1. Essential Question/Aim: What role did Eleanor Roosevelt play during the Great Depression? April 19, 2013

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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