Eleanor Roosevelt: Pioneering First Lady of the World

If one were to look back one hundred years in time, the world would look drastically different. In fact, the United States would be almost unrecognizable. Not only would clothing, transportation, and the price of milk look different, but men and women would not have equal rights, racial issues would be dangerously prominent in society, and an organization geared toward world peace would be nonexistent. One woman made a colossal effort during her lifetime to create change for the betterment of her country, and also, the world. Eleanor Roosevelt, often given the title of “First Lady of the World,” according to the article, “(Anna) Eleanor Roosevelt,” was the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Many people admire and remember Eleanor Roosevelt for her unfailing dedication to her husband’s presidency; however, few realize that she was unlike any first lady before her, in that, Eleanor was independently involved in her own political platforms and beliefs. Eleanor Roosevelt did not start out as the strong and independent woman she was

According to the article, “Adoption of the Declaration of Human Rights,” Eleanor was the first U.S. delegation to the United Nations. She was appointed the chair of the Human Rights Commision and lead the draft of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As stated by editor, Kathleen Kuiper, Eleanor was also the chair of the Commission on the Status of Women, which was created by the Kennedy administration (255-60). Eleanor’s accomplishments had a great impact on society. Her efforts in the United Nations, especially regarding the Declaration of Human Rights, continue to help secure human rights around the world today (“Adoption of the Declaration…”). Also, in return for the change she was creating in society, both inside, and outside the United States, she was given the title “Number One World Citizen” (“(Anna) Eleanor