A significant figure in 20th-century American history, she was the First Lady of the United States during Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidency (1933-1945). She redefined the role of the First Lady, becoming an outspoken advocate for human rights, social justice, and economic equality. Her activities included writing, lecturing, and actively participating in political and social causes. She championed the New Deal and civil rights for African Americans, and women’s rights. An example of her impact is her role in pressuring her husband to address racial discrimination in federal programs and the military.
Her importance lies in her transformative influence on the First Lady position and her enduring commitment to progressive causes. She used her platform to amplify marginalized voices and advocate for policy changes that benefited underserved communities. Her contributions during the New Deal era and World War II, along with her later work at the United Nations, solidify her as a key figure in shaping domestic and foreign policy. She helped shape the post-war world through her influential role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
