Final answer:
Eleanor Roosevelt played a critical role in supporting FDR's political career post-polio, acting as his public face, advocating for various social causes, and redefining the role of First Lady through her activism and outreach.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eleanor Roosevelt was instrumental in assisting her husband, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), to continue his political career after he was diagnosed with polio. Eleanor became FDR's public face, taking an active role in the political scene, campaigning by his side, and even after his illness, she represented him in public engagements. Despite hardships in their marriage, their partnership prospered politically, and she used her position to champion various causes such as women's rights, African American rights, and assistance for the rural poor.
Eleanor Roosevelt also redefined the role of the presidential spouse, traveling extensively and advocating liberal causes. This not only helped FDR's political image but also addressed important social issues of the day. She held press conferences and wrote columns, using her visibility to influence public policy, and she even directly lobbied for civil rights legislation, exemplified by her support for the federal anti-lynching bill.
Moreover, Eleanor Roosevelt showed compassion for Americans suffering during the Great Depression, met with veterans, and ensured that the administration found jobs for them. Her influence and activism went beyond traditional expectations, establishing a new role for the First Lady that integrated advocacy and public outreach, significantly impacting American society and FDR's presidency.