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America's Leading Ladies: the Evolution of First Ladies

Politics

November 21, 2024

Today, First Ladies are seen as a symbol of elegance and charitability. They’re expected to always look their best while championing social causes and holding important events at the White House. But this wasn’t always the case, and the role has changed immensely over the bast two centuries- shaped by various women who transformed how we view the First Lady.

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Abigail Adams

(1794-1801)

Unlike most early politicians and their families, John and Abigail Adams were staunchly opposed to enslavement, and Abigail made her views very clear. She was considered revolutionary for arguing that it was hypocritical to fight in the Revolutionary War while supporting enslavement, and she wanted the government to represent the needs of people of all races.

Abigail wanted the government to protect the needs of all people and famously told her husband to “remember the ladies!

After leaving the White House Abigail focused on raising her family and taught her children the anti-slavery ideals that she believed in. She wrote numerous letters to important figures and spoke up about her political beliefs.

As First Lady, she was controversial for her views and many felt like she was overstepping her place as a woman. But it was her boldness and opinionated nature that makes her stand out in history, and makes her a central figure in changing the role of First Lady.

Image Credit: Christian Schussele via Wikimedia

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Dolley Madison

(1809-1817)

Prior to being president, James Madison served as the Secretary of state under President Jefferson, and Dolley helped organize social events and welcome foreign politicians. She gained a big reputation and was known for usingher charm to sway politicians, and eventually her popularity helped her husband get elected as President.

While in the White House, Dolley was the first First Lady to work on a public charity project, establishing the Washington City Orphan Asylum – an orphanage for homeless children. When the British attacked D.C. in 1814 Dolley didn't immediately evacuate and instead chose to ensure the safe removal of documents and art from the White House- notably a portrait of George Washington.

After the War of 1812, Dolley dedicated herself to helping children affected by the war by donating money and encouraging other women to help the cause. After her husband's presidency the couple lived a quiet life in Virginia, but she returned to D.C. after his death and remained a central figure in Washington.

By using her charming nature to get her husband elected and being a central figure in American politics, Dolley broke the mold of how women were expected to act. Her achievements during Madison's presidency and afterwards have cemented her as being viewed as one of the best First Ladies of all time.

Image Credit: White House Historical Association via Wikimedia

Edith Wilson

(1915-1921)

As the First Lady during World War One, Edith made the White House an example of rationing efforts by implementing “gasless Sundays,” “meatless Mondays,” and “wheatless Wednesdays.” Additionally, she had sheep graze on the White House’s lawn instead of having someone mow it, and the sheep’s wool was auctioned off to help the American Red Cross.

In 1919 Edith’s role completely changed when President Woodrow Wilson suffered a severe stroke, leaving him paralyzed on his left side and practically blind except for partial vision in his right eye. His condition was held from the public and even the Vice President, with Edith practically running the Executive Branch of the government.

She was the singular link between the Cabinet and Woodrow by pre-screening papers and deciding which were important enough for him to read. Additionally, she would help him fill out paperwork, add her own notes and controlled who could visit him.

Edith’s role as First Lady has been controversial for over a century, with many believing that she abused her power. Regardless, her story of secretly running the country makes her stand out from all other First Ladies, and has immortalized her as one of the most polarizing First Ladies.

Image Credit: Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library Archives via Wikimedia

Eleanor Roosevelt

(1933-1945)

Often regarded as one of the greatest first ladies of all time, Eleanor Roosevelt broke the role’s mold by being outspoken about a variety of issues. She advocated for the rights of African Americans, specifically supporting the Tuskegee Airmen a group of black pilots during World War 2. Additionally, Eleanor held weekly press conferences, hosted radio broadcasts, gave lectures, traveled across the country and ran a newspaper column called “My Day.”

After her time in the White House, Roosevelt served as the first chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights and was appointed by JFK to the National Advisory Committee of the Peace Corps and to the President’s Commission on the Status of Women.

While Eleanor was beloved by millions, she was also hated for her anti-racist beliefs, with her own husband being unsupportive of her causes, and the KKK putting a $25,000 bounty on her head. But Eleanor never changed herself to fit into society's expectations, and her love for the American people has made her remembered as one of the best First Ladies of all time.

Image Credit: Unknown Author via Wikimedia

Jackie Kennedy

(1961-1963)

At 32 years old, Jackie Kennedy was the third youngest First Lady in American history, and she only held the role for about two years. Yet in those two years she made such a big impact on the role and on American history that many argue that all modern First Ladies are compared to her.

As First Lady, Jackie said her intentions were only to support her husband and take care of her young children, but soon after moving into the White House she began to restore it and formed the White House Historical Association. She and her husband were champions of the arts and emphasized the impact that art and history have on the country, with Jackie saving numerous historical buildings in DC from being destroyed.

After the assassination of her husband Jackie won the hearts of many Americans for her strength regarding his loss, and she gained back public support after being previously criticized for her love for fashion. Today Jackie is remembered for her elegance, education and strength, and the traits she possessed have been expected of every First Lady after her.

Image Credit: Cecil Stoughton via Wikimedia

Claudia “Ladybird” Johnson

(1963-1969)

Prior to entering the White House, Ladybird was her husband’s biggest support, and when he suffered a heart attack while serving in the Senate she made sure to help his staff keep working so that he could smoothly return to his job.

Ladybird was the first First Lady to announce a singular cause to focus on. She announced her intentions to focus on environmental issues and beautifying the nation, specifically promoting the Highway Beautification Act (nicknamed Ladybird's Bill) which was intended to limit billboards and plant roadside areas to make highways more visually appealing.

Additionally, Ladybird continued Jackie's love for the arts and hosted art events at the White House. She also supported her husband's work for the civil rights movement and his war on poverty while also creating the Children's Garden right before the White House.

Today, First Ladies are expected to announce their agenda for their time in the White House, a tradition started by Ladybird.

Image Credit: Robert Knudsen via Wikimedia

Betty Ford

(1974-1977)

After Richard Nixon's abrupt resignation, Gerald and Betty Ford were thrusted into the roles of President and First Lady. Betty took the role head on and expressed her support for the Equal Rights Amendment (which would ensure the end of gender discrimination) and spoke candidly about women's rights and abortion. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer Betty publicly spoke about her diagnosis and treatment, raising awareness for the disease.

After leaving the White House Betty candidly spoke about her struggles with alcoholism and spread awareness for substance abuse and rehab. She created The Betty Ford Center which treats chemical dependency. Every month for 25 years she would visit the center to speak to patients.

Betty's openess about taboo topics like abortion and addiction helped break stigmas of the time while also making her one of the most influential women of the 1970s. She was so popular that her approval rating surpassed her husband's, and she is still remembered for her commitment to helping those less fortunate.

Image Credit: David Kennerly via Wikimedia

Conclusion

The evolution of the of First Lady from an insignificant ceremonial role to a central figure in American politics mirrors the changing expectations for women throughout history. Since the start of this nation, many different brave women have continued to push against traditional expectations and create a more equal society. The role of First Ladies can’t be overlooked – so many brave women have gone into the White House and set an example for women around the country to be strong, to be bold and to do what they can to help others.

Amy Guerin
5,000+ pageviews

Writer since Jul, 2024 · 13 published articles

Amy is a high school junior who writes for her school newspaper and plays varsity water polo. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her friends, reading, and sewing. Her interests include history, fashion, and vintage pop culture.

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