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When George Washington became America's first president, his wife Martha took on an important new role. The term "first lady" was not in common use yet, but people did call her "Lady Washington" as if she were royalty, because she was such a popular figure in the newly created United States. As the wife of the first US president, her duties were not really defined yet. But Martha's most important duty was to be the official hostess for visiting diplomats and leaders from other countries (there was no White House yet, so she entertained in their Virginia home, Mount Vernon).

She also planned the official entertainment whenever important politicians came to town-- she hosted parties and dinners for them. During the Revolutionary War, Martha had been a role model for service, encouraging women to sew for the army, and to sacrifice food and comfort to help provide money for the troops. After the war, she continued to be a model of good manners, piety, and compassion. (It should be noted that the Washingtons did have slaves, which to a modern person seems inexcusable. But for her time, Martha was regarded as generally humane and courteous, although unable to fully understand that her slaves really just wanted their freedom, no matter how well she may have treated them.)

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Q: Martha Washington's duties
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What were Martha Washingtons duties as first lady?

Entertained guests and attended social events with his husbend george washington.


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