PDF Summary:No Ordinary Time, by Doris Kearns Goodwin

In the face of formidable global challenges, the United States proved remarkably resilient during World War II, emerging as a dominant industrial power under Franklin D. Roosevelt's leadership. No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin chronicles the transformative era when Roosevelt skillfully navigated domestic and international crises, transitioning America from isolationism to a manufacturing juggernaut that supplied the Allies.

The book illuminates Eleanor Roosevelt's pivotal role as she championed civil rights, women's participation in the workforce, and expanded definitions of national defense. No Ordinary Time provides an intimate portrait of the Roosevelts' partnership, family dynamics, and personal struggles as the nation mobilized for war and prepared for a new world order.

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Doris Kearns Goodwin argues that without Eleanor Roosevelt's steadfast support during pivotal discussions, the focus might have shifted predominantly to the war effort, neglecting other important issues. While Roosevelt concentrated his attention on global disputes, his wife devoted her considerable energy to preserving the nation's commitment to social reform during the wartime period.

Eleanor journeyed throughout the nation, witnessing the military's unpreparedness for conflict, the difficulties caused by overcrowding and inadequate housing in regions associated with war production, and the struggles of African American workers and soldiers, persistently advising her husband to take into account more than just triumphs on the front lines.

Eleanor Roosevelt's extensive travels throughout the country in times of war provided her with a unique perspective on the difficulties faced by ordinary people. She personally witnessed the significant social challenges that arose alongside the preparations for war, including the overcrowding and insufficient housing in regions experiencing a boom in military manufacturing, the tensions caused by the migration of African Americans from southern states, the discrimination encountered by African Americans in both military and industrial sectors, and the insufficiency of governmental support for veterans returning home and for mothers in the workforce.

Eleanor worked diligently to broaden the definition of national defense to include social concerns such as housing, public health, childcare, and racial equality.

Eleanor Roosevelt advocated for the idea that the pressing need for national defense should act as a driving force to improve the welfare of American citizens. She expansively defined national defense to include issues such as housing, public health, the welfare of children, and the pursuit of racial equality. Goodwin emphasizes her continuous attempts to shape the president's decisions, particularly during moments when he was disinclined to accept such guidance. Roosevelt esteemed his wife greatly and held her opinions in the utmost respect, even though he sometimes viewed her concentration on home-front issues as a distraction, and her persuasive discussions frequently influenced his decisions.

She became the most influential First Lady in history by developing her newspaper column and radio broadcasts, which allowed her to connect with millions of Americans.

Eleanor Roosevelt harnessed her position as the first lady and her relentless energy to create a unique stage from which she shared insights from her travels, her visions for the future, and her ideas about an evolving America with the populace. Doris Kearns Goodwin was considered by journalist Raymond Clapper to be the most influential woman of the time, a distinction she earned through her frequent radio addresses and her widely-read daily column.

Other Perspectives

• Roosevelt's leadership style, while inclusive of diverse opinions, could be criticized for creating an inefficient decision-making process with too many conflicting viewpoints.
• The dispersal of authority might have led to a lack of clear direction and accountability within the administration.
• Overlapping hierarchies, intended to foster a range of viewpoints, may have resulted in unnecessary bureaucracy and internal competition that hindered effective governance.
• The establishment of a structure within the advisory body for national defense could be seen as reactive rather than proactive, potentially delaying necessary preparations for war.
• Roosevelt's approach to policy with his team of advisors might be critiqued for not always being transparent or democratic.
• Consolidating key decisions among the upper ranks could be viewed as creating an inner circle that was detached from the broader needs and opinions of the public.
• The miscommunications and conflicts among Roosevelt's staff could be indicative of a lack of clear leadership and policy direction.
• Roosevelt's exercise of absolute authority might be criticized for concentrating too much power in the executive branch, at odds with the principles of checks and balances.
• Roosevelt's delay in decisive moves could be seen as a failure to act promptly in the face of international threats.
• The strategy to wait for an incident like the USS Greer could be criticized as a gamble with national security.
• The maritime trade-off, while strategic, might be critiqued for its potential to compromise long-term neutrality and for the risks it posed to international relations.
• Eleanor Roosevelt's focus on social issues could be criticized for potentially diverting attention and resources away from the immediate needs of wartime policy and strategy.
• Eleanor's broadening of national defense to include social concerns might be seen as stretching the concept too far from its traditional focus on military preparedness.
• Eleanor's influence as First Lady could be critiqued for potentially overstepping the traditional boundaries of the role, which some might argue should be more ceremonial than political.

Throughout the period of conflict, the United States underwent profound transformations across societal, economic, and governance realms, addressing issues of racial inequality, enhancing manufacturing capabilities, and adapting to the unique economic needs of wartime.

The efforts to mobilize played a pivotal role in bringing the Great Depression to an end.

Goodwin proposes that the war ultimately had a positive outcome by ending the extended period of economic stagnation referred to as the Great Depression, which had stifled the United States' economy for more than a decade, despite the extensive New Deal policies and the significant efforts undertaken by Roosevelt's administration.

The swift decline in unemployment, driven by the creation of a multitude of new manufacturing plants and industrial sites to meet the demands of wartime production, coupled with the movement of millions from rural areas to cities, led to a population shift marked by the movement of people from southern to northern regions and from eastern areas to the burgeoning West, leading to a labor shortage not experienced in a decade.

In 1943, the United States reached a pinnacle of economic success with full employment, a level of economic prosperity that had not been witnessed since the year 1929. Goodwin details how the demand for workers to produce weapons and vital supplies for the worldwide struggle led to a significant movement of people from rural areas to hubs of military manufacturing, injecting new life into previously stagnant economies.

Roosevelt believed that the successes achieved through the war had rendered the New Deal superfluous, as they had achieved what the New Deal had not.

In his 1943 State of the Union address, the President acknowledged that the nation had reached a state of full employment, rendering further New Deal measures unnecessary, leading to the obsolescence of earlier employment programs such as the WPA, CCC, and NYA. The author suggests that Roosevelt's declaration appeared somewhat insincere because he aimed to solidify the core principles of the New Deal into an economic Bill of Rights, designed to guarantee the welfare and security of every American, in addition to maintaining the New Deal measures that had set up, under government oversight, benchmarks for wages and working hours, social security, workers' rights, and market regulation.

Eleanor Roosevelt's influential support for fully incorporating women into the labor force signified a considerable transformation in their job prospects.

During the period of conflict described by Goodwin, American society experienced a pivotal shift as a significant influx of women began participating in the workforce. The book portrays an era marked by substantial transformation as women assumed positions typically held by men, showcasing their adeptness in operating complex machinery, enduring physically taxing tasks, and coping with the challenging conditions prevalent in industrial settings.

The extraordinary increase in women's participation in the workforce led to many taking on roles that were typically held by men, including those of welders, riveters, and dockworkers.

Goodwin emphasizes the substantial growth in female employment, noting that the figure soared from twelve million to nineteen million between 1940 and 1944. The book highlights the versatility of women during that era, illustrating their skillfulness in traditionally male-dominated positions, as they assembled aircraft at Boeing and Douglas and skillfully constructed Liberty Ships in Kaiser's shipyards.

Eleanor's efforts to redefine the traditional belief that mothers should remain at home culminated in the establishment of the Swan Island Child-Care Center, which became a model for subsequent care facilities set up within industrial and maritime sectors throughout the wartime period.

Goodwin depicts Eleanor Roosevelt as a resolute proponent for the creation of day-care facilities, tirelessly challenging the prevailing notion that mothers should stay out of the job market until every other option had been depleted. During a period when the prevailing thought was that a mother's fundamental abilities were superior to any formal care, she pushed for the creation of child care centers close to wartime production sites, recognizing the country's obligation to provide assistance to the offspring of employed mothers. Goodwin describes the pioneering child care facility at his shipyard, which was initiated because of the encouragement Eleanor Roosevelt gave to shipbuilder Henry Kaiser, setting a precedent for future wartime industrial facilities.

The complex situation following the war, marked by fears of an economic slump and the widespread assumption that women would happily revert to domestic roles, led to women being ousted from their positions faster than men and to the closure of many childcare centers, despite undeniable evidence that a substantial proportion of women would have to keep working to support themselves and their families.

Working tirelessly with her associates, Eleanor Roosevelt championed the cause of fair treatment for women following the war, despite the fact that women workers were often laid off before the men. Goodwin depicts an era characterized by volatility and unpredictability, during which fears of an economic slump akin to that of the 1930s prompted a shift in the approach of industry and government with respect to their female employees. Following the war, numerous women, who had earned respect for their adeptness in intricate duties and for setting new standards of productivity, found themselves relegated to domestic duties.

Eleanor Roosevelt was instrumental in bringing greater attention to the struggles of African Americans seeking racial equality during the wartime period.

Goodwin provides a nuanced and detailed depiction of the persistent struggle for racial equality during the war years, emphasizing the challenges faced by African Americans in their pursuit of opportunities amid conflict.

Roosevelt navigated the complexities of racial issues with caution, mindful of his political dependence on the conservative Southern bloc, as his wife, the First Lady, persistently used her influential position to champion the cause of increasing opportunities for African Americans.

Goodwin demonstrates how Roosevelt's political dependence on a group of traditionalist Southern legislators in Congress tempered his willingness to directly tackle discrimination. Eleanor Roosevelt often spoke out against the pervasive injustices and inequalities faced by black Americans, as she was unencumbered by political liabilities.

Eleanor Roosevelt played a pivotal role in initiating conversations between A. Philip Randolph and President Roosevelt, which led to the creation of the Fair Employment Practices Committee (FEPC) and signified the first presidential action on civil rights since the Reconstruction era, after the proposed March on Washington.

Goodwin presents a moving account of the critical conversations in the summer of 1941, sparked by the imminent threat of a significant demonstration in the nation's capital, which led to the creation of the Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC). The book portrays Eleanor Roosevelt as a crucial go-between for A. Philip Randolph, the head of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and the architect of the proposed march, and her husband, who recognized the potentially volatile nature of the demonstration and was determined to avert it by any means necessary.

Eleanor's unwavering support, coupled with the Navy leadership's creative tactics, was instrumental in transforming the utilization of African American soldiers within the Navy.

The creation of the FEPC, although limited by resources and enforcement power, along with strong support from the First Lady, laid the groundwork for substantial shifts in racial dynamics in the armed forces. Goodwin provides a perceptive portrayal of the Navy's transformation, which, under James Forrestal's leadership as the Navy Secretary, progressed from a 1941 stance restricting African Americans to mess attendant duties to a 1945 realization that segregation must end and positions should be assigned to African American naval personnel according to their unique skills.

Other Perspectives

• The mobilization efforts for WWII indeed helped end the Great Depression, but some argue that it was not a sustainable way to end an economic crisis, as it relied on war production and not on peacetime economic activities.
• While the war led to full employment, it could be argued that this was a temporary state, heavily dependent on wartime production, which did not necessarily translate to a stable peacetime economy.
• The assertion that Roosevelt believed the New Deal was rendered superfluous by the war's successes might be oversimplified, as some historians argue that he saw the war efforts as an extension or fulfillment of New Deal principles rather than a replacement.
• The role of women in the workforce during WWII was significant, but the idea that this led to a permanent transformation in job prospects for women is contested, as many women were pushed out of these jobs after the war, and gender disparities persisted.
• The establishment of childcare centers like the Swan Island Child-Care Center was progressive, but the widespread closure of such centers after the war indicates that societal attitudes towards women's roles had not fundamentally changed.
• While Eleanor Roosevelt was a champion for African Americans' rights, some critics argue that the New Deal policies themselves had racially discriminatory aspects, and the Roosevelt administration could have done more to combat segregation and inequality.
• The creation of the FEPC was a significant step, but it had limited enforcement power, and racial discrimination in employment persisted long after the war.
• The transformation in the utilization of African American soldiers in the Navy was a positive development, but the broader context of military segregation and the slow pace of integration in other branches of the armed forces suggest that progress was uneven and faced significant resistance.

The Roosevelts faced personal challenges and disputes, including the decline of President Roosevelt's health and the resulting transition of presidential responsibilities to Truman.

The president demonstrated an extraordinary ability to overcome physical challenges and personal strife, always projecting optimism and enthusiasm, even as he steadfastly avoided admitting defeat. He rarely disclosed his most profound feelings.

Goodwin suggests that Roosevelt's success as a leader was in large measure due to his ability to convey a deep sense of strength and optimism in the face of crushing pressure. This outward composure, however, masked a deep-seated hesitance to recognize any weaknesses or to divulge the intimate details of his life experiences.

Roosevelt triumphed over polio, drawing on inner strength through envisioning a full recovery while also dismissing any feelings of self-pity, bolstered by the empathy of his friends.

Goodwin presents an engaging account of how Roosevelt triumphed mentally over polio, chronicling his determined attempts to regain use of his legs and his eventual acceptance of life with the constraints of a wheelchair. The author describes how he cultivated a setting in which his disability appeared less consequential, and how he drew strength from visualizing a life free from physical constraints, a routine that assisted him in falling asleep.

He decided to keep the seriousness of Missy LeHand's condition private, instead taking her to Warm Springs with the aspiration that she would recover. While integrating various characters into his act, he included a persona of noble descent hailing from Norway.

As Missy LeHand's health issues persisted, Roosevelt's attention seemed to diminish, shifting his interest to other women, such as Princess Martha. The book illustrates the challenges Roosevelt encountered when parting ways, including his short and strained visits to her haven in Warm Springs, the infrequency of their telephone conversations, and his habit of avoiding discussions in these moments by often sharing stories.

Upon learning of his congestive heart failure, he quipped to McIntire that at least it wasn't cancer, and with a touch of humor, he noted that one positive aspect of his revenue bill being rejected was a $3,000 reduction in his tax bill.

Goodwin depicts the president as a figure who minimized his health complications and political obstacles, frequently employing humor and an optimistic attitude to assuage the worries of his colleagues. The author highlights his inclination to use humor as a means to diminish concerns. Upon determining that Roosevelt was suffering from congestive heart failure, Dr. Bruenn was instructed to keep this diagnosis from Roosevelt, who did not seek additional details. Instead, he engaged in lighthearted banter about a variety of unrelated topics, and then, when the examination was over, shook Bruenn's hand and chuckled, "Thanks, Doc." He humorously remarked to his press secretary that the reversal of his tax legislation by Congress was, in fact, beneficial for him as it suggested he would save $3,000 in personal taxes.

Eleanor Roosevelt contended with the difficulty of expressing her grief while simultaneously establishing a distinct persona that surpassed her husband's expectations.

Eleanor Roosevelt strove for a life filled with joy, even though her early years were marred by distressing occurrences. Goodwin suggests that the deep sorrow from the loss of her parents, coupled with a turbulent relationship with her mother and a romanticized perception of her father, who battled with alcohol addiction, shaped her into a somber and introspective child, lacking the typical exuberance and cheerfulness expected in youth.

Eleanor's sense of inadequacy in her parental role grew, intensified by the strong impact her mother-in-law had on the upbringing of their children, and this feeling was deepened by the emotional distress caused by Franklin's affair with Lucy Mercer, driving her to engage more intensely in her professional endeavors.

The narrative depicts the initial turmoil within Eleanor's matrimonial life, underscoring her uncertainties about her maternal capabilities, her reluctance to challenge her mother-in-law's authoritative influence in her children's upbringing, and the profound emotional toll taken when she discovered her husband's affair with Lucy Mercer. Eleanor transitioned her attention from her conventional familial duties, creating an independent life dedicated to community service. Goodwin explores the difficult transition by analyzing Eleanor's escalating dedication to progressive causes in the 1920s, her unwavering support for her husband after he was stricken with polio, and her eventual creation of a unique position as First Lady.

Her mixed feelings about her role in the White House, craving meaningful work while being weighed down by the tedious responsibilities of social engagements, prompted her to pursue a career on her own, which allowed her to carve out a distinctive and influential position in the presidential alliance through nationwide tours, writing a newspaper column, making radio broadcasts, delivering public speeches, and writing books.

Goodwin adeptly portrays Eleanor Roosevelt's creation of a substantial and influential role for herself as the First Lady. Eleanor was determined to find a significant role that would help her dispel the idea that her life in Washington was a reflection of the lives of people throughout the country.

Eleanor Roosevelt found comfort and support among a tight circle of companions, initially comprising four women in the 1920s, and subsequently deepened by her significant connections with Lorena Hickock and Joe Lash.

Eleanor Roosevelt crafted an independent existence with considerable support from her close-knit group of friends. In the 1920s, while Franklin was initiating his political career, Eleanor found invaluable camaraderie and backing through her relationships with Elizabeth Read and Esther Lape, who were notable champions of the organization advocating for female voters and the advancement of women's issues, as well as Nancy Cook and Marion Dickerman, who shared a life together in what was commonly known as a "Boston marriage." The author illustrates how the strength and successes of these women fueled Eleanor's determination to pursue her personal initiatives, recognize her distinct talents, and carve out her own identity.

In his last year in office, the President took steps to more deeply involve Eleanor in his personal matters.

Goodwin suggests that as Roosevelt's health declined, he increasingly sought the closeness of Eleanor, leading to attempts to rekindle the closeness they once shared.

Franklin Roosevelt extended an invitation to Eleanor to accompany him on a comprehensive train tour across the country and proposed that she assume the role of the principal hostess at the White House in light of Missy's deteriorating health; yet, his efforts to rekindle their connection did not bear fruit, impeded by Eleanor's growing independence and her reluctance to risk additional emotional distress.

After the death of his mother and as Missy LeHand was debilitated by illness, Roosevelt, weighed down by his responsibilities and the intensifying international disputes, endeavored to revive his connection with his wife. Goodwin describes how he persuaded Eleanor to accompany him on an extensive journey through various facilities engaged in wartime production before he recommended that she return to her traditional role as First Lady, managing his social gatherings and cocktail receptions.

Anna Roosevelt's assumption of her mother's responsibilities in the President's daily activities exacerbated an existing divide, intensifying Eleanor's feelings of solitude in the last year of her husband's life.

Goodwin describes the gradual process by which Anna assumed Eleanor's responsibilities within the White House. The author provides an in-depth depiction of Anna's growth, from her childhood admiration for her father to her eventual assumption of duties once managed by Harry Hopkins and, to a degree, by Princess Martha, duties that demanded an intricate mix of political savvy and individual attention, committed to meeting the needs of the President as needed.

In the final chapter of his existence, the President deeply desired another meeting with Lucy Mercer, which led Anna to bravely arrange her presence at the White House, a choice she made in spite of the potential jeopardy to her relationship with her father. Disclosing the occurrences would completely shatter her mother.

Goodwin describes the rekindling of Roosevelt's relationship with Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd after her husband's death. He could not confront his wife himself, so he sought Anna's assistance to manage the delicate matter, which stirred a storm of emotions including rage, pardon, and affection, prompting Anna to subtly arrange chances for Lucy to have meals with the president.

Eleanor's discovery of Lucy Rutherfurd's presence at the President's deathbed dealt a heavy blow to her, yet she found the strength to pardon her spouse and her offspring, concluding her time within the White House with a dignified gesture of absolution.

The author suggests that Eleanor probably regarded the woman who had nearly shattered her marriage years before, being at her spouse's deathbed, as an unforgivable act. Eleanor came to recognize the ability to forgive her husband and offspring, ending her remarkable period as First Lady with an act of generosity, choosing in the end to value "the strength and goodness and joy and understanding [Roosevelt] had brought" to their life together.

Other Perspectives

• While Roosevelt's optimism was a hallmark of his presidency, it could be argued that his reluctance to admit defeat or disclose his feelings might have sometimes resulted in a lack of transparency with the public and his own administration.
• The narrative of Roosevelt's triumph over polio is inspiring, but it's important to acknowledge that not everyone with a disability is able to draw on the same resources or support systems that he had access to.
• Keeping Missy LeHand's condition private could be seen as protective, but it also raises questions about the right of privacy versus the public's right to know about the health of key figures in the President's life.
• Roosevelt's use of humor to minimize his health complications might have been a coping mechanism, but it could also be critiqued as a way of avoiding the serious implications of his condition on his ability to govern.
• Eleanor Roosevelt's pursuit of meaningful work outside of her role as First Lady was groundbreaking, but it could also be seen as a reflection of the limited role women were expected to play in public life at the time.
• The support Eleanor found among her circle of friends is commendable, but it also highlights the lack of institutional support for women in her position, which might have made such a circle necessary.
• President Roosevelt's attempts to involve Eleanor more deeply in his personal matters during his last year could be interpreted as too little, too late, and perhaps driven by his own needs rather than a genuine desire to reconnect.
• Anna Roosevelt taking over her mother's responsibilities could be seen as a practical response to the demands of the presidency, but it also suggests a potential undermining of Eleanor's role and autonomy.
• The decision to arrange a meeting with Lucy Mercer could be criticized for its potential to cause emotional harm to Eleanor, raising ethical questions about the consideration of her feelings.
• Eleanor's forgiveness of her husband and daughter can be seen as a dignified response to betrayal, but it could also be critiqued as a reflection of the societal expectations placed on women to be forgiving and self-sacrificing.