America's First Ladies Analysis

Caroli, Betty Boyd. First Ladies: From Martha Washington to Michelle Obama. Rev. and updated ed., New York, Oxford UP, 2010. This source is a detailed and revised biography on the lives, impact, and work of
America’s First Ladies. A portrait of each First Lady is given: how she defined what that role meant, how she changed this role for the future, and how she impacted American culture. This source draws on an extensive listing of primary and secondary resources, as well as a variety of commentators to the revised edition. Betty Boyd Caroli has impressive list of credentials including a PhD in American Civilization, a Fulbright scholarship, and multiple positions in a variety of Presidential Libraries. Caroli has also written extensively on the
Roosevelt women and recently published a book titled Lady Bird and Lyndon. Caroli's work will be critical to my research and presentation because it portrays the impact and change of the position of First Lady prior, during, and after the Gilded Age. This source also gives insight into the martial dynamics between the First Ladies and the Presidents and what role this played into the respective offices.
Hoogenboom, Olive. "Hayes, Lucy Ware Webb (28 Aug. 1831-25 June 1889)." American National Biography, by John A.
Garraty and Mark C. Carnes, vol. 10, New York, Oxford UP, 1999, pp. 395-97. 24 vols. This source is an exposition on the birth, education, and influence of Lucy Hayes, the wife of President Hayes. This work references President Hayes’ personal diary, and the correspondence between the President and First Lady Hayes. It is organized in order from her birth, education, marriage, and the active role that she played influencing her husband. The American National Biography, as stated before, was written to include more information on the role of women and ethnic minorities. The 24 volumes boast a large and well-qualified editorial board, as well as the support of American Council of Learned Societies. The author of this particular exposition is an editor and contributor for the American National Biography. The information on Lucy Hayes will be critical to my research because I will be able to portray the difference between First Lady Hayes and First Lady Garfield. I will also explore the differences in character, and the role this played in public reception of the two women.
Morgan, Barbara. "Garfield, Lucretia (1832-1918)." Women in World History:
A Biographical Encyclopedia, by Anne Commire and Deborah Klezmer, edited by Morgan, vol. 6, Waterford, Yorkin Publications, ©1999-©2002., pp. 73-75. 16 vols. This source is vol. 6 out of 16 biographical encyclopedic volumes on the role and importance of women in world history. The entire volume boasts an extensive list of editors and genealogists. This source uses primary resources, and other secondary resources, including others that I have previously cited. This source focuses on women throughout world history, which could lend it to downplay the work of other significant men throughout history – however with the lack of emphasis on females in the annals of history, I personally think it will not be a huge problem. The specific author, Barbara Morgan, is a former NASA astronaut and scientist. She emphasizes the intelligence of Lucretia Garfield, as well as her drive and ambition to restore the white house. This information will be critical in painting an accurate picture of the successes of Garfield, even in her short span as First Lady.
Peskin, Allan. "GARFIELD, Lucretia Rudolph." American National Biography, by John A. Garraty and Mark C. Carnes, vol. 8, New York, Oxford UP, 1999, pp. 720-22. 24 vols. This source contains a section on Lucretia Garfield titled, “GARFIELD, Lucretia Rudolph”. This summary of First Lady Garfield draws on various primary and secondary resources. The reference encapsulates her life from birth until her death. Preceding the section on First Lady Garfield is an exposition on her husband, President James A. Garfield. Following is a list of other references that concerns First Lady Garfield. The American National Biography was written as a replacement to the Dictionary of American Biography in order to include more woman and ethnic minorities. Along with an extensive editorial board, the American National Biography was published with the backing of the American Council of Learned Societies. This source will be helpful in constructing an accurate timeline of First Lady Garfield’s life and accomplishments. Finally, this source is also useful as it refers me to other credible research sources.
Watson, Robert P. The Presidents' Wives: The Office of the First Lady in US Politics. 2nd ed., Boulder, Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2014. This source is solely dedicated to the office and position of the First Lady, specifically her involvement in U.S. Politics. The author, Robert P. Watson is devoted to filling the gap of knowledge and research on these influential women. This book lays out the struggles, triumphs, behind the scenes wisdom, and rankings of America’s oft ignored leaders, the First Ladies. Dr. Robert P. Watson is a professor, author, and active democratic political activist. He has published numerous other books, articles, and routinely serves as a commentator. His background as a strong democratic supporter could hold sway in his writings. This source will be useful for my research because it will provide an in depth discussion of the office of First Lady, especially the large, but often overlooked role they play in each presidency. I will use this source to explore the role and trials that the office of First Lady presents.