These women could enjoy the benefits of their high status and be only an adornment of the head of state at events. But thanks in part to them, their husbands became presidents of the United States. We will tell you how the first ladies of the United States lived and became famous.
Martha Washington
A wealthy young widow, Martha Custis, married Colonel George Washington in 1759. Soon, the future president of the United States led the American militia, and Martha accompanied her husband on all campaigns. She did not support George's political activities: she did not even come to his inauguration. But when Martha had already assumed the unofficial status of the first lady, she fulfilled all state duties.
Martha Washington remained the only woman whose portrait was featured on American banknotes.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Harry Truman named the wife of the thirty-second President of the United States the first lady of the world. Indeed, according to a poll, Eleanor Roosevelt was the woman who was most admired.
Eleanor was the first lady for 12 years and became famous as a public and political figure, diplomat and publicist. She was extremely popular with the Americans.
While Franklin Roosevelt was president, Eleanor was considered his right hand: she traveled around the country, met with people and told her husband about public sentiments.
Eleanor Roosevelt was actively involved in political activities until the end of her life. She fought for women's rights, participated in the creation of the human rights organization Freedom House, and on her initiative, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was developed and adopted.
Eleanor is the prototype of the modern first lady. She participated in public life and was a truly independent person.
Jacqueline Kennedy
In 1952, at an official evening, journalist Jacqueline Bouvier met Senator John F. Kennedy, and a year later they were married. Eight years later, John F. Kennedy decides to run for the presidency of the United States, and Jacqueline, despite her pregnancy, is included in her husband's election race.
When John F. Kennedy was officially confirmed as president of the United States, Jacqueline became the youngest first lady in the history of the country. She also supervised the restoration of the White House and installed radio broadcasting there, which later helped the administration of President Kennedy.
Jacqueline was a rare beauty, gossip heroine and fashion influencer of the time.
Nancy Reagan
Before becoming First Lady, Nancy was an actress. In the general company, she met her future husband and US President Ronald Reagan. Then he headed the guild of actors.
Nancy was against Ronald's participation in the presidential election. She believed that a political career would not be beneficial to the family and their relationship, but as a result, she actively helped her husband. The second time, Ronald Reagan won the presidential race.
As First Lady, Nancy ran the Just say NO drug campaign. After a while, she expanded it to an international scale, attracting influential women from other countries.
Hillary Clinton
Hillary is now better known as an independent politician than as a first lady. But her political career began precisely during the presidency of Bill Clinton. Then Hillary, at the request of her husband, headed the committee on health care reform, but a year later she resigned.
The scandalous story of Bill Clinton's betrayal with White House trainee Monica Lewinsky did not denigrate Hillary: the woman did not arrange a public showdown with the president and supported her husband. The reputation of the White House and its inhabitants was dearer to her.
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama became the first lady of African American descent. In the press, Michelle Obama is often compared to Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana. And it is no coincidence: Michelle also has a low origin. But this did not stop her from getting an excellent education and becoming a lawyer. According to Forbes, in 2010, Barack Obama's wife was the most powerful woman in the world.
Once she was even compared to Eleanor Roosevelt, but she herself believes that she has nothing in common with the other first ladies.
Melania trump
Beauty, model, actress and wife of the infamous Donald Trump. The only first lady to pose nude for the cover of GQ. Now Melania rarely gives interviews and behaves in public laconic. Fans love her for her restraint and impeccable style.
