First Ladies For Dummies

It's time for the ladies—the First Ladies, that is—to get their time in the spotlight

What does a First Lady do? What makes a First Lady successful? If you've always wanted to know, this is the place to come to for the answers! This reference has the inside scoop on all the First Ladies, including Michelle Obama's campaigns for healthy eating and Jackie Kennedy's emphasis on art and culture. In First Ladies For Dummies, you'll find out how these women's values, initiatives, and style have influenced all our lives, and how they've become true role models for generations.

With the detailed biographies and personal profiles in First Ladies For Dummies, you'll gain a well-rounded knowledge of the United States' 47 First Ladies. From Martha to Melania, from Jackie to Dr. Jill, and everyone in between, every First Lady has left her stamp on the White House, in the Rose Garden, and in history, and this book covers it all. It includes:

• An historical context for a deeper understanding of the world these First Ladies lived in
• Accounts of their childhoods and early lives to learn who these women were before they stepped foot in the White House
• Each First Lady's interests and achievements

Whether you're a history fanatic or just curious about these highly accomplished women, you'll find lots of fun facts about them in First Ladies For Dummies. Pick up your copy to be in the know!

Introduction 1

Part 1: Understanding First Ladies 5

Chapter 1: The Changing Role of First Ladies in the United States 7

Chapter 2: First Lady Rankings and Evaluations 17

Part 2: Setting the Precedent 25

Chapter 3: Becoming the First First Lady 27

Chapter 4: Setting Precedents 37

Chapter 5: Continuing to Set an Example 53

Part 3: Leading Up to a Civil War 69

Chapter 6: Calling in a First Lady Substitute 71

Chapter 7: Acting Like a President 83

Chapter 8: To Be or Not to Be First Lady 93

Chapter 9: Living a Life of Tragedy 107

Part 4: The Civil War, Reconstruction, and Becoming a World Power 117

Chapter 10: Reconstructing a Country 119

Chapter 11: Getting Close to the 20th Century 139

Chapter 12: Becoming a World Power 157

Chapter 13: Changing the Roles of Women 175

Part 5: Modern First Ladies 193

Chapter 14: First Lady of the World 195

Chapter 15: Three Cold War First Ladies 207

Chapter 16: Becoming Politically Active 223

Chapter 17: Ending a Cold War 241

Chapter 18: Almost Becoming President 259

Chapter 19: Using the Power of the Position 271

Chapter 20: The Model and the Educator 285

Part 6: The Part of Tens 295

Chapter 21: The Ten Most Influential First Ladies 297

Chapter 22: The Ten Least-Known Facts about U.S First Ladies 305

Index 311

Marcus Stadelmann, PhD, is a Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Department of Political Science and History at the University of Texas at Tyler. Along with teaching at universities in California, Utah, and Texas, Dr. Stadelmann is the author or co-author of eight books in his discipline, including U.S. Presidents For Dummies. His favorite First Lady is Dolley Madison.

47 unique women. 47 engrossing tales.

Few historical characters have fascinated the public like the First Ladies of the United States of America. From Martha Washington to Dr. Jill Biden, the triumphs and stumbles of these powerful women have been the subject of debate for centuries. Perfect for history fanatics as well as those just a little curious about how the wives of American presidents have risen to meet history in their own unique ways, First Ladies For Dummies tells the gripping stories of the women behind the Oval Office.

Inside…

• Grasp their historical contexts
• Explore what drove them
• Find out about their histories
• Learn about their values
• Understand their styles
• Measure their impact on culture
• Uncover the truth behind the gossip
• Discover little-known facts