In-Depth Notes on Eleanor Roosevelt and Pearl Harbor
Introduction to Talk History
- Host: Brian Lobo, University of Missouri, Kansas City
- Focus on Eleanor Roosevelt, an influential First Lady and figure in her own right.
- Commentary by Henry Butterfield Ryan on regime change in Iraq and historical context.
Historical Event: Pearl Harbor (12/07/1941)
- Time of attack: 07:55 AM.
- Target: US naval base in Hawaii, home to the Pacific Fleet.
- President Roosevelt described the day as "a date which will live in infamy."
- Result: US declaration of war against Japan, followed by Germany and Italy's declaration of war against the US three days later.
- Casualties:
- Over 2,400 American lives lost.
- Destruction of 8 battleships, 11 warships, and numerous aircraft.
- Attack was a surprise despite prior intelligence about a potential attack in Southeast Asia.
- Japanese strategy involved traveling undetected 4,000 miles through the North Pacific.
- New discovery: Japanese midget submarine sunk before the aerial attack, believed to be the first shots fired.
Eleanor Roosevelt: Overview
- Renowned as one of the most notable and controversial First Ladies in American history.
- Comparison with other First Ladies (e.g., Jacqueline Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton).
- Public perception polarized; either seen as a saint or criticized for liberalism.
- Key Aspects of her Public Life:
- Associated imagery: Powerful yet often misunderstood.
- Activism rooted in strong moral convictions and desire to serve.
Eleanor Roosevelt's Early Life
- Described as profoundly curious, battling fears, and seeking to contribute to her community.
- Early involvement with public service traced back to her childhood experiences.
- Significant engagement with social issues while at Allenswood Academy in London.
Impact of FDR's Political Career on Eleanor
- FDR's entry into politics limited her activities but also provided a broader platform.
- Eleanor was politically active prior to FDR's political career focusing on issues like sanitation and healthcare.
- After FDR's polio diagnosis, she became more politically influential, representing his ideals.
Media Engagement
- Eleanor used her platform as a journalist (e.g., her "My Day" column) to communicate issues.
- Engaged in radio broadcasting, television, and other media to advocate her causes.
- Nish uniqueness in being an active journalist as a politician's wife.
Role in FDR's Political Campaigns
- Played a pivotal role in organizing support for FDR, especially among women.
- Helped in garnering votes for FDR during elections, notably in 1928 and 1932.
Activities During FDR's Presidency
- Continued writing and public speaking.
- Advocated for the National Youth Administration and Fair Employment Practices Commission.
- Took an active role in civil defense and housing reform.
Response to Pearl Harbor
- Eleanor was the first voice from the White House to address Americans post-attack, giving an impassioned unscripted radio speech.
Post-FDR Activities
- Appointed to the UN, contributing to refugee policies and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- Involved deeply in civil rights and racial justice issues.
Legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt
- Characterized by courage and strength of conviction to advocate for democracy and civil rights.
- Symbol of resilience and commitment to justice, even at personal risk.