Summary
Overview
This episode explores the remarkable life of Eleanor Roosevelt, America's longest-serving First Lady and one of the most influential women in American history. From her difficult childhood and unconventional marriage to FDR, to her groundbreaking work in civil rights, women's rights, and international human rights, Eleanor transformed the role of First Lady and left an enduring legacy of activism and advocacy that continues to inspire today.
Early Life and Family Struggles
Eleanor Roosevelt was born in 1884 into the prominent Roosevelt family, but her childhood was marked by tragedy and distance. Her mother died when she was young, and her father struggled with alcoholism before dying after jumping from a window during delirium tremens. Raised by her grandmother from age 10, Eleanor was educated at home before being sent to England at 15, where she received her only formal education. Despite her wealthy upbringing, she never felt she fit into elite society and began volunteering with immigrants and garment workers at a young age.
- Eleanor was born Anna Eleanor Roosevelt in 1884, daughter of Elliot Roosevelt, Teddy Roosevelt's younger brother
- Her mother Anna died of diphtheria in 1892, and her father died from alcoholic delirium tremens after jumping from a window
- She was educated at home until age 15 when sent to England for three years
- Started volunteering at Rivington Street Settlement House teaching dance to young immigrants
- Joined the National Consumers League to improve conditions for garment district workers
" Trying to get workers' death from 100 percent down to something like 80 percent, you know? "
Marriage to FDR and Sarah's Overbearing Influence
Eleanor married her fifth cousin Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1905 after reconnecting at a family gathering when she was 18. Their marriage was heavily influenced by FDR's mother Sarah, who built them connecting brownstones with sliding doors and controlled the family finances to maintain power over their lives. Eleanor gave birth to six children between 1906 and 1916, but Sarah interfered so much that she would tell the children she was their real mother, creating distance between Eleanor and her kids that wouldn't heal until they were adults.
- Eleanor and FDR met again at age 18 after knowing each other as children, and married in 1905
- Sarah Roosevelt built matching brownstones connected by sliding doors for the couple
- Sarah controlled the family finances to maintain power over everyone
- Eleanor gave birth to six children in ten years between 1906-1916
- Sarah told the children 'I'm your real mother, she just bore you' creating family division
" She had one mom. He got another one. He also had a wife. He also had a very smart, savvy advisor. So he had like everything except maybe the love of his life in Eleanor. "
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