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Listen And Learn About The Unconventional Life Of Eleanor Roosevelt: A Biography
The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt is an inspiring look at the life, times and achievements of one of the twentieth century’s most admired women.
It is a captivating story that showcases her tireless devotion to making life better for ordinary men, women and children.
As the wife and later widow of President Franklin D.
Roosevelt, she was an unstoppable force who challenged people’s ideas about what a first lady should be, blazing her own path to greatness.
This biography introduces us to Eleanor’s personal struggles as well as her triumphs so get ready to explore how this thoroughly modern icon became the First Lady – of the world!
Listeners are encouraged to check out the audio version so they can experience this incredible story in its full glory.
Eleanor Roosevelt: From Privileged Childhood To Outspoken Champion Of The Poor
In her autobiography, Eleanor Roosevelt takes us on a journey through her incredible life.
In Chapter 1, we learn of the privileged background from which she was born in 1884.
We get to see the bustling street of New York City; filled with the noise of hooves and carriages, and illuminated by gas light.
Eleanor comes from an influential and wealthy family who knew all the prominent people at the time and were part of the highest society in New York- no wonder why she got nicknamed ‘Granny’ for her maturity and level voice!
We learn that despite coming from wealth and privilege, Eleanor often felt like an outsider, being tall, awkward and less attractive than many other women in her family.
However, this lack of looks didn’t stop her from having a voracious appetite for knowledge as she rose early each day to read books, even if they were hidden under her mattress!
We also discover that while Eleanor came from money and power, so too did her parents have a philanthropic side; teaching their daughter never to forget that not everyone had what she had been given.
Consequently, it is no surprise when we find out later in Chapter 1 that as a young woman she devotedly taught poor children dance classes throughout Manhattan.
Eleanor Roosevelt’S Transformation From Privileged Housewife To Champion Of The Working Class
In Chapter 2, Eleanor Roosevelt finds herself deeply involved in the world of Washington DC politics due to her husband Franklin being appointed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
She works at the rep Cross canteen, visits psychiatric hospitals to help out, and funds projects to better their conditions.
Her involvement helps give her newfound purpose and confidence in both her ability and power to create positive change.
Though she is witness and participates in many things during this period, the darkest moments are yet to come.
Everything shifts when Franklin becomes ill with polio on a family holiday during 1921, having been misdiagnosed with just a cold.
From then on she dedicates herself even more to caring for him, but also takes that time to build an independent career working for causes she is passionate about like raising money for Women’s Trade Union League .
The most important lesson from Chapter 2 is how Eleanor grew from not knowing her potential even in light of extreme privilege, into finding new meaning within opportunities made available through politics.
She quitely rises up among them discovering noble attitudes throughout despite corruption she must have come across.
She doesn’t let it stop her from building up initiatives such as starting a handmade furniture company or instituting a girls school that prove beneficial by providing work or dignity during hard times like the Great Depression.
Showing us how initiative can be life-affirming when channeled in society’s favour.
Eleanor Roosevelt’S Unconventional Leadership: Breaking Gender And Racial Barriers By Fighting For Justice
In Chapter 3 of The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt, the focus shifts to her role as First Lady when her husband was elected President of the United States.
Though hesitant at first, she quickly embraced this new responsibility and began challenging double standards associated with being a woman in power.
These efforts included taking her own elevator to move around the White House and pushing back against sexism by giving women in high profile positions roles they wouldn’t usually get.
Moreover, Eleanor supported anti-lynching legislation which Franklin didn’t see eye-to-eye with, showing her courage to stand up for what she believed in.
Her commitment to supporting those who were disadvantaged continued throughout Franklin’s presidency.
She was especially moved by a visit she made to a coal-mining area in West Virginia and reported back on the poverty she found there.
Eleanor pressed on with her own pursuits too; one such achievement was writing a column entitled My Day for five years consecutively.
This gave people an insight into the everyday happenings at the White House, further proving that Eleanor had certainly not relinquished her independence during this time period.
Eleanor Roosevelt Recognised For Her Commitment To World Peace And Human Rights
In Chapter 4 of Eleanor Roosevelt’s autobiography, she recounts her experiences at the first meeting of the United Nations in London in 1946.
Because she was the only woman on the American delegation, her presence did not initially inspire confidence from other delegates.
But she worked hard to prove herself up to the job.
One key issue of discussion was about tens of thousands of war refugees who were stuck in Germany at the end of World War II.
There was a disagreement between Western nations and Soviet countries regarding whether or not these individuals should be allowed to stay where they are instead of returning home.
Eleanor rose to this debate and made an impassioned speech that persuaded other delegations to side with the West, given the desire for freedom for individuals over state rule.
The UN meeting also brought another pathbreaking solution when Eleanor started inviting leaders from different nations to informal meetings outside of regular sessions.
This helped create an environment more conducive to sharing ideas and achieving understanding between representatives from various states.
Later, Eleanor became chairperson of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and endeavored to come up with a consensus on international approaches towards human rights issues among aspirant states Despite disagreements with some delegates due to their political background, Eleanor fought tirelessly for what she believed in and made significant strides in protecting individual’s right to choose their own destiny during her time at United Nations.
If you’re heading off to bed, I wish for your restful sleep and sweet dreams!
