The First Lady's Hidden-Hand: Mamie Eisenhower's Approach to 1950s Politics
Open Access
- Author:
- Basalik, Stefanie
- Graduate Program:
- American Studies
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- April 24, 2019
- Committee Members:
- Charles Kupfer, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor
Charles David Kupfer, Committee Chair/Co-Chair
John Rogers Haddad, Committee Member
Anne Ayer Verplanck, Committee Member
Carol Nechemias, Outside Member
Anne Ayer Verplanck, Program Head/Chair - Keywords:
- Mamie
Eisenhower
First Lady
Hidden-Hand
1950s
Politics
Fashion
Toile
White House
Housewife
Mamie Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower - Abstract:
- Mamie Doud Eisenhower was First Lady from 1953-1961. Like many first ladies, Mamie took her job as the nation’s hostess seriously. What sets her apart is her subtle use of political strategy as a way to support her husband. Mamie worked behind the scenes to create a comfortable home for Dwight Eisenhower from the beginning of their marriage in 1916 to his death in 1969. Fred I. Greenstein argues in The Hidden –Hand Presidency: Eisenhower as Leader that Dwight Eisenhower, as a military leader was decisive and purposely secretive. Eisenhower carried those same tactics into the White House. Mamie learned to be publically charismatic and invited select individuals and groups into her home as a way to inwardly advocate for Ike. Critics of Mamie Eisenhower accused her of being apolitical and spending too much time shopping and having parties. This dissertation proves Mamie’s shrewd political awareness through her devotion to her husband. Mamie Eisenhower believed serving the American people meant serving Ike. Through primary sources found at The Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas, and the Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Mamie’s marriage, her relationship with her grandchildren, her interactions with staff, and her influence on consumerism demonstrate her knack for the same hidden-hand approach to governing.