League, the National Consumers League and, the New York chapters of the League of Women Voters (Luscombe, 2018). Moreover, she constantly goaded reforms and women groups to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and delegate assignments.

References

Luscombe, A. (2018). Eleanor Roosevelt: A crusading spirit to move human rights forward. Netherlands Quarterly of Human Rights, 36(4), 241–246. https://doi.org/10.1177/0924051918801610