The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers – Volume 2: The Human Rights Years, 1949–1952

The 311 documents in this second volume of Eleanor Roosevelt’s papers trace her transformation into one of her era’s most prominent spokespersons for democracy, reveal her ongoing maturation as a political force in her own right, and detail the broader impact she had on American politics, the United Nations, and global affairs. Readers will find a fascinating view on the inner workings of President Truman’s second administration, the UN at the height of the early Cold War, and the many social and political movements that competed for influence over both. Ranging widely in substance and content, Roosevelt’s writings demonstrate a grasp of the intimate connection between domestic and international affairs that led the former first lady to support the Korean War, champion the newly founded state of Israel, demand respect for the civil rights of African Americans, and bolster the political ambitions of people like Adlai Stevenson, Helen Gahagan Douglas, and John F. Kennedy.

The publication of this volume has been supported by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

Allida Black is Research Professor of History and International Affairs at George Washington University and Program Manager for the National Democratic Institute for International Affair’s Women’s Political Participation Team. She is the author or editor of numerous works on Eleanor Roosevelt and serves as Founding Editor and Editorial Advisory Board Chair of the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers.