Presidential Spouses

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of presidential spouses. Specifically, it compares and contrasts the character, impact and influence of three American presidential spouses from the 1900's through to the 1970's. Ida Saxton McKinley, Eleanor Roosevelt and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy all lost their husbands while they were president and each woman left her own indelible mark on the White House, proving that presidential spouses live on in the hearts of Americans through time.

From the Paper:

"Eleanor Roosevelt may be one of the most well known first ladies of all time. Born in 1884 in New York City, she married her cousin, Franklin D. Roosevelt, in 1905. Her husband served in New York politics before his election to the presidency in 1932. Eleanor, who as a young woman had no interest in politics, became embroiled in the politics of the day. "As Franklin campaigned, Eleanor began to function as his conscience, advising him unofficially on what she considered to be ethical issues, although she always publicly denied taking this role" (Spangenburg and Moser 59). Franklin seemed to recognize his wife's strengths and assets, and appointed many women to high posts in government after his election. "By the end of the first term, more women than ever before held government posts in Washington" (Spangenburg and Moser 64)."

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