Who was the first female cabinet member appointed by FDR?

Frances Perkins was the first female cabinet member appointed by Franklin D. Roosevelt. She served as the Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945, making her not only the first woman to hold a cabinet position in the United States but also a pivotal figure in shaping labor policy during the New Deal era. Perkins played a crucial role in the development of labor laws and programs, including the establishment of Social Security and federal regulations on minimum wages and working hours. Her background as a social worker and her deep commitment to improving labor conditions significantly influenced her effectiveness in this role.

Eleanor Roosevelt, while an influential figure and advocate for social causes, was not a cabinet member but rather served in an unofficial capacity as the President's wife and a prominent public figure. Frances Wright was an early social reformer, but she did not hold a governmental position in the cabinet. Clara Barton is known for founding the American Red Cross and her humanitarian work, but she also did not serve in a cabinet role. Thus, Frances Perkins stands out as the correct answer due to her historical significance and groundbreaking role in U.S. government.