Member-only story

The Great Depression: Lorena Hickok, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the Shaping of the New Deal

Natsume Sōseki

·17k Followers· Follow

Published in America 1933: The Great Depression Lorena Hickok Eleanor Roosevelt And The Shaping Of The New Deal

5 min read · 6 days before

309 View Claps

38 Respond

Save

Listen

In the depths of the Great Depression, a remarkable collaboration emerged between two extraordinary women: Lorena Hickok, a pioneering journalist, and Eleanor Roosevelt, the indomitable First Lady. Together, they embarked on a groundbreaking mission to document the human toll of the economic crisis and advocate for the New Deal policies that would ultimately shape America's recovery.

Lorena Hickok: The Rebellious Reporter

Lorena Hickok was a trailblazing journalist who shattered gender barriers in an era dominated by men. Born in 1893, Hickok left her small-town roots behind to pursue a career in journalism. She quickly made a name for herself as a fearless reporter with a keen eye for detail and a compassionate heart.

America 1933: The Great Depression, Lorena Hickok, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the Shaping of the New Deal

by Michael Golay

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	27781 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	338 pages

Hickok's assignments often took her into the most impoverished neighborhoods of the country, where she witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of the Depression. She wrote searing accounts of families struggling to put food on the table, farmers losing their livelihoods, and communities teetering on the brink of collapse.

Eleanor Roosevelt: The First Lady of the People

Eleanor Roosevelt was an extraordinary figure who transformed the role of First Lady. A tireless advocate for social justice, she used her platform to speak out for the marginalized and champion progressive causes.

When her husband, Franklin D. Roosevelt, took office as President in 1933, Eleanor immediately saw an opportunity to make a difference. She established her own press conferences, held public forums, and traveled extensively across the country, meeting with women, farmers, and labor leaders.

A Fateful Encounter

In 1933, Lorena Hickok and Eleanor Roosevelt met at a White House press conference. They were both outspoken and passionate women who shared a deep concern for the plight of the American people. Their friendship and collaboration quickly blossomed.

Roosevelt invited Hickok to accompany her on a series of trips across the country. Together, they visited drought-stricken farms, struggling communities, and industrial towns. Hickok's reports from these expeditions provided a vivid and unvarnished account of the Depression's impact on ordinary Americans.

The "Hickok Reports"

Hickok's dispatches from the field became known as the "Hickok Reports." These reports were widely read and deeply influential in shaping public opinion and the New Deal policies that would follow.

Hickok's writing was characterized by its honesty, empathy, and attention to detail. She captured the voices of ordinary people with sensitivity and respect, giving weight to their experiences and struggles.

Advocating for the New Deal

Roosevelt used Hickok's reports to inform her conversations with President Roosevelt and key policymakers. Together, they advocated for programs that would provide relief to the unemployed, support farmers, and stimulate economic recovery.

The New Deal policies, such as the Social Security Act, the Works Progress Administration, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, were shaped in part by the insights and experiences documented in the Hickok Reports.

A Legacy of Compassion and Collaboration

The collaboration between Lorena Hickok and Eleanor Roosevelt stands as a testament to the power of compassion, collaboration, and fearless journalism. Their work during the Great Depression helped to shape a more just and equitable America.

Hickok's reports continue to be studied as valuable historical documents, providing a firsthand account of one of the most challenging periods in American history. Roosevelt's legacy as a champion for social justice inspires generations to come.

About the Book

The book "The Great Depression: Lorena Hickok, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the Shaping of the New Deal" tells the inspiring story of this remarkable collaboration. Through a combination of historical research, personal letters, and interviews, the book offers a vivid and engaging account of the women who helped to shape the course of American history.

If you are interested in the Great Depression, women's history, or the transformative power of compassion, this book is a must-read. Its pages are filled with insights, inspiration, and a deep appreciation for the human spirit.

Free Download your copy today and discover the remarkable story of Lorena Hickok, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the New Deal.

America 1933: The Great Depression, Lorena Hickok, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the Shaping of the New Deal

by Michael Golay

4.2 out of 5