Which first lady banned dancing and card-playing in the White House?

It was the wife of the 11th President of the United States, James Polk, named Sarah Childress-Polk. Although she did not recognize it in life, most historians believe that the ban on slutty lifestyles, card games, and dancing at balls is directly related to the religiousness of women.

Explanation:

The ban on dancing and card games in the White House building is traditionally associated with the name of the wife of the 11th President of the United States, James Polk, First Lady Sarah Childress-Polk. As an extremely ambitious wife, Sarah regularly monitored her husband’s political activities until she became President. Thus, having reached the White House, the First Lady could not miss the control over the details of the political life of the institution.

In religion, the First Lady was an absolute Presbyterian and often reflected her faith in the political arena of the White House. Some of her innovations, which were in effect on the territory of the official residence of the President of the United States, include permission to work on a Sunday afternoon off. Sarah Childress-Polk did not limit her power to all kinds of prohibitions inside the house. She altogether forbade playing any card game, drinking spirits, and dancing. During the inaugural ball in honor of becoming the 11th president of the United States, the First Lady refused to dance, but with all due respect met her husband.

For her time, such actions seemed strange. Instead of (as most women did) investing in luxurious life and enjoying first lady of USA status whenever she needed, Sarah behaved quite normally. The woman invested in repairing the White House, ensuring its welfare and cleanliness.

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Academic.Tips. 2022. "Which first lady banned dancing and card-playing in the White House?" May 13, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/which-first-lady-banned-dancing-and-card-playing-in-the-white-house/.

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