HISTORY This Week - Episode: Barbie for President! Release Date: July 28, 2025
Introduction: Barbie Enters the Political Arena
In this captivating episode, HISTORY This Week explores the surprising emergence of Barbie as a presidential candidate in 1992, delving into the cultural and historical significance of dolls in shaping societal norms and politics.
Sally Helm introduces the episode with a dramatic recount of Barbie's candidacy:
“A candidate who drives a sports car and lives in a cool pink house. That candidate is Barbie, or as the toy company Mattel calls her, President Barbie.”
[02:31]
This unconventional entry sparks a broader discussion on the role of dolls as influential public figures.
Historical Rivalry: German vs. French Dollmakers
The narrative begins with the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, setting the stage for a fierce competition between German and French doll manufacturers striving for dominance in the international market.
Florence Theriault, doll expert, provides historical context:
“Germany and France were constantly in conflict with each other.”
[05:23]
This rivalry extended beyond military tensions, infiltrating the cultural and commercial aspects of doll production.
The Jumeau Legacy: Innovation and Tradition
Pierre Jumeau, a pivotal figure in French doll-making since 1841, symbolizes the blend of tradition and innovation. His porcelain poupees, elegant dolls adorned with lace bonnets, initially relied on German-made lifelike heads.
“Pierre was this very serious Frenchman... The faces come from Germany, the doll making capital of Europe.”
[07:07]
Florence Theriault: “He didn't ever like to take a wild gamble... and that was the way they did business.”
[07:58]
Upon Pierre's retirement in 1878, his son Emile Jumeau revolutionizes the company by introducing the Bebe doll, shifting focus from sophisticated adult figures to child-like companions.
“Emile thinks the new thing is babies... He calls it the Bebe doll or the baby doll.”
[08:49]
This strategic pivot aligns with societal changes recognizing childhood as a distinct and valued phase of life.
The Rise of Bebe Dolls: A Cultural Milestone
Under Emile's dynamic leadership, the Bebe doll becomes a monumental success, not only in France but internationally.
“Kids all over France are opening up boxes to find the Bebe.”
[09:36]
Florence Theriault emphasizes the Bebe's impact:
“You're presented with a doll who was a companion... someone that might be your age.”
[09:36]
The Bebe doll's popularity endures for about 15 years, marking a golden age in doll history before German manufacturers regain market dominance with more affordable alternatives.
Rose O'Neill and the Kewpie Revolution
Transitioning to the early 20th century, the episode spotlights Rose O'Neill, the creative force behind the Kewpie dolls.
Pat Waller, author of Rose of Washington Square, narrates Rose's journey from a talented illustrator to a prominent doll creator and suffrage advocate:
“She started to copy figures from her father's mini books... By the time she's 19, it is clear that Rose has real artistic talent.”
[16:29]
The Kewpie dolls, characterized by their chubby babies and mischievous grins, became cultural icons, symbolizing innocence and benevolence. Rose ingeniously leveraged her creations to support the women's suffrage movement, integrating Kewpies into pro-suffrage campaigns.
“Kewpies were licensed to appear on virtually anything... they help combat the stereotype that suffragettes were humorless and cantankerous.”
[23:23]
This intersection of commerce and activism highlights the profound influence dolls can exert beyond mere playthings.
Mattel's Vision: Ruth and Elliot Handler
The episode then shifts focus to Ruth and Elliot Handler, the entrepreneurial duo behind Mattel, who envisioned creating a groundbreaking doll that would resonate with modern girls.
Robin Gerber, author of Barbie and the Story of the World's Most Famous Doll, sheds light on Ruth's relentless ambition:
“She was very, very focused. She wanted to be the biggest toy company in the world.”
[26:07]
Ruth's innovative approach, combining Elliot's creative designs with her business acumen, set the foundation for Mattel's future successes.
The Birth of Barbie: Challenges and Triumphs
Ruth Handler's inspiration for Barbie stems from observing her daughter Barbara's dissatisfaction with traditional baby dolls. Discontent with their limitations, Ruth envisioned a doll that embodied a fashionable and aspirational young woman.
“She thought, what if Mattel could invent a grown-up doll with a sweet, fun-loving persona?”
[28:04]
Despite initial skepticism and rejection from her design team, Ruth persisted, leading to the creation of Barbie. The introduction faced setbacks, including a failed initial toy show debut and criticism over Barbie's mature appearance.
“The big buyer from Sears walked out without placing an order.”
[34:02]
However, strategic television advertising transformed Barbie's fortunes, positioning her as a role model and igniting widespread popularity.
“By the end of that year, they'd sold 300,000 dolls.”
[35:40]
The subsequent lawsuit from the Lilli doll creators underscored Barbie's significant market impact, solidifying her place in cultural history.
Conclusion: Dolls as Reflections of Society
Barbie for President! masterfully intertwines the evolution of dolls with broader societal changes, illustrating how these seemingly simple toys mirror and influence cultural values, gender roles, and even political movements.
Florence Theriault encapsulates the essence of doll history:
“You don't own that doll. It's a piece of history... it tells us about who we were, what we were.”
[13:31]
The episode underscores that dolls like Barbie are not just playthings but powerful symbols shaping and reflecting the world we inhabit.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Sally Helm: “A candidate who drives a sports car and lives in a cool pink house. That candidate is Barbie...”
[02:31] -
Florence Theriault: “Germany and France were constantly in conflict with each other.”
[05:23] -
Pat Waller: “She kept bringing it up. She kept getting swatted down.”
[29:40] -
Robin Gerber: “Their whole emphasis was how many ways and how much of the child's imagination will this choice stimulate.”
[36:17]
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to our guests:
- Florence Theriault, Doll Expert and Founder of Theriault's Antique Auction Firm
- Pat Waller, Author of Rose of Washington Square, A Novel of Rose O'Neill, Creator of the Kewpie Doll
- Robin Gerber, Author of Barbie and the Story of the World's Most Famous Doll
Production Team:
- Produced by Corinne Wallace
- Sound Design by Dan Rosado
- Story Edited by Jim O'Grady
- Fact-Checked by Katherine Newhon
- Senior Professional Producer: Ben Dickstein
- Additional Production by Julia Press, Chloe Weiner, and Sally Helm
- Associate Producers: Hazel May and Jonah Buchanan
- Supervising Producer: McKamey Lynn
- Executive Producer: Jesse Katz
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