Before Viewing American Presidents on C-SPAN
Discuss the following with students:
Traditionally, what are the roles and duties of women, especially married
women in our society? How have these roles changed over time? What are
the roles and responsibilities of the first lady, the spouse of the president? Point out to students that the office of president of the United States encompasses both the ceremonial duties of a head of state and the official duties of the chief executive. How might both of the president’s "jobs" impact the role of the first lady?
Are the first lady’s responsibilities written down? What is the
source of these duties? How has the first lady’s role changed over time?
What is the current first lady known for? Have students share information
they know about other first ladies. What are some ways a first lady
may influence the president? What kind of influence can first ladies have
in their own rights?
Have students review the roles of a first lady, and create a list of
personal attributes that a successful first lady would have.
Define and discuss the importance of these (suggested as particularly
noteworthy in Dolley Madison) and other attributes:
- Hospitable
- Gracious
- Conciliatory
While Viewing American Presidents on C-SPAN
Part I
Directions: Explain how the following circumstances contributed to Dolley
Madison’s success as a first lady according to information presented by
Ms. Shulman.
a. President Thomas Jefferson
was a widower.
b. President Thomas Jefferson was eager to establish a republican society.
c. Washington, D.C. was a small, undeveloped city without an established society.
Part II
Directions: Ms. Shulman states that Dolley Madison’s reputation rests on three of her achievements. Describe her achievements by identifying the old standard of behavior or norm, and the way in which her actions set a new standard.
a. Decorating the White House
| Old standard: | New standard: |
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b. Courage during the War of 1812
| Old standard: | New standard: |
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c. Role as Hostess
| Old standard: | New standard: |
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Part III
Directions: Identify the sources of the following quotes.
Explain the context of the quote and what it indicates about Dolley
Madison’s achievements as a first lady.
a. "The profusion of my table so repugnant to foreign customs arises from the happy circumstances of abundance and prosperity in our country."
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b. "Those who aspire to distinguished gallantry do not appear in boots."
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c. "I am not the least alarmed [at the British army’s approach
on Washington, DC during the War of 1812.]"
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After Viewing American Presidents on C-SPAN
As a class, discuss the following questions:
What sources does Ms. Shulman use to support her arguments?
Which sources are from Dolley Madison’s "public life"? Which are from her
"private life"? What did Ms. Shulman mean when she said that Dolley Madison had created a "third world" beyond her public and private life? What was the significance of this third world?
How did Dolley Madison challenge conventional behaviors? Why?
Do you believe that her behavior was remarkable? In what way?
In what ways did her personality contribute to her success as a first lady?
In what ways did the time and place she lived in contribute to her success?
Write a short essay in which you take and defend a position on the
following statement:
Dolley Madison’s success as a first lady paralleled the success of the new republic.
Provide evidence to support your statement from resources including
the C-SPAN program and the American Presidents
web site.
