Political Influence

Politics

Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, better known as Madame de Pompadour, was not just the official mistress of King Louis XV. Her position was highly political, and she played a significant role in the events of Enlightenment France.

During a time of political tension leading up to the French Revolution, Pompadour became a target for criticism. She was blamed for France’s failures in the Seven Years’ War and for the rising court debts. However, historians now recognize that she also acted as a de facto prime minister, controlling access to the king and making public statements on his behalf.

Despite her flaws, Pompadour’s political influence was not solely due to her relationship with the king. In the competitive court at Versailles, everyone sought power and influence, and Pompadour was no exception.

Art

Beyond her political role, Pompadour was a renowned patron and creator of art. She commissioned and curated works from renowned artists, displaying them in her private collection and at the court.

Pompadour’s artistic interests extended to production. She supported the royal porcelain factory at Sèvres, which produced exquisite dishes and other objects. She also played a key role in the tapestry industry.

Knowledge

During the French Enlightenment, women who could interpret and support artistic and scientific innovation played a vital role. Pompadour was one such woman. She knew and patronized Enlightenment figures like Voltaire.

As a protector of the authors and editor of the Encyclopédie, Pompadour played a key role in the dissemination of progressive thought. The Encyclopédie, the first French encyclopedia, challenged traditional beliefs and institutions, becoming an intellectual catalyst for the French Revolution.

Pompadour’s Legacy

Madame de Pompadour’s legacy has been shaped by the historical tendency to overlook women’s contributions. However, recent scholarship has begun to recognize the full extent of her influence in politics, art, and knowledge.

Pompadour was a complex and multifaceted figure. She was not simply a mistress but a skilled politician, a passionate patron of the arts, and a supporter of the Enlightenment. Her contributions to French history deserve to be remembered and celebrated.

Lady Bird Johnson: A Powerful First Lady in the Shadows

Early Life and Influence on LBJ

Claudia Alta Taylor, known as Lady Bird Johnson, was a trailblazing First Lady who wielded significant influence on her husband, President Lyndon B. Johnson. Her nickname, “Lady Bird,” originated from her toddlerhood beauty. Lady Bird’s political acumen was recognized by LBJ, who famously said, “I’ll take Bird over Madison Avenue.”

As a political adviser, moral compass, and therapist, Lady Bird played a crucial role in LBJ’s presidency. She provided emotional support, leveled out his mood swings, and offered invaluable counsel. LBJ relied heavily on her advice, seeking her perspective on both personal and political matters.

Environmental Activism and the Highway Beautification Act

One of Lady Bird’s signature achievements was the Highway Beautification Act of 1965. This legislation aimed to clean up the nation’s highways and limit billboards. Lady Bird’s passion for the environment extended beyond this act; she also founded the National Wildflower Research Center in Texas.

Role in the Civil Rights Movement

Lady Bird’s influence extended to the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. Her firsthand experience of racial discrimination during a road trip with her family motivated her to push her husband to support the legislation. She knew that action needed to be taken to overturn the Jim Crow segregation laws.

Campaigning in the South

During the presidential election campaign, Lady Bird played a pivotal role in her husband’s victory. She embarked on a “Lady Bird Special” train tour across eight southern states, rallying support and facing hecklers who resented the civil rights legislation. Her speeches and bravery helped to sway voters.

Influence in the White House

Despite being the first First Lady to have her own press secretary and the first to campaign without her husband, Lady Bird chose to wield her power quietly. Her influence was less visible than that of other First Ladies due to the prevailing gender roles of the time. This allowed her to avoid much of the criticism faced by her successors.

Contrast with Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton

Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton, both former First Ladies, faced intense scrutiny for their overt power. Reagan was dubbed “Evita” and “The Missus” for her behind-the-scenes influence, while Clinton’s role in her husband’s healthcare reform plan and her office in the West Wing drew criticism.

Lady Bird’s Surreptitious Influence

In contrast, Lady Bird’s influence was more subtle. She worked from a small sitting room in the White House, using her role as a trusted adviser to inform LBJ’s decisions. Her ability to tell him what he needed to hear, even when it was difficult, earned her respect and unwavering trust.

Support for Walter Jenkins

Lady Bird’s loyalty extended to her close friend and top political adviser, Walter Jenkins. When Jenkins was arrested on a “homosexual morals” charge, Lyndon Johnson hesitated to offer support. However, Lady Bird insisted on publicly expressing their support, demonstrating her commitment to those around her.

Later Life and Legacy

After the Johnsons retired to their Texas ranch, Lady Bird continued to pursue her environmental causes. She planned her husband’s library and became the grande dame of former First Ladies, offering support to her successors. Lady Bird’s example showcased the complex and often thankless role of First Lady, where influence can be wielded both visibly and subtly. Her legacy as a powerful and effective First Lady continues to inspire women in politics today.

Madame de Pompadour: Beyond the Mistress, a Woman of Influence in Enlightenment France

Madame de Pompadour: More Than Just a Mistress