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Abstract

Dolley Madison helped create the modern idea of a First Lady taking political action and stances through her work to reelect her husband James, build a thriving city and capital for the nation to enjoy, and unite the new republic, further solidifying its place in history for decades. Dolley’s theory of the First Lady made her responsible for organizing, launching, and legitimizing James’ administration and the new capital while growing a sense of Americanness. She believed it was part of her public duty to encourage republicanism and work towards social solutions to make a cohesive government without threatening the current idea of republicanism. A sizeable part of Dolley’s time was spent working to establish, then reestablish, the capital, through her friendliness and fortitude. Her work to create a functioning city and then rebuild it made her a symbol of republicanism and loyalty across the country. It was Dolley who would praise war heroes, talk to the troops, and christen ships. Part of the reason Dolley was so beloved was because her solutions to political problems were social solutions. In every situation, Mrs. Madison played on the humane side of society. She believed that curating shared spaces for the elite and common could solve problems. She played the role that culture had dictated, but she exercised it to its full potential. She had formed political opinions that she would not back down from voicing, even when criticized for her “excessive” influence over her husband. Dolley’s time in the White House marked the beginning of American citizens identifying the White House as their house. Mrs. Madison was able to convince the American public that Washington was a capital to call their own, while reelecting her husband and uniting the young country in the process

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