Abigail Adams
1744-1818
Makaila Paul 1/16/14 Per: 2
A Look in her Past
Abigail Adams was married to John Adams who was the second president of the United States. In 1785, she became the wife of the first United States minister. In 1783-1788, she went on a mission to France and England to help out her husband in the Revolutionary War. She also spent most of her life at home struggling with her 5 children, the farm, the household, a lack of income, and lots more struggles she faced.
An Unexpected Visit
On February 17, 1791, Abigail wrote to her husband saying a black servant arrived at their house and asked her to teach him how to read and write. Neighbors didn't like it at all and were complaining about the black servant, but she stuck up for him and said he's as free as any other man, and no other complaints were made ever again.
Helping Out a Loved One
From 1783-1788, Abigail went with her husband and helped him out on missions to France and England in the Revolutionary War.
Letters and Documents about Abigail Adams
Speaking Up for Women
"remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if they could…"
An Unexpected Visit
"I hope you wont take any offence. None at all Mr. Faxon, only be so good as to send the young men to me. I think I can convince them that they are wrong. I have not thought it any disgrace to my self to take him into my palourparlour and teach him both to read and write…"
Independence Day
"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by Solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and lluminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more…"
After 1785, Abigail became the wife of the first United States Minister.
Speaking Up for Women
Abigail spoke up for married women's property rights and more opportunities women should have, particularly in education. She said that women should not just be sort of like an accessory for their husbands, but to be educated well and to have similar, or better yet, the same rights as men. She said that women should be recognized for what they are capable of, and that they should educate themselves. In March 1776, she wrote to her husband to "remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if they could…". She also said some things about women being determined to create a rebellion if they are not given care and attention.
Taking Matters Into her Own Hands
Abigail Adams did not receive proper education, but spent lots of time in her father's library and studied the Bible, history, philosophy, essays, and poetry. Her mother and grandmother taught her social graces as well as homemaking and handiwork skills. Because of that, she got really interested in political business.
Struggles at Home
Abigail struggled at home while her husband was away with her 5 children, cooking, lack of income, the household, the farm, and other difficult living conditions.