First Ladies of the RepublicHow the three inaugural First Ladies defined the role for future generations, and carved a space for women in America Americas first First LadiesMartha Washington, Abigail Adams, and Dolley Madisonhad the challenging task of playing a pivotal role in defining the nature of the American presidency to a fledgling nation and to the world. In First Ladies of the Republic, Jeanne Abrams breaks new ground by examining their lives as a group. From their