Final answer:
Amelia Earhart developed a close friendship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, a shared bond over their trailblazing roles in advocacy for civil rights and women's equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pioneering American woman with whom Amelia Earhart struck up a close friendship was First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Both of these influential women supported advancement in their respective fields and broader societal causes such as civil rights and women's equality. Roosevelt, in particular, was known for her activism and for breaking new ground for women in politics. The relationship between Earhart and Roosevelt highlights an intersection of their mutual interests in pushing boundaries and advocating for change.
Eleanor Roosevelt's work with African American civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune is an example of her commitment to equality and her influence in the social sphere. Bethune was an advocate for African Americans and women, and she worked closely with Roosevelt to advance these causes. The friendship between Earhart and Roosevelt was one of mutual respect and shared values.