Over the years, the United States has seen a wide range of First Ladies as the role evolved over the years. Many of them have used their position to advocate for specific issues, and others have played an important role within their husband’s administration, helping enact policies and create change. Using data from the First Ladies Study, here is a list of the top 10 women who used their position and influence as First Ladies to institute changes during their years in the White House.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt drastically changed the role of First Lady. She travelled often and made many public appearances and speeches about children’s causes and human rights. She consistently spoke out against racism and sexism, went to labor meetings to listen to workers, and had her own column in the newspaper. Roosevelt focused on helping the country’s impoverished people, and when her husband died, President Harry Truman appointed her as a US delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. Later in her life, Roosevelt became chair of the U.N.’s Human Rights Commission and helped write the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She was assigned to the U.N. by President John F. Kennedy and was appointed to the National Advisory Committee of the Peace Corps and the chair of the President’s Commission on the Status of Women.
Abigal Adams
The president often asked his wife for advice and her opinions on matters of state.
Jacqueline Kennedy
Jackie Kennedy had a huge impact on the public and society. She reorganized the entertainment for social events at the White House and is remembered for her style and grace. She was popular with foreign dignitaries. She also helped a grief-stricken country heal after her husband’s assassination.
Dolley Madison
Dolley Madison used her extensive social networks to help her husband’s political career. She also personally took up social causes during her time in the White House. Many people say the term “first lady” comes from President Zachary Taylor’s eulogy of her.
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama spent her eight years in the White House taking on childhood obesity, veterans’ wellness and education for young women. She started the “Let’s Move!” campaign, which instituted healthier lunches in schools across the country and helped encourage schools and families to do more physical activities. She is also a strong promoter of the arts and arts education, and speaks out about feminism and sexism.
Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton was the First Lady to hold a postgraduate degree and a full-time professional career before becoming First Lady. She was one of her husband’s most trusted advisers in both the White House and on the campaign trail. She held offices in the East Wing and the West Wing. After her husband’s presidency, she became the first First Lady to hold public office when she was elected senator of New York. She later became Secretary of State under President Barack Obama and has run for president twice. She was the first female presidential candidate nominated by a major party.
Lady Bird Johnson
Lady Bird Johnson played a huge as First Lady in helping clean up the capital and beautify it. She headed up the Society for a More Beautiful National Capital and planted millions of flowers. She was also the first First Lady to advocate for legislation like the Highway Beautification Act (“Lady Bird’s Bill) and the Head Start program.
Betty Ford
Betty Ford helped raise breast cancer awareness after personally having a mastectomy in 1974. She was pro-choice, a feminist, and a proud supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment. She was a very popular First Lady and was incredibly candid while in her role. She was open about being a recovering alcoholic, and helped raise awareness for addiction.
Martha Washington
Martha Washington already made history by being the first First Lady. She set a precedent for how the role should be handling. She managed the presidential household and hosted weekly receptions.
Rosalynn Carter
Rosalyn Carter would set in on cabinet meetings and would oftentimes go to meetings with foreign and domestic leaders in place of her husband. While in the White House, she assisted with refugees, especially children. She led a delegation to Thailand to discuss the issue of refugees in South Asia and later was named the honorary chair of the Friendship Force International, a cultural exchange program.
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