I’m certain you’ve heard of many excellent First Ladies throughout the years. Presidents usually have beautiful wives that are always camera ready, which isn’t a negative, however there is so much more to being a first lady than being a pretty face. A First Lady has a platform that everyday women do not have. Back in the early days, even if a female wanted a change, it was very difficult for them to be heard.
It all started in the early 1930’s when an astounding female figure took charge and showed something to the world. Eleanor Roosevelt is one of the most significant and astonishing First Lady that anyone has ever known. She didn’t listen to the White House when they told her to be dull, instead she wanted the world to see an elegant and strong woman, which wasn’t common due to the degradation of women at this time. This incident was only the beginning for Roosevelt.
Eleanor was the first of many things, such as the first, First Lady to hold a press conference and with only women reporters allowed to attend. This was a sign to all the people of America who she was and what fight was going to start. After this Roosevelt was an active advocate for FDR as she traveled around the country and reported back to her husband. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in the 1940’s she became a very popular public influence and was very effective entering into WWII. Eleanor then became a leader and advocate of the rights and needs of the poor, of the disadvantaged, and of the minorities. As the war went on she was of service to Assistant Director of Civilian Defense in the very early 40’s to boost morale and create allies. Once her husband died she continued in her public life and did not give up for the fight for women and the people of the world, not only America.
Eleanor Roosevelt made a path for women and proved to every single entitled man in this era that women are to be taken seriously and listened to respectfully. She completely changed and transformed the way that people saw the First Lady. Although it came with many challenges and much confidence, Eleanor never gave up on her country for a single second. She fought from the moment she took charge all the way to her death. Eleanor Roosevelt is an inspiration to us all and she is always special in America’s history.
