Eleanor Roosevelt's Impact On Society

The statement “differing perspectives and interpretations assist us in understanding a personality’s significance in history” is particularly significant when dealing with an understanding of Eleanor Roosevelt. The primary historical debate related to Roosevelt is whether or not she overplayed what was considered appropriate for a first lady. Evidently, she did, but did her accomplishments as First Lady outweigh her overstepping of authority? Eleanor Roosevelt was a notable figure in human history, serving as a worldwide advocate and a trailblazer, leaving an everlasting impact on the role of an American First Lady. Although her work is recognized internationally, her legacy remains convoluted through the perception that her role throughout

Over time, these views have changed as the celebration of her work has overridden the once prominent negative view of her.

Through her rejection of conventional ethics, Eleanor Roosevelt established a tradition for succeeding First Ladie by serving as a humanitarian role model. She did so by using her international platform to play a key role in many political issues, particularly advocating for African American civil rights and gender equality. Which were extensively successful and admired, reflected in present articles in the New York Times stating, “She won acclaim in her own rights'' and “She was the symbol of the new role women were to play in the world”. Through her political presence, she was thus a key figure in the suffrage movement, imposing rights for women, during the second-wave feminist movement. Where Roosevelt gave speeches, public appearances and wrote articles challenging societal norms by openly promoting women’s rights and economic independence, encouraging women to

Although her intentions were well hearted, her assertiveness and tendency to blur the lines between First Lady and elected officials, prompted criticism over her deviation from tradition and manipulation of the government. Reflected through Roosevelt’s engagement in government business such as foreign policy discussions, where she made her own opinions on these topics known, disrupting the authority of cabinet members entrusted with such matters. Evidenced by journalists such as Westbrook Pegler, writing about how Roosevelt’s approach as First Lady extended beyond advocacy venturing into decision-making, where she should have “no more authority than any other citizen of the Republic”, and her significant influence over her husband FDR, “meddled” in the governments work. Portraying Roosevelt’s work in another light that has been masked by the commemorative view of her. This perspective in turn amplifies Roosevelt’s impact on history, as it shows her influence over the US