Edith Bolling Galt Wilson was the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson. Edith Wilson was not only a devoted wife but, but also a political figure. She was born into a poor southern family, and went to school for two years. After marrying Woodrow Wilson, who was already president at the time, she immediately began influencing presidential affairs. Once " In Office" she volunteered for the Red Cross and supported the wartime effort. Socially she held a high status, christening newly built ships, and hosting foreign guests. When her husband was unable to perform his presidential duties due to illness, Edith stepped up to the plate. Putting on a “Show” for all of America, she let no one know the severity of his sickness, and handled many government issues by her self. Edith Wilson stayed involved with politics after her husbands death, and was a very strong, woman who took charge of things, and supported her husband, and his efforts.
Eleanor Roosevelt was the wife of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Eleanor was such a Strong and out-going person that she held her very own press conference just two days after FDR was inaugurated. In fact she held the first press conference ever held by a First Lady. Eleanor was a traveling woman, and she did just that, quite a bit while “In Office”. In her travels she brought back numerous persons to meet the president. Also she made some trips for her husband, who could not travel easily, after being diagnosed with polio. Eleanor was a very important liaison between the president, and the general public, as well as his troops overseas during the war. Even after the death of her husband she remained involved with politics, by becoming the U.S. delegate to the United Nations.
Both of these extraordinary women were First Ladies, and they were both involved with politics, and completing some of their husbands presidential
duties. These women, who had many similarities, also had a few differences. Eleanor Roosevelt was a woman focused more on public relations and community service, while Edith Wilson remained mostly “Behind the lines” and consulted her husband, as well as tending to some of his less important callers, and screening his activities, at times for his health. While Edith was more supportive of her husband and his affairs, Eleanor supported her husband, while also developing her own causes, and pursuing her goals.
The Role of First Lady in America is a position that really has no rules, but many expectations. These expectations are set by the woman that came before them, however mighty or insignificant the effects their presence in White House. Over the history the role of The First Lady has evolved. It has evolved with woman them selves, and how they have been viewed in society, past and present. And as this evolution continues the possibilities of what could come about are endless. Maybe one day even a First man will accompany his wife through her presidency.