First Lady Institution as Part of American Democracy

... participate in political life, expressing their views and influencing the course of events, just as other women in the U.S. do. Eleanor Roosevelt launched many initiatives, from appointing the first female Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins to the Cabinet ... ... House staff. Many First Ladies have taken an active interest in matters of foreign affairs. Their list is long : Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, Elizabeth Monroe, Louisa Adams, Bess Truman, Ida McKinley, Lucy Hayes, Florence Harding, Nellie Taft, Edith Wilson,...