The PBS Masterpiece mini-series Atlantic Crossing highlights Crown Princess Märtha of Norway,
who lived in the United States during World War II when she worked tirelessly to keep
up support for Norway among the American public and government.
So much so, that when she returned to Norway following the war in 1945, she received a
hero's welcome and was became known as "Mother of the Nation."
I did a video series on the life of Crown princess Martha of Norway as well as
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these videos and more on the many Fabulous Fierce and Feisty Women In History.
The mini-series, Atlantic Crossing also put a spot light one 3 other notable women in
history that made a significant impact to not only the war effort, but who accomplished
many great things in their lives.
In this video, I cover the significant deeds of FDR's private secretary, Missy Lehand,
American Ambassador Florence Harriman and, at the end, I discuss the truth of the relationship
of the president's wife, Eleanor Roosvelt and the crown princess. Stay to the end to
get that inside information.
So let's begin, First there is Marguerite Lehand, also known as Missy.
In Atlantic Crossing, Marguerite "Missy" Lehand, played by British actress, Lucy Russell is
introduced as FDR's private secretary but she was so much more in real life.
Author and biographer, Kathryn Smith, published a well-researched book about Missy Lehand
in 2016 called The Gatekeeper in which she explains the role of Missy Lehand as follows:
"In everything but name she was FDR's chief of staff—for the job title was not used
by a president until Dwight Eisenhower adopted it to suit his sense of military structure.She
was the only woman in American history to do so."
Missy Lehabd wielded enormous influence and power within FDR's administration. She advised
him on policy and appointments, speeches and even his actions - personal and political.
President Roosevelt heeded her counsel, knowing it was based on common sense, honesty, sure
instincts, and unshakable loyalty to him.
FDR himself identified an even more significant role for her in his administration and life,
saying often, “Missy is my conscience.” Missy was a blue-collar girl from a seedy
part of Boston who never let her boss forget the people he had promised to champion.
Missy was also deeply involved in policy discussions, She suggested the appointment of FDR’s attorney
general and the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter among others.
And it was Missy who, through loyalty, savvy and charm, left a lasting impact on one of
the most defining pieces of legislation in U.S. history,the New Deal enacted by President
Roosevelt in the United States between 1933 and 1939.
There have been rumors that LeHand had an intimate relationship with the president,
but the author Kathryn Smith, believes it was primarily her excellent organizational
skilles, talent for managing people, plus her loyalty and dedication that made her so
important to the president.
Secondly, we are introduced to American Ambassador to Norway, Florence Harriman played by British
actress, Suzanne Bertish.
From the T.V show, we know Florence as the intelligence advisor to Crown princess Martha
of Norway and the person organized evacuation efforts of not only the crown princes but
Norwegian Americans and political allies while hiding in a forest from the Nazi invasion.
Through out her life, Florence Harriman, , often called Daisy, was also an American socialite,
suffragist, social reformer, organizer, and diplomat.
In 1903, she co-founded New York City's first club exclusively for women.
In 1912, She was active in the women's suffrage movement in support of extending the vote
to women, reportedly leading a parade of suffragists down Fifth Avenue.
During World war one, she organized the American Red Cross Women's Motor Corps and cofounded
the Committee of Mercy, which was created to help the women and children and other European
noncombatants made destitute by the war.
In 1920, Florence participated in the Versailles Peace Conference, and upon her return was
an advocate for American participation in the League of Nations, and worked on behalf
of world peace organizations
In 1937, Florence was appointed as the United States' Minister to Norway where she drew
upon her experience in helping refugees in World War one to successfuly facilitate the
evacuation of so many people from Norway to the safety of American shores.
In January 1941, she officially left her position, became a vice-chair of the Committee to Defend
America by Aiding the Allies, and testified in the House Foreign Affairs Committee in
favor of the Lend-Lease Act.
In her ninety-second year, U.S. President John F. Kennedy honored her by awarding her
the first "Citation of Merit for Distinguished Service."
Harriman died at her home in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., on August 31, 1967.
Lastly, we come to Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of President Roosevelt played by American
actress, Harriet Sansom Harris.
Much has been written about Eleanor Roosevelt in terms of her accomplishments and contributions
to the world as a humanitarian and activist, but did you know that during the course of
the five years that crown princess martha lived in the united state, Eleanor roosevelt
became a close friend and supporter of the Crown Princess.
Eleanor willingly arranged for crown princess martha to speak a the red cross rally in madison
square garden in 1943 to further her cause of garnering support for norway and she stood
directly behind the princess as the famouse look to norway speech.
She was also a friend of the country of Norway and sent a New Year's greeting via radio to
Norwegian women in 1940. In the radio recording, she sent a message of hope for the future,
and praise the women in Norway for having met the crisis with such courage and determination.
As for any jealousy, regarding FDR's flirtation with crown princess martha, when someone confronted
Eleanor about it, she is said to have shrugged and said "There's always a Martha"
Eleanor Roosevelt was a strong woman in the White House and a political activist. During
the war, she traveled several places on behalf of the president, and after the war, she became
an important spokeswoman for the United Nations.
Oh, and you might ask if that silly scene where Eleanor dances with Martha to help her
become less embarrassed is true. the answer is no.
I have no idea why the show runner and writers thought this was a good way to represent their
friendship.
Thank you fro watching and please subscribe to my channel for videos on the Fabulous Fierce
and Feisty Women In History.