Abigail Adams: a Revolutionary American Woman Essay Example

a spouse and family but also gained more autonomy for herself and other women in the colonies. With her husband engrossed in politics, Abigail spent much of her marriage tending to their children alone with help from relatives and servants. Nevertheless, it was during this period that Abigail commenced composing copious amounts of correspondence.

Abigail communicated with her family and friends, but her letters to John were particularly significant. She expressed her feelings about family and colonial affairs in those letters, providing him with encouragement that helped him during times of political turmoil. When Abigail was pregnant for the second time and John was away, she turned to reading for comfort. She read two volumes of Sermons to Young Women and became very attached to them.

Abigail appreciated that the author of the volume works, Fordyce, acknowledged the disparities between genders. He believed that women were designed by God to assist and rely on men for security and assistance. Fordyce's words inspired Abigail in her roles as a wife and mother, and she encouraged other women to do the same. In addition, Fordyce believed that a refined young woman should ambitiously employ her intellect.

Despite the female mind being historically perceived as less vigorous than the male mind, it was still crucial for women to cultivate their intellectual accomplishments. Abigail came to understand that these perceptions shaped how society viewed women. As her children matured and she became more involved in her husband's affairs, John valued her intellectual abilities and engaged in open political discussions with her within their home. As a result, Abigail was able to shape her husband and son's political views.

Despite understanding the division between

genders, Abigail openly discussed political matters with her loved ones. Her husband's involvement in politics introduced her to the hostility towards Britain, which she vocalized to him and affirmed her nationality as an American. While relocating frequently with her family, she emphasized the significance of education to her offspring. Although more discerning than her husband, Abigail remained receptive to fresh information. The correspondence between her and her spouse featured a multitude of her thoughts and worries.

In her letters to John, Abigail stressed the opposition of slavery to both Whig ideology and Christian religion. She clarified that she was not advocating for a revolution in gender roles but instead desired a legal system that enabled women to fulfil their designated roles as wives, mothers and domestic beings who defer to fathers and husbands. Her firm belief was that no one should wield unlimited power over another person, even within a matrimonial relationship. Through her candid insights conveyed via her letters, Abigail gained respect from John and others. He valued her words and incorporated them into his work towards improving his family's life and the condition of the colonies. Despite facing challenges while raising children alone, Abigail successfully managed it all.

Abigail acknowledged her husband's frequent absence due to his crucial political obligations, despite her disapproval. Her children also felt the effects of their father's absence, which brought them closer to Abigail. The family comprehended the rationale behind their father's prolonged absences.

Abigail taught her children important lessons during their upbringing, such as recognizing gender distinctions and listening to the reading of religious texts. As a result, Adam's offspring grew up to be polite and clever adults who accomplished

great things. Together with her husband's example, Abigail's guidance contributed greatly to the success of their children.

Abigail conveyed the significance of "purity and simplicity of manners" to her daughter as it was a prominent trait that shaped her own character. Despite the limits of her instruction, each opportunity presented a new lesson for her children. Abigail's teachings had a profound influence on her son, who followed in his father's footsteps and became a political leader and the second President of the United States. Meanwhile, her daughter married a man whom John and Abigail approved of, leading to a fulfilled life for the couple. Abigail accomplished numerous milestones in her lifetime, qualifying her as a revolutionary figure.

Abigail Adams gained respect in the colonies due to her capacity to overcome literacy challenges, the sacrifices she made for her spouse, and the determination to independently raise and nurture their five children to be accomplished individuals. These actions solidified her position as a revered figure. Bibliography Akers, Charles W. Abigail Adams: A Revolutionary Woman, 3rd Ed. New York, New York: Pearson Education, Inc, 2007.