Mrs. Ruland's U.S. History Class Project
First Ladies as a Vehicle for Reform
Historically, First Ladies were gracious hostesses and the feminine face of the United States. Politics were generally left to men because, for much of history, women were considered inferior to men and unable to handle the effort and intelligence that politics required. Therefore, the political talents of many of the First Ladies went untapped for much of this country's history. The First Ladies were expected to willingly suppress their intellect in office, and avoid giving political advise to their superior husbands. Eventually, though it became obvious that repressing the intellect of women did the country more harm than good. By Franklin Delano Roosevelt's election, women had realized the good they could do and the First Ladies began to use their position to influence change, and reform the country. This started with Eleanor Roosevelt and continued on towards the present day.
Eleanor Roosevelt changed the face of the American First Ladies. During her time in the White House, she proved that the First Lady could be a political influence whose efforts would make a huge impact on American politics and society. Through her efforts, she became one of the best known First Ladies of the United States. Along with her amazing reform efforts, she set the precedent for the latter First Ladies to follow. Her use of power to aid and assist change led to this use of the first ladies position becoming commonplace. Without her guiding example, the First Ladies may still be in submission.
General Information
These sites give general information on all First Ladies. They are a good place to start to get background information on any or all of the First Ladies.
The White House: First Ladies Gallery
Opinion
First
ladies make powerful impact on policies
(This site requires a registration which is entirely free but requires
a valid email address.) Editorial by The Beacon, the Student Newspaper
of Florida International University.
First Ladies of Reform
Eleanor Roosevelt was an inspiring figure in the White House. This site has a brief summary of her achievements and a large selection of links.
This site gives an in-depth description of how Eleanor Roosevelt fought for reform even after her husband's death and the end of her term as First Lady.
This site shows how Jackie Kennedy supported many of the associations passed and active during her time as First Lady. She wished for the knowledge in the library to be accessible to everyone. She also strongly believed in historical preservation. She used her influence to preserve various important buildings around the city. Her influence impacted all aspects of conduct, and she left a permanent mark on the role of First Lady.
This is a biography of Lady Bird Johnson. This site shares her achievements and awards, and gives an inside look into the life and accomplishments of Lady Bird Johnson.
Betty Ford became quickly accustomed to the political influence she had. This site tells of her ascension to First Lady and her adaptation to the power she had. This site also tells how she used the First Lady's powers to help others, as well as her beliefs in office.
This site describes Rosalyn Carter's efforts and achievements on behalf of her husband, as well as her own social work in the field of mental health.
This site gives a detailed description of Nancy Reagan's work on the behalf of handicapped children and her efforts to inform teens on the dangers of substance abuse.
This site shows the importance of Barbara Bush's time in office. It emphasizes her belief in helping children. She firmly believed in everyone having the ability to read. This site shows her efforts in many areas where she worked at the president's side to improve society.
This site demonstrates how Hillary Clinton played an active role in her husband's presidency and is making her own mark in American politics as a senator, and maybe a future president.
This biography of Laura Bush emphasizes her achievements during her husband's presidency, as well as her own political involvement to make a difference in the United States .
By Austin, Kesshi and Torie
Last updated March 28, 2005
© Marcella Ruland 1998-2008, All rights reserved
