The Beginning Of Modern American First Lady

As one of the important parts of American political system, American first-ladysystem is formed on the basis of history and tradition rather than the constitution. A surveyof its history shows that every First Lady has made some significant contributions to it.However, among them Anna·Eleanor·Roosevelt has contributed more than anyone else.She once held the post as long as twelve years, which sets up a record in history.Anna·Eleanor Roosevelt is an extraordinary First Lady, who is recorded in annals not as atraditional hostess of the White House but as a prominent social activist, stateswoman,diplomat, and writer. It is in her days that the role of the First Lady changes from thetraditional type to the modern one: the First Lady acts not only as the hostess of the WhiteHouse, but also as the president's cooperative partner and political consultant. For thisreason, this thesis regards her as the threshold of modern American First Lady and arguesfor it with materialistic historical viewpoint from six aspects. The thesis consists of sixchapters: "American First Ladies from 1789 to 1933,""Anna·Eleanor·Roosevelt's Careerin the White House,""The Four Functions of Anna·Eleanor·Roosevelt as American FirstLady,""Factors in the Success of Anna·Eleanor·Roosevelt,""The Influence ofAnna·Eleanor·Roosevelt to Latter First Ladies,"and "Conclusion."Chapter One is concerned with the introduction to the First Ladies from 1789 to 1933. In this period, First Ladies played a traditional role mainly as wife, mother, and the hostess of the White House. Although there were a few who held significant political viewpoints, they are incomparable with Anna·Eleanor·Roosevelt due to the limitation of the era and the restrictions of traditional conventions.Chapter Two offers an overall review of Anna ·Eleanor·Roosevelt's career in theWhite House. During this period, Eleanor actively participated in various social and...