Changes

Although only 39 when she disappeared, Earhart accomplished a great deal and is considered a true hero of the 20th century, especially for women. She demonstrated courage, integrity, and an independent spirit. She used her fame to advance the cause of women and showed that a determined woman could achieve anything. Her efforts led a generation of women to seek new horizons and new roles for themselves.

Although only 39 when she disappeared, Earhart accomplished a great deal and is considered a true hero of the 20th century, especially for women. She demonstrated courage, integrity, and an independent spirit. She used her fame to advance the cause of women and showed that a determined woman could achieve anything. Her efforts led a generation of women to seek new horizons and new roles for themselves.

On the negattive side, Holbrook (1971) argues the sole reason behind Earhart's tragic final flight was publicity and financial gain. She also wanted to show the world that women could do things as well as, if not better than, men. All in all - the contract with Harcourt, Brace and Company to write a story of the flight; a position as special correspondent for the New York Herald Tribune, reporting on the progress of her flight; a cargo of stamp covers; radio commitments in Honolulu and California - there can be little doubt that the Earhart mission was designed to increase the prestige of the Putnams (Amelia and her husband, George Palmer Putnam) and to use the resultant publicity to enhance the new commercial venture they planned to participate in at the end of the flight. Holbrook rejects the notions that Earhart acted as a spy for the U.S. Government, or that she was on a scientific mission.<ref> Francis X. Holbrook, "Amelia Earhart's Final Flight." ''U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings'' 1971 97(2): 48-55. 0041-798x </ref>  

On the negative side, Holbrook (1971) argues the sole reason behind Earhart's tragic final flight was publicity and financial gain. She also wanted to show the world that women could do things as well as, if not better than, men. All in all - the contract with Harcourt, Brace and Company to write a story of the flight; a position as special correspondent for the New York Herald Tribune, reporting on the progress of her flight; a cargo of stamp covers; radio commitments in Honolulu and California - there can be little doubt that the Earhart mission was designed to increase the prestige of the Putnams (Amelia and her husband, George Palmer Putnam) and to use the resultant publicity to enhance the new commercial venture they planned to participate in at the end of the flight. Holbrook rejects the notions that Earhart acted as a spy for the U.S. Government, or that she was on a scientific mission.<ref> Francis X. Holbrook, "Amelia Earhart's Final Flight." ''U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings'' 1971 97(2): 48-55. 0041-798x </ref>

 

==Further reading==

==Further reading==

* Ware, Susan. ''Still Missing: Amelia Earhart and the Search for Modern Feminism'' (1993) 304pp

* Ware, Susan. ''Still Missing: Amelia Earhart and the Search for Modern Feminism'' (1993) 304pp