Objective: To examine the role of Eleanor Roosevelt and the impact of the Depression on America’s minority groups.

Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor Roosevelt was a strong-minded First Lady that spoke her mind publicly on social issues. While this angered some Americans, many admired her.

Treatment of Minorities During the Great Depression African Americans: Many black workers were refused charity or public works jobs because of their race.

FDR sought the advice of black leaders and frequently invited them to the White House. This group became known as the Black Cabinet. Ralph Bunche (1904 – 1971) was an American political scientist and diplomat who received the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize, becoming the first African-American to do so. He was also a member of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Black Cabinet.

Mary Jane McLeod Bethune (1875 - 1955) A U.S. educator born to former slaves, founded a school in 1904 that later became part of Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Fla. She was president of the college from 1923–42 and 1946–47. Bethune worked for the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932, and attempted to get him to support a proposed law against lynching. She was also a member of Roosevelt's Black Cabinet.

Migrants, family of Mexicans, on the road with tire trouble Migrants, family of Mexicans, on the road with tire trouble. They were looking for work in the pea fields of California. (photo - Lange, Dorothea)

Mexican Americans: During the Great Depression, many people resented having to compete with Mexicans for jobs. Therefore, over 400,000 Mexicans were deported to Mexico, including many American citizens of Mexican descent. Mexicans being deported from L.A. in 1931.

Asian Americans: During the Great Depression, many people resented having to compete with Asians for jobs. The U.S. passed laws limiting the number of Asians allowed into the country and encouraged others to leave. Ex.) The Repatriation Act of 1935 gave free transportation to Filipinos that agreed to return to the Philippines and not come back.

Native Americans: While Native Americans still faced discrimination and lived in poverty, a series of laws known as the Indian New Deal gave Native American nations greater control over their own affairs. John Collier, center, was Commissioner of Indian Affairs from 1933-1945.