First published 2016
Eleanor Roosevelt confronts the rising threat of the Third Reich by examining what democracy truly demands from its citizens. Writing as First Lady in 1940, she argues that democracy rests on a spiritual foundation requiring Americans to prioritize their neighbors' welfare. Roosevelt traces the development of human rights throughout history to show that genuine democratic society depends on mutual trust and protection among citizens. She challenges Americans, particularly young people, to reject hatred and fear in favor of love and faith in their fellow citizens. Roosevelt addresses the financial inequality and racial discrimination that weaken national unity, calling these forces threats to democratic ideals. Her vision presents an optimistic future for democracy built on moral responsibility rather than self-interest. The book includes a foreword by Rev. Carol Howard Merritt, an introduction by Roosevelt historian Allida Black, and an illustrated biography featuring images from Roosevelt's estate.
Genres: history, 20th-century, american, political-science, politics, non-fiction, biography-memoir, american-history
Vibes: emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: call-to-action, optimistic-future
Setting: America, United States
Period: 1940s
98 pages · ebook · Open Road Media
Content warnings: racism, sexism