Eleanor Roosevelt Makes History as First U.S. Delegate to the United Nations

On December 21, 1945, the United States Senate made history by confirming Eleanor Roosevelt as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations. President Harry Truman’s appointment of the former First Lady marked a pivotal moment in both American diplomacy and women’s leadership in international affairs.

The confirmation came at a crucial time, as the world was still reeling from the devastation of World War II. Mrs. Roosevelt’s appointment reflected not only her personal capabilities but also America’s commitment to building a new framework for international cooperation and peace.

Having served as First Lady during one of the nation's most challenging periods, Roosevelt brought unique qualifications to her new role. Throughout her husband's presidency, she had demonstrated an unwavering commitment to human rights, social justice, and democratic values. Her experience in public service, coupled with her diplomatic skills and moral authority, made her an ideal choice for helping to shape the newly formed United Nations.

The confirmation process itself reflected the broad bipartisan support she commanded. Despite being a prominent Democrat, Roosevelt earned respect across party lines for her integrity, intelligence, and dedication to public service. Her appointment represented a rare moment of political unity in post-war America, with senators recognizing the importance of sending a strong, capable representative to the fledgling international organization.

As the first U.S. delegate to the UN, Roosevelt would go on to leave an indelible mark on international human rights. Her most significant achievement would come in 1948, when she chaired the UN Commission on Human Rights, leading the effort to draft and adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — a document that continues to serve as a cornerstone of international human rights law.

The significance of Roosevelt’s appointment extended beyond her individual achievements. It sent a powerful message about women’s capabilities in diplomacy and international relations at a time when female representation in such roles was exceedingly rare. Her confirmation opened doors for future generations of women in diplomatic service and international affairs.

Mrs. Roosevelt approached her new role with characteristic humility and determination. In her first statement after the confirmation, she emphasized that she viewed her appointment not as a personal honor but as a responsibility to serve both her country and the cause of international peace and understanding.

Looking back, Eleanor Roosevelt's confirmation as U.S. delegate to the United Nations stands as a watershed moment in American diplomatic history. Her subsequent work at the UN would prove instrumental in establishing universal human rights standards and demonstrating the vital role that the United States could play in fostering international cooperation.

The legacy of her appointment continues to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of choosing delegates who combine diplomatic skill with a deep commitment to human rights and democratic values. Eleanor Roosevelt's confirmation marked not just a personal triumph, but a significant step forward in America's engagement with the international community and the advancement of women in diplomacy.

Photo credit: National Archives NAID: 6120927