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