Podcast Summary: "Eleanor Roosevelt and WWII"

Here's Where It Gets Interesting
Host: Sharon McMahon
Guest: Shannon McKenna Schmidt, Historian and Author of The First Lady of World War II
Release Date: March 24, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Eleanor Roosevelt and WWII," host Sharon McMahon delves into the often-overlooked aspects of Eleanor Roosevelt's role during World War II. Joined by historian Shannon McKenna Schmidt, the discussion uncovers Eleanor's unique contributions as First Lady, her daring journey to the Pacific, and her enduring legacy in shaping U.S. policy and supporting servicemen.

Eleanor Roosevelt's Unique Role as First Lady

Shannon McKenna Schmidt highlights how Eleanor Roosevelt redefined the role of the First Lady, moving beyond traditional expectations to become a prominent public figure committed to social change.

Eleanor Roosevelt ([04:22]): "She devoted her life just to making the world a better place, to making life better for individuals. And I think in that respect, she's unparalleled."

Unlike her predecessors, Eleanor refused to confine herself to hosting social events and overseeing White House functions. Instead, she leveraged her established presence as a writer, speaker, and political advocate to engage directly with the public and influence policy.

Shannon McKenna Schmidt ([05:04]): "She didn't have to do what she was doing, which is the other thing that always strikes me about her."

The Pacific Trip: Purpose and Challenges

One of the most remarkable endeavors undertaken by Eleanor was her secretive five-week trip to the Pacific during World War II. This journey was multifaceted, serving diplomatic purposes, boosting troop morale, and inspecting Red Cross facilities.

Shannon McKenna Schmidt ([09:27]): "What was she doing in Australia? She set out in secret, for safety reasons. It was largely to thank the troops herself, and also on behalf of the President."

Eleanor faced significant challenges during this trip, including arduous travel conditions. Unlike the bipartisan senators who traveled in comfort, she endured long hours on unpressurized military transport planes, sharing space with mail and relocating personnel.

Eleanor Roosevelt ([11:15]): "She traveled on a military transport plane... It was loud. And she traveled in this plane throughout her trip to the Pacific and back."

Her willingness to endure these hardships earned her deep respect from the servicemen, who saw her as genuinely sharing in their struggles.

Eleanor Roosevelt ([28:11]): "By the time Eleanor goes to the Pacific, she's 10 years into her time as First Lady... she didn't complain. She knows how to rough it."

Influence on U.S. Policies: The GI Bill

Eleanor's interactions with servicemen during her Pacific trip had a profound impact on U.S. policy, particularly in advocating for the GI Bill of Rights. She recognized the immediate needs of returning veterans, pushing for swift implementation to support those who had sacrificed so much.

Eleanor Roosevelt ([18:46]): "She really brought public pressure to bear to help get the GI Bill of Rights passed. Her thinking and what she conveys to the nation is that the men need this now."

Her advocacy ensured that veterans received necessary support, emphasizing that their contributions warranted immediate and substantial assistance.

Personal Motivation and Experiences

Eleanor's dedication was deeply personal, fueled by her role as a mother to four sons serving in the military. This personal connection heightened her empathy and commitment to improving the lives of servicemen.

Eleanor Roosevelt ([42:15]): "She had four sons in uniform across various branches of the service, so this was very personal to her. None of this was abstract for her."

Her experiences visiting hospitals and witnessing the horrors of war firsthand left an indelible mark on her, driving her unwavering pursuit of peace and support for veterans.

Eleanor Roosevelt ([24:28]): "She was seeing a lot. She met men with all kinds of injuries... and she really saw all of the war."

Legacy and Enduring Impact

Eleanor Roosevelt's leadership during World War II set a precedent for future First Ladies and female leaders. Her relentless pursuit of social justice, empathy for servicemen, and strategic policy advocacy left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire.

Eleanor Roosevelt ([45:35]): "This book illustrates so much of what we already admire about Eleanor Roosevelt... her courage, her compassion, her ability to connect with people on an individual level."

Shannon McKenna Schmidt emphasizes that Eleanor's actions during the war not only influenced immediate policies but also shaped the role of women in public life, paving the way for future generations to engage actively in societal issues.

Shannon McKenna Schmidt ([41:18]): "She's like the biggest advocate... because of all of the platforms that she had."

Conclusion

The episode "Eleanor Roosevelt and WWII" offers a comprehensive exploration of Eleanor Roosevelt's extraordinary contributions during a pivotal moment in history. Through Shannon McKenna Schmidt's insightful research and storytelling, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Eleanor's unwavering dedication, strategic influence, and compassionate leadership that significantly impacted both the war effort and post-war America.

Eleanor Roosevelt ([46:21]): "So I would love for them to take away a picture of her that's even more inspiring than what we already know... her courage, her compassion, her ability to connect with people on an individual level."

Sharon McMahon concludes by encouraging listeners to read Shannon's book, The First Lady of World War II, to further understand and appreciate Eleanor Roosevelt's remarkable legacy.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Eleanor Roosevelt ([04:22]): "She devoted her life just to making the world a better place, to making life better for individuals."

• Shannon McKenna Schmidt ([05:04]): "She didn't have to do what she was doing, which is the other thing that always strikes me about her."

• Eleanor Roosevelt ([11:15]): "She traveled on a military transport plane... It was loud. And she traveled in this plane throughout her trip to the Pacific and back."

• Eleanor Roosevelt ([18:46]): "She really brought public pressure to bear to help get the GI Bill of Rights passed."

• Eleanor Roosevelt ([42:15]): "She had four sons in uniform across various branches of the service, so this was very personal to her."

• Eleanor Roosevelt ([45:35]): "This book illustrates so much of what we already admire about Eleanor Roosevelt... her courage, her compassion, her ability to connect with people on an individual level."

• Shannon McKenna Schmidt ([41:18]): "She's like the biggest advocate... because of all of the platforms that she had."

• Eleanor Roosevelt ([46:21]): "So I would love for them to take away a picture of her that's even more inspiring than what we already know..."

This episode serves as a compelling testament to Eleanor Roosevelt's pivotal role during World War II, offering listeners an enriching perspective on her extraordinary contributions and enduring influence.