Edith Bolling Galt Wilson: The Unintended President

In recent presidencies, the role of the first lady has received more coverage as reporters and political analysts have attempted to pinpoint the influence such women would wield over their husbands. This book travels back to Woodrow Wilson's administration and examines his second wife Edith's role as First Lady. She lobbied for certain legislation and soundly criticized others. Later, Edith contended that she was uniquely qualified for this role since she knew her husband's feelings on most issues. And as to those who labeled her our first female president, Edith refuted such pronouncements, claiming she merely acted as Woodrow's helpmate, but that he made every decision personally. But to historians and students of history, Edith's role, especially during her husband's incapacitation, marked a unique time in United States' history when a woman exerted direct control over matters of state.

In recent presidencies, the role of the first lady has received more coverage as reporters and political analysts have attempted to pinpoint the influence such women would wield over their husbands. This book travels back to Woodrow Wilson's administration and examines his second wife Edith's role as First Lady. She lobbied for certain legislation and soundly criticized others. Later, Edith contended that she was uniquely qualified for this role since she knew her husband's feelings on most issues. And as to those who labeled her our first female president, Edith refuted such pronouncements, claiming she merely acted as Woodrow's helpmate, but that he made every decision personally. But to historians and students of history, Edith's role, especially during her husband's incapacitation, marked a unique time in United States' history when a woman exerted direct control over matters of state.