The Correspondence Of Abigail Adams On Women's Rights

The American Revolution was a political revolution that separated England’s North American colonies from Great Britain, leading to the formation of the United States of America. Achieved in large part by the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), which was fought between England against America and its allies, it embodied ideals of the Enlightenment, emphasizing personal liberty and freedom from tyranny among other ideals. Thus, it is important to note the significance to the Revolution and understand that, despite common debate among historians, it was truly revolutionary. The evidence of this can be gathered from primary sources of history that deliver perspective from various social groups, such as Abagail Adams’ correspondence on women’s

Written in 1776 directly before independence, this series of correspondences was written by Abigail Adams to communicate grievances held by women, depicting issues within treatment of women in the 1770’s in the colonies. It is also possible to see another shift in a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine called “Common Sense” (1776) before the battles of Lexington and Concord writing, which would ultimately sway the popular opinion in the colonies towards independence. Another source comes from the New York Independent Journal’s “Liberating Indentured Servants” written in 1784 which details indentured servitude as against the values of liberty post-revolution. Another source from around the revolution that contains useful information is the “Petition of Slaves to the Massachusetts Legislature”, written in 1777, serving as proof the ideals of the Enlightenment created dialogue regarding social equality among slaves around this time, noting their mistreatment at the hands of their masters and desire of change in treatment. Finally, another source is Benjamin Rush’s “Thoughts Upon Female Education”, written in 1787, well after the revolution had taken place. Rush was a strong proponent

In this series of letters to her husband, Abigail Adams makes a list of grievances clear to John Adams, encouraging him to “Remember the Ladies” especially when preparing new laws for America. The letters sent by Abigail reflect the ideals of the Enlightenment among women, effectively describing the revolution taking place not only on the front lines, but at home in the minds of women. Also, effects of the revolution are seen within Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” written in 1776 before independence would be declared. Paine states beliefs that America’s independence from England is positive, stating "… hither they have fled, not from the tender embraces of the mother, but from the cruelty of the monster; and it is so far true of England, that the same tyranny which drove the first emigrants from home, pursues their descendants still.” This revolutionary rhetoric is what swayed popular opinion to revolution, making colonists understand independence is necessary. The revolutionary aspect of the war is also observed through use of the “Petition of Slaves to the Massachusetts Legislature”, written in 1777. This petition shows the questions raised by the revolutionary generation regarding liberty, especially in the minds of slaves, which would cause some to begin writing “freedom petitions” using language similar to that