historynut.info created by Tim Sheehan the self-proclaimed history nut Home >> About the Author

Eleanor Roosevelt’s High Expectations Regarding Madame Chiang Kai-shek
by Tim Sheehan

Table of Contents | Introduction | Conclusion | Endnotes | Related Web Resources

Introduction

Eleanor Roosevelt and Madame Chiang Kai-shek possessed a huge influence over their husbands during World War II, a time when men still held a firm grasp on society. The power each one possessed may have been the reason both gravitated towards each other. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek’s dependence on his wife greatly impressed ER. Madame Chiang Kai-shek would interpret American politics for him, would be present in meetings with top United States officials, and would help him draft personal messages to President Roosevelt.(1) Eleanor Roosevelt also had considerable say on issues. Because of the influence both had, Madame Chiang could use her American counterpart as a means to obtain U.S. aid to China. ER could use her Chinese counterpart to push for equality and for humanitarian efforts in the U.S. and abroad. As can be expected from a relationship based on using others, both began to irritate each other during Madame Chiang’s 1942-1943 visit to the United States. Eleanor Roosevelt’s high expectations regarding Madame Chiang Kai-shek plummeted as both women became better acquainted with each other.

©2009-2012 Tim Sheehan tim@historynut.info

Table of Contents | top-of-page | Next Page

This page last updated 1 January 2012