First Lady Edith Wilson
Woodrow Wilson, who served as the United States President during perhaps one of the
most trying and important times in American history, was also the husband of one of the most
influential first ladies the nation has ever seen. Edith Wilson, Woodrow Wilson’s second wife,
served this role. Raised in Wytheville, Virginia, she was from a moderately well-to-do family,
her father being a rural judge and, more interestingly, her ancestry tracing back to Pocahontas
(Passos 133). Her first marriage to Norman Galt ended upon his early death, after which she
took control of the management of his retail business (Passos 132). This take-charge manner was
repeatedly displayed throughout her marriage to Woodrow Wilson as well. After meeting Wilson
through connections at the White House, the two later became engaged (Passos 133). This was a
controversial matter among Wilson’s advisers, one of which was “Colonel” Edward House.
House thought that Edith’s presence in the White House may influence President Wilson’s
alliance with him (Passos 140). Others believed that Wilson was remarried too quickly after the
death of his previous wife, Ellen (Passos 133). However, the president’s new wife proved to be a
remarkable first lady. Edith Wilson played a defining and influential role during her time as a
first lady through her war efforts during World War I, her considerable political presence in
Europe and America, and her stewardship of the presidency following President Wilson’s stroke.
Even before the marriage of Woodrow and Edith Wilson, the two formed a close
relationship; Woodrow sent private documents and White House reports to Edith, with his
thoughts written in the margins, asking for her opinions (Passos 140). As their marriage
continued, the nation entered World War I and as the President was forced to make countless
political decisions under the scrutiny of the media, Edith became his trusted confidante. Not only
was Edith his confidante, she was also involved in the war efforts. The first lady sewed garments
for soldiers and publicly advocated support for the war (Mayo, 171). She even donned a Red
Cross uniform and served coffee and doughnuts to men on troop trains passing through
Washington, where several soldiers were reluctant to believe she was in fact the first lady (Mayo,
171-173). Under her authority at the White House, Edith Wilson instituted a rule that no meat,
wheat, or gasoline would be used on certain days of the week, setting an example of conservation
for the war (Notable Names Database). The first lady also sent out public service statements
warning American soldiers traveling to Europe of venereal diseases (National First Ladies'
Library), and went to great lengths to raise money for the war. For instance, she arranged for
sheep to be raised on the White House lawn and sold their wool to fundraise (National First
Ladies' Library).
Edward House created a private code with Woodrow Wilson, so that he may exchange
reports on the war with the President while he met with politicians overseas, while avoiding
leaks to the press (Passos 157). It was Edith who helped the President decode House’s messages
in private, and discussed their content. And when Woodrow Wilson went overseas himself to
visit troops in 1918, Edith accompanied him. This was not common for all first ladies, as Edith
was the first presidential wife to travel to Europe during her time at the White House (National
First Ladies' Library). Edith also named nearly one hundred military ships that had been taken
over by the United States from Germany (Boller 236). Setting an example for women across
America, Edith Wilson was highly involved in the war, both as a behind-the-scenes confidante to
her husband and as a public role model for war conservation and support. Many women followed
suit, and stepped forward to assist with the war efforts as well during this time. Women served as
telephone operators, nurses, Red Cross volunteers, soldiers, journalists, and entertainers for the
troops during World War I (Goldstein). For the first lady to be so involved in the war was an
example and an encouragement to all women, inspiring them to aid their country in their
Edith Wilson shed a new light on the role of the first lady in many aspects, one being her
political presence in both Europe and America. Beyond her involvement in the war efforts, Mrs.
Wilson displayed an unexpected force politically during the administration of her husband.
Firstly, it was often the stereotype that the American first lady played a demure role, entertaining
the White House guests, attending social events, and remaining generally uninvolved in the
politics with which the President constantly dealt with. This, however, did not suit Edith Wilson.
President Wilson not only saw his wife as a confidante, but valued her advice and
allowed her to be present in many political meetings and historic events. Edith was incredibly
opinionated on political matters, and is infamously known for breaking up relationships between
her husband and those who she did not trust. A prime example of this is “Colonel” Edward
House, one of the President’s advisers. Edith distrusted House, knowing that he was afraid her
marriage to Woodrow would affect the President’s choices and criticized her brazenness (Passos
492). She referred to him as a “regular jellyfish”, “weak-kneed”, and said that he received too
much publicity, taking immense credit for Wilson’s international plans for peace (Passos 475).
When William Jennings Bryan, Wilson’s Secretary of State, resigned because he felt that
Wilson’s administration was leading the United States deeper into war, Wilson confided this
information to Edith, who said, “Good; for I hope you can replace him with someone who is able
and who would in himself command respect for the office both at home and abroad” (Boller
233). Edith Wilson also called the President’s advisers together to discuss war aims on several
occasions when she saw fit, calling the group the “Inquiry” (Boller 226). As the first lady, Edith
also played a very involved role by arranging her husband’s manuscripts, poring over his papers,
and typing his notes (Passos 492). Some Americans found her involvement unsettling, and
criticized both her and the President for her actions (Passos 493).Nevertheless; Edith Wilson
took her role as first lady as both a political and social occupation, not only in America, but in
Europe as well.
Being the first of the first ladies to travel to Europe during the time of her husband’s
administration, Edith Wilson had already redefined the role of the first lady. However, she
strengthened her role even more by establishing many political connections and status in Europe.
For example, Mrs. Wilson created a friendship with the French Duchess and Serbian Minister
Vesnitch, dining at their home and inspiring the Duchess to support the war efforts, showing her
dedication by dressing in a nurse uniform at dinner (Boller 240). The Queen and King of
England also became acquaintances of Edith, as she was present when her husband discussed the
League of Nations with the English royalty (Passos 453).Woodrow Wilson was quite popular in
European society, particularly in England, where and American flag was raised alongside the
English flag at the palace to show respect for the President and his wife (Passos 452). This
popularity transferred to Edith Wilson as well. The first lady spent much of her time in England
and France visiting hospitals and American troops (Passos 453). In order for Edith to be present
when Wilson presented his plans internationally for the League of Nations in 1919, she
persuaded the supervising officer, French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau, to allow her to
take part in the session (Clements). Lastly, Edith Wilson was present for the signing of the
Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I (Passos 453). This was an incredibly significant
event historically, and for the first lady to have been present from the formation of the treaty
through its ratification was remarkable.
Edith Wilson’s political and social presence in Europe and America put the role of the
American first lady on a higher level. She was seen as somewhat similar to royalty by nations
with monarchies, and was treated with respect and admiration by many (Passos 453). These
connections and status elevated the importance of the first lady and redefined her role in society.
Perhaps the most influential period of Edith Wilson’s career was during the time in which
her husband fell ill, suffering a stroke. The timing of the President’s declining health was
incredibly unfortunate, as the nation was still involved in World War I and the President was
touring the world advocating the League of Nations and the ratification of the Treaty of
Versailles (Passos 453). Edith became increasingly concerned as her husband’s health
deteriorated, and tried to insist that he stop traveling, but the President insisted on completing the
tour (Passos 486). Finally, however, the President became seriously ill, and Edith insisted that
their train return to Washington immediately (Passos 492). From this point on, Edith Wilson
became what some historians call “the first woman President.”
As Woodrow Wilson became ill, he became less able to perform his duties as President.
Therefore, Edith Wilson stepped in as what some may call the de facto President (Passos 492).
Screening the President’s calls, alienating those she did not trust, and choosing which problems
she would bring to the President, Edith Wilson all but acted as the President during her
husband’s time of illness (Passos 492). Believing that if Woodrow resigned, it would hurt not
only the country but her husband as well, Edith Wilson was forced to shoulder to burden of her
husband’s duties, bringing her much criticism (Passos 493). In order to effectively continue to
President’s duties, while maintaining his health, Edith consulted her husband’s doctors, who
advised her to bring as few problems as possible to her husband, so as not to burden him (Boller
226). This was easier said than done, as every issue brought to Mrs. Wilson’s attention was a
heavy problem which the American people expected their President to resolve (Passos 493).
Therefore, Edith attempted to solve as many problems as possible through the various political
Department heads and advisers of the President, weighing which matters were of the utmost
importance and must be brought to the President (Passos 492). In this manner, she essentially
acted as President, for issues which did not appear important enough to her to bring to her
husband were not brought to him. She also screened his calls, and made decisions concerning
who was allowed to see the President. In addition to these duties, Edith decoded messages from
House for the President, transformed the presidential suite into a small hospital, and prevented
the press from discovering too much about the President’s condition. Perhaps most importantly,
Edith was the main filter between the President and the Senate, and passed on his directions
concerning the Treaty of Versailles.
Amidst the trials and tribulations of maintaining order while her husband was will, Edith
Wilson was hit with harsh gossip by the public and the press (Passos 493). Rumors circulated
that the President had lost his mind, and that Edith was attempting to usurp her husband’s
authority (Passos 493). Edith stood strong through this criticism; in regard to her husband’s
illness, she said “he must never know how ill he was...I must carry on”, and that she did (Passos
492).
Edith Wilson was undoubtedly one of the nation’s most influential first ladies, showing
great strength in times of struggle and a fearless resolve to be involved in politics on behalf of
her husband and her country. Through her war efforts during World War I, her undeniable
political presence and status in both America and Europe, and her role as the de facto President
during her husband’s illness, Edith Wilson was the epitome of an American first lady. Although
she received criticism for her actions, she helped to carry the nation when her husband could not,
displaying love for both her nation and her spouse. In fact, her husband’s last word before death
was indeed “Edith” (Auchincloss 125).
Works Cited
Auchincloss, Louis. Woodrow Wilson. New York: Viking, 2000. 125.
Boller, Paul F.Jr. Presidential Wives / An Anecdotal History. New York: Oxford UP, 2005.
Clements, Kendrick. "American President: Edith Wilson." Miller Center of Public Affairs.
University of Virginia, 2011. Web. 20 Feb. 2011.
<http://millercenter.org/president/wilson/essays/firstlady>.
Dos, Passos John. Mr. Wilson's War. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1962.
Goldstein, Joshua S. "The Women of World War I." War and Gender. Cambridge University
Press, 2001. Web. 20 Feb. 2011. <http://www.warandgender.com/wgwomwwi.htm>.
Mayo, Edith. The Smithsonian Book of the First Ladies: Their Lives, Times, and Issues. New
York: H. Holt, 1996.
National First Ladies' Library. "Edith Wilson Biography :: National First Ladies' Library."
National First Ladies' Library. 2009. Web. 20 Feb. 2011.
<http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=29>.
Notable Names DataBase, Soylent Communications. "Edith Wilson." NNDB: Tracking the
Entire World. 2011. Web. 20 Feb. 2011.
<http://www.nndb.com/people/902/000128518/>.
First Lady Edith Wilson
Lauren Sheridan
Buffalo Gap High School, Grade 11
Mrs. Michael
Submitted: February 21, 2011
I am willing to present my paper.