Eleanor Roosevelt

human rights · history · activism · diplomacy

Traveled Everywhere. As First Lady, Eleanor traveled constantly to meet everyday people and understand their struggles. She visited factories, schools, and communities across America and around the world, which was unusual for presidents' wives at the time.

Wrote the Declaration. After World War II, Eleanor helped write the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document that promised freedom and dignity to people everywhere. When the United Nations adopted it in 1948, she received a standing ovation.

Redefined the Role. Before Eleanor, First Ladies mostly hosted fancy dinners and stayed quiet about politics. She gave speeches, held press conferences, and spoke up for causes she believed in, completely changing what the job could be.

Served at the UN. After her husband died in 1945, Eleanor became a delegate to the United Nations for seven years, working on international peace and human rights.

Called 'First Lady of the World'. President Truman gave her this nickname because her work for human rights made her respected and admired by people in countries all over the globe.