Traditional histories give President Franklin Delano Roosevelt a lot of credit for guiding the United States out of the Great Depression. But his best move may have been appointing the first woman ever to join a presidential cabinet. As Secretary of Labor, Frances Perkins won victories on public works for increased employment, 8 hour work days, minimum wage, Social Security, workplace safety standards, and no child labor. Many of her programs are still in place for Americans today.
Visit the website (herhalfofhistory.com) for sources, transcripts, and pictures.
Sign up for the newsletter On This Day in Women's History, available on Patreon or Substack. There are free options in both places.
This show survives on the support of listeners like you. Support the show on my Patreon page (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=83998235) for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and polls. Or make a one-time donation on Buy Me a Coffee. Your support helps me keep bring the stories of past women into the present.
Join Into History for a community of ad-free history podcasts plus bonus content.
Visit Evergreen Podcasts to listen to more great shows.
Follow me on Threads as Her Half of History.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
