20th Century-ck

First Ladies-ck

ck - They are the women who share the homes and lives of the presidents of the United States. They are neither elected nor appointed, yet they are some of the most influential women in the United States. There has never been a formal or official description for their roles, and each first lady has had to define what her role in her husband's administration would be. They are the good will ambassadors of the nation, and graciously host the visits of presidents, queens, kings, and heads of state from all over the world.

First Ladies takes a look at the lives and duties of the first ladies of the second half of the twentieth century. It explores the roles defined by the first ladies themselves, from Eleanor Roosevelt to Hillary Rodham Clinton. First Ladies would be useful for classes on American History, Women's History, Political Science and American Culture. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• advocate
• affinity
• articulate
• candor
• chagrin
• conciliatory
• controversial
• controversy
• convictions
• deft
• precedent
• prestigious
• refurbish
• scrutiny
• vulnerable

Discussion Questions

1. ck - The position of first lady carries no official power. She is neither elected or appointed, but has enormous influence. How have first ladies used this unofficial influence to contribute to the welfare of the nation?

2. ck - There has never been an official definition of the role of the first lady. How have each of the first ladies from Eleanor Roosevelt to Hillary Clinton defined and recreated the role of first lady?

3. Because we have never had a female president, there has never been a first gentleman. How might the role of first lady change when a woman becomes president and her husband becomes first gentleman?

4. Eleanor Roosevelt is one of the most famous and revered first ladies. How did she redefine the role?

5. Why did Eleanor receive so much criticism about her activities as first lady?

6. Mamie Eisenhower was the first lady from 1953-1961. How did she personify the accepted gender roles of her era?

7. Jacqueline Kennedy fascinated the world throughout her tenure as first lady, and for the rest of her life. What was it about Jacqueline Kennedy that captured the world's attention? Could you compare Jacqueline Kennedy with Princess Diana?

8. Betty Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy when she was first lady. How did her very public bout with breast cancer help American women?

9. How does a first lady deal with a difference of political opinion with her husband?

10. Hillary Rodham Clinton, like Eleanor Roosevelt, is a controversial first lady. How can you compare the criticism of Hillary Clinton and Eleanor Roosevelt? What makes these two first ladies so controversial?

11. How has the role of First Lady Hillary Clinton been a lightening rod for discussion and debate on the changing roles of women in the twentieth century?

Extended Activities

1. Imagine that the role of first lady is an elected position. Create a campaign poster for a first lady. What duties would you emphasize, and why would your candidate be suitable to fill the position?

2. Create a campaign poster for the first woman president. How would your poster be different than the one described above? How would the qualifications for the job of president be different than the qualifications for first lady?

3. Create a poster that illustrates the evolution of the role of first lady with the evolution and changes in women's roles in the twentieth century.

4. Write an essay about the first lady you most admire. What is it about this woman that you admire? How has she contributed to the benefit of the nation?

Related Videos

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Primary Sources

• ck - test

Air Dates

• March 09, 2005