Leaders in History: Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt redefined the role of first lady. She had an active voice in politics as an advocate for women, children, and the poor. She also opposed racial discrimination and visited troops abroad during wartime.

Following her husband’s death, Eleanor continued to serve as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly and assumed the role of chair of the UN’s Human Rights Commission.

She helped to write the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—an effort that she considered to be her greatest achievement.

To see other ways Eleanor Roosevelt influenced the world, read the full article here, at Biography.com.