America's First Woman President

Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the United States. Before he became president, he married Edith Bolling. Was she the right choice for a future president?

He guided our nation through World War I. After the war, he wanted to form the League of Nations.

Congress was against it, so he embarked on a train trip through the country, giving speeches in favor of this new idea.

His doctors did not want him to take on the strenuous journey and commitment, as his health was failing. In Kansas, he had a paralyzing stroke. Everyone in his entourage headed back to Washington, D.C.

Edith Wilson took charge. Without her permission, no one could see the president. The vice president, his son-in-law, every secretary, and even Congressmen. There could be no exceptions.

The legislation that could enter his room was decided by Edith. If she approved, the president's palsied hand signed the papers.

His private secretary only entered when sent for. The important information or questions were given to Mrs. Wilson, and she determined when and if they were given to the president. 

Edith decided that while her husband was breathing, he would remain the president in thought and deed.

In 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment was signed. Edith Wilson, however, served as the president's secretary, the acting secretary of state, and the acting president of the United States by this time.

  Source of information from Shocking Secrets of American History by Bill Coate