Abigail Adams Remember The Ladies Essay

Casey Harris

Mr. Easley

ENG 251-01

21 November 2016

Remember the Ladies

Born into a well-known family in Weymouth, Massachusetts on November 11, 1744, Abigail Adams quickly started showing early signs of feminism (Michals). Like other women during this time, Adams did not have a formal education, but rather taught herself (Michals). Adams was unusually well educated and followed in her mother’s footsteps by tending to others. During this time, Adams began to develop independence, not just for herself, but for women in general. She had “no intention of ‘performing under the wing’ of any man who lacked respect for her individuality” (Osborne 23). She married John Adams who later became the second president of the United States. She often

She often used her role as the first lady to support her outlook for equal rights for women. As Adams believed that women had the same role as men in society she goes on to prove this in her own house. Abigail Adams was not just the first lady to John Adams but rather his “confidante, his editor, trusted advisor and intellectual equal” (“Dear John”). Abigail often showed that she, as a woman, can do just as much as a man. Though Adams was a first lady she had no intention of letting politics slow her down. Adams was constantly involved in her husband’s political decisions even when women were not supposed to express their opinions during this time (Osborne 97). She urged her husband to “not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands” because she believed that it was not just men who had authority (as qtd in Akers 43). Abigail did not just speak words, but she spoke through actions by showing others that even when her husband was away she could keep everything in control. When John Adams was away from his home tending to meetings he often sought her advice and wrote to her, “I never wanted your Advice and assistance more in my life…” (Michals). This shows how valuable Abigail, as a woman, was to her husband. Abigail also kept the farm peaceful and even sold the property successfully when they moved (Akers 149). When the Adamses wrote to each other, John did not just

Despite the negativity from the colonial period, Abigail Adams found hope and perseverance in expressing equal rights for women. She turned her words into action and never allowed her words to die. She was an eloquent writer and was very adept at conveying her thoughts and opinions, as well as using her words to influence others. Later, after Abigail Adams passed away, Abigail’s daughter in-law said, “It has always been to me a source of wonder how you write to so many in one family, and yet never appear at a loss for a subject” (as qtd in Osborne 103). Mrs. Adams was always politically involved and fighting for equal rights for slaves and women. What is very striking about how she went about trying to cause social change is the indirect way she did it. By today’s standards, she was very passive, but this may have been the most effective way for her era. As her husband’s political position rose, her influence did as well, and she used her relationship to ensure her persistent and persuasive writing, communication, and voice gained as much traction as possible. Abigail Adams steadfastly retained her beliefs about individuals, politics, and women’s rights for the rest of her life. Though Adams may have not seen a drastic change in her lifetime, she influenced