Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945) was sworn in as president of the United States in March 1933. He and his advisers immediately began to introduce legislation designed to address the severe economic hardships brought on by the Great Depression, the worst economic downturn in U.S. history. Collectively, the "three Rs" legislation—providing for relief, recovery, and reform—was known as the New Deal. Under the New Deal, government agencies were established to carry out social and economic aid programs. The New Deal opened a wealth of opportunities for women. Many of the new programs required staff with training in social work, and women were the Americans who had the best training in that field. By the end of 1933 thirty-five women had been appointed to prominent federal government positions. Approximately fifty-five were in key positions in government by 1939. Even more important, the attitude that women belonged in...