Married to the second president of the United States of America, John Adams, Abigail Adams served as the first lady from 1797 to 1801 (First Ladies). Unafraid, Abigail openly spoke her mind question many beliefs of her husband. On March 31, 1776, Abigail privately wrote to her husband. A letter that was far more than the average update. At the time John Adams was away at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia while Abigail remained at their home in Braintree, Massachusetts (History.com Staff). However, even though she was away, Abigail still managed to get her opinion out there. Knowing John was writing his essay, Thoughts on Government, Abigail writes reminding John of many ignored issues– slavery and women 's rights.
In the beginning of …show more content…
Abigail being a self-educated woman, it is no surprise that she would speak openly about political matters (First Ladies). During the 1770s for a woman to speak of politics, it was almost unheard of. This, however, is not the most shocking part. Abigail then says, “I have sometimes been ready to think that the passion for Liberty cannot be Eaquelly Strong in the Breasts of those who have been accustomed to deprive their fellow Creatures of theirs.” Here Abigail criticizes the actions of the Thirteen American Colonies. At the time the Thirteen Colonies were fighting against Britain for their independence. At first glance one may not see it, but, Abigail is comparing the actions of refusing rights to a slave, to the refusal of independence from Britain. By calling their actions hypocritical Abigail hoped that her influence persuaded abolishment of slavery. Addressing slavery also brings a new view of her comment about Washington mentioned previously. When commenting on the greatness of Washington she mentions how Dunmore has double-crossed the colonies. Dunmore, the British Royal Governor of Virginia developed a proclamation which provided any slave who revolted against their owners –the Americans– freedom in Britain …show more content…
During the late 1700s, women 's roles in society were very limited. (TALK ABOUT WOMEN 'S RIGHTS DURING THIS TIME). Abigail writes, “In the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors.” By doing so, Abigail is referring the limitations and specific gender roles placed on women in the previous years. Abigail, being a woman, does so in hopes of sparking a new view on women. Throughout the letter, Abigail has shown her participation in politics along with the ability to keep to the house. Abigail also states, “Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could.” The use of the word “tyrants” is incredibly strong in this context. Referring back to a main cause of the American Revolution, "No Taxation Without Representation!" when the Americans believed the British were abusing their power. By calling men “tyrants” Abigail shows that in the same reason the American 's felt oppressed the women feel the same towards men. Abigail then writes, “If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.” This touches back to the reasoning for the American Revolution and Britain 's refusal to allow
In the beginning of …show more content…
Abigail being a self-educated woman, it is no surprise that she would speak openly about political matters (First Ladies). During the 1770s for a woman to speak of politics, it was almost unheard of. This, however, is not the most shocking part. Abigail then says, “I have sometimes been ready to think that the passion for Liberty cannot be Eaquelly Strong in the Breasts of those who have been accustomed to deprive their fellow Creatures of theirs.” Here Abigail criticizes the actions of the Thirteen American Colonies. At the time the Thirteen Colonies were fighting against Britain for their independence. At first glance one may not see it, but, Abigail is comparing the actions of refusing rights to a slave, to the refusal of independence from Britain. By calling their actions hypocritical Abigail hoped that her influence persuaded abolishment of slavery. Addressing slavery also brings a new view of her comment about Washington mentioned previously. When commenting on the greatness of Washington she mentions how Dunmore has double-crossed the colonies. Dunmore, the British Royal Governor of Virginia developed a proclamation which provided any slave who revolted against their owners –the Americans– freedom in Britain …show more content…
During the late 1700s, women 's roles in society were very limited. (TALK ABOUT WOMEN 'S RIGHTS DURING THIS TIME). Abigail writes, “In the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors.” By doing so, Abigail is referring the limitations and specific gender roles placed on women in the previous years. Abigail, being a woman, does so in hopes of sparking a new view on women. Throughout the letter, Abigail has shown her participation in politics along with the ability to keep to the house. Abigail also states, “Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could.” The use of the word “tyrants” is incredibly strong in this context. Referring back to a main cause of the American Revolution, "No Taxation Without Representation!" when the Americans believed the British were abusing their power. By calling men “tyrants” Abigail shows that in the same reason the American 's felt oppressed the women feel the same towards men. Abigail then writes, “If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.” This touches back to the reasoning for the American Revolution and Britain 's refusal to allow