George Washington Influence On Martha

After George Washington accepts the position of Commander in Chief to the Continental Army, “Martha was forced to assume a public role as a symbol of the patriotic cause… [and was put in danger now as] a potential target for British assault.” As British intelligence learned of the new rebel leaders, their families were put at risk for potential kidnapping to be used as hostages. While no attempt is known of an attack on Martha, the fear alone can represents the turmoil women were put through by their husbands’ actions in the war. Additionally, as men across the country left their homes to fight, many women felt unsafe at home causing copious females to flee to the protection of Washington’s army in hopes of “seeking safety, shelter, food, and work.” …show more content…
This resulted in Martha and Abigail’s influence to continue over their husbands, but for Martha’s influence over Abigail to begin, as Abigail would later follow in Martha’s footsteps as First Lady. Abigail was noted that Martha’s behavior as the First Lady “made her ‘the object of veneration and respect.’” Martha would come to set the stage for all First Ladies to the country, making it a position of poise, gentility and respect. In a letter between Abigail and Martha, Martha expresses her fondness of Abigail and shows their sense of comradery. The two women, especially during the first Presidency were often together, dining and socializing causing Martha Washington and Abigail Adams to develop a strong friendship over the eight years Washington was in office. Abigail saw both George and Martha Washington as an inspiration and a model to base her husband’s presidency off of. However, when John Adams was elected the second President of the United States, Abigail was not as committed as Martha Washington was to the