Episode 205: Jeanne Abrams, First Ladies of the Republic

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 PlainTime 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? 


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