Essential Question/Aim: What role did Eleanor Roosevelt play

during the Great Depression? April 19, 2013

Do Now:

What do you think is the role of the First Lady of the United States? Why do you believe that is her role?

Eleanor Roosevelt

Wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt

After FDR contracted Polio in 1921 she overcame her shyness and began to speak and travel on his behalf

The New First Lady

Transformed the role of the First Lady

Gave frequent radio speeches and write a daily newspaper column

Used her position to champion women’s rights

Advocated for equal rights for African Americans

President’s Eyes and Ears

Traveled the country acting as FDR’s eyes and ears. She would report back to FDR on what she had seen/heard

In 1933 she logged 40,000 miles including taking a trip into a West Virginia coal mine

Letters to Mrs. Roosevelt

Children and adults wrote letter to the First Lady asking for help no matter how embarrassing their situation

Asked for clothes, bicycles, money, luxuries, etc.

Saw Mrs. Roosevelt as a confidant