Question

Consider all that we learned and discussed today about John and Abigail Adams - who they were, what they accomplished, their marriage, their letters, and the importance of their letters as primary source documents of the American Revolution. In the box below, share one question you have about what you learned today or share one thing you found interesting from our reading of 'Letter to John Adams.'

Answer 1

Abigail Adams is remembered for her advocacy of women's rights in letters to her husband, John Adams. John Adams, despite valuing Abigail's role and advice, was initially dismissive of her calls for equality. The historical context shows limited women's rights, but New Jersey's decision to allow some women to vote marked a pivotal moment in the progression of women's roles.

Step-by-step explanation:

John and Abigail Adams are well-known figures in American history for their roles during the American Revolution and for their prolific exchange of letters. Abigail Adams, as seen in her correspondence, was a staunch advocate for women's rights and urged her husband John Adams to "Remember the Ladies" when drafting new laws for the independent United States.

John Adams, who later became the second President of the United States, relied heavily on Abigail's management of the family homestead and valued her advice on political matters. Nevertheless, despite the mutual respect and dependency in their marriage, John took Abigail's request for gender equality lightly.

This dismissive attitude reflects the prevailing views of the time, which greatly limited women's rights and relegated them to domestic roles. Nonetheless, the state of New Jersey made a significant move by granting voting rights to some women later in 1776, signaling the beginning of a slow change in women's public roles in American society.