Читать книгу First Ladies For Dummies - Marcus A. Stadelmann, Marcus A. Stadelmann PhD - Страница 43

IN THIS CHAPTER

Looking at Martha’s life before George

Making an impression on George and the American Revolution

Introducing Martha, the first First Lady

Keeping a high profile after the White House

Martha Washington was the first American First Lady, and she proved to be one of the best. With the exception of Abigail Adams (see Chapter 4), the early First Ladies adopted the contemporary 18th-century model of womeness. They were great hostesses and docile wives in public, but they weren’t afraid to speak their mind in private. Even though Martha didn’t discuss politics publicly, she was the most influential person with George Washington.

When it comes to formal and social traditions, Martha was the one who gave the position of First Lady many of its current traditions. She didn’t enjoy being around rowdy crowds or hosting social events, but she adapted well to changing circumstances in her life.

This chapter looks at Martha Washington’s childhood and how she met George. After playing an important part in the Revolutionary War, Martha becomes First Lady in 1789 and sets many of the traditions subsequent First Ladies would follow.