Episode 205: Jeanne Abrams, First Ladies of the Republic

by Holly WhiteSeptember 25, 2018

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La Presidente? The Presidentess? The First Lady of the Land?

The Second Article of the United States Constitution defines the Executive Branch of the government, the powers it has, and the role of the chief executive, the President of the United States.

But what about the position of the President’s spouse?

Jeanne Abrams, a Professor at the University Libraries and the Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Denver, joins us to explore the lives and work of the first First Ladies of the American Republic with details from her book, First Ladies of the Republic: Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, and Dolley Madison and the Creation of an Iconic American Role.

About the Show

Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.

It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.

Each episode features a conversation with a historian who helps us shed light on important people and events in early American history.

Ben Franklin’s World is a production of the Omohundro Institute.

Episode Summary

Jeanne Abrams , a Professor at the University Libraries and the Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Denver, joins us to explore the lives and work of the first First Ladies of the American Republic with details from her book, First Ladies of the Republic: Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, and Dolley Madison and the Creation of an Iconic American Role.

As we explore the origins and early days of the role of First Lady, Jeanne reveals the history behind the term “First Lady”; Details about how Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, and Dolley Madison shaped the position; And, information about how each first First Lady organized and held her Republican Court.

What You’ll Discover

History of the term “First Lady”
The role the term “First Lady” defines
Martha Washington’s childhood and preparation for public life
Washington as first First Lady
First Lady precedents established by Washington
Abigail Adams as second First Lady
Relationship between Adams and Washington
Dolley Madison and Thomas Jefferson
Madison’s politicking on behalf of her husband
Madison as official First Lady
Regional identities and shaping the role of First Lady
The Republican Court
The first First Ladies as political advisors
Dolley Madison and the public spotlight
Fashion as a political statement
First Lady as champion of a cause

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Time Warp Question

In your opinion, what might have happened if the first, First Ladies had not hosted or guided these social gatherings? How might the political developments of the early republic and the new nation have been different?  