By Sean Skoog, Summer 2023 Power in Place Collaborator
Image from: Arnold Genthe / Wikipedia
Although there have been many influential First Ladies who have left their mark on the nation, few have had an impact as profound and perhaps controversial as Edith Wilson. While officially known as the second wife of the 28th President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, Edith's role in the White House extended far beyond that of a typical First Lady, particularly during the last two years of her husband's second term In fact, some historians have referred to her as the "First Female President."
Edith Bolling Galt was born on October 15, 1872, in Wytheville, Virginia, and raised in a family that valued education and public service. Edith's sharp intellect and strong personality set her apart from her peers from a young age. After the death of her first husband, Norman Galt, in 1908, Edith's path took an unexpected turn when she met Woodrow Wilson, then President of Princeton University, in 1915. Their connection was immediate, and they were married on December 18 that same year.
Edith's transformation from a private citizen to an influential political figure began during her husband's presidency. As World War I raged across Europe, President Wilson faced immense pressure to lead the United States through tumultuous times. Edith became an essential confidante to the President, offering advice and insight into complex matters of statecraft.
However, it was in the last years of Woodrow Wilson's second term that Edith's role would become even more significant. In 1919, President Wilson suffered a severe stroke that left him incapacitated. The nation, unaware of the severity of his condition, believed he would soon recover. Behind closed doors, Edith grappled with a difficult decision – she could either reveal the truth about the President's condition, potentially causing chaos, or assume a more active role in governing to preserve stability.
With patriotism and a sense of duty to the nation, Edith chose the latter. She took on the responsibility of acting as a "steward" for her husband, controlling the information that reached him and making critical decisions on his behalf. For nearly a year, Edith became the de facto President of the United States, though she exercised her authority behind the scenes to maintain the illusion of President Wilson's leadership.
During this extraordinary period, Edith effectively ran the White House, conducting meetings with Cabinet members and managing the affairs of the country. She proved herself to be a competent and skilled leader, handling domestic and international issues with remarkable acumen. Edith's influence over the President's decisions was profound, leading many to speculate that she was, in essence, the nation's first female President.
Edith's tenure as the "First Female President" was not without controversy. Some critics argued that her actions were unconstitutional and that a woman should not wield such power. However, many others praised her for her strength, intelligence, and devotion to the country during a time of crisis.
As President Wilson's second term came to an end, Edith reluctantly relinquished her unofficial duties, stepping back from the spotlight. Despite the passage of time, the debate surrounding her role in the White House continues to captivate historians and political scholars.
Beyond her time as an unofficial leader, Edith Wilson remained active in public life, advocating for women's rights and various social causes. Her legacy serves as an enduring reminder of the potential for women to hold positions of power and influence in American politics.
In the end, Edith Wilson's story challenges traditional notions of the First Lady's role, and whether one considers her the "First Female President" or simply an extraordinary woman who rose to the occasion in a time of crisis, her impact on American history is undeniable. Edith's strength, resilience, and love for her country left an indelible mark, shaping the course of the nation and inspiring generations of women to pursue their dreams and ambitions in the realm of politics and leadership.
References
[1] Black, Allida. “Edith Bolling Galt Wilson.” The White House. January 15, 2021. https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/first-families/edith-bolling-galt-wilson/
Sean Skoog is a rising junior at the University of Michigan majoring in Political Science. In his free time, he enjoys discussing and analyzing politics, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. One day, he hopes to be a campaign strategist for a high profile campaign.