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LITR 4326
Early American Literature Research Posts 2016 (research post assignment) Research Post 1 |
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Kelly
Arnold
3/2/16
Abigail Adams: Not Just The First Lady of the White House
In the fall of 2015 I was introduced to Abigail Adams. Although this
introduction was brief, she caught my attention. I was watching a video about
the signing of the Declaration of Independence and there were these letters that
transpired between Abigail and John. She was truly interested in what was going
on with America during that time. There was a sense of love and devotion to her
husband. When Dr. White shared this
research post assignment, I knew that I wanted to learn about who Abigail Adams
was and how she helped influence history.
Abigail was born November 11, 1744 to parents Reverend William Smith and
Elizabeth Quincy. She was one of four children and never had any formal
education. She was taught to read and write at home and had access to her
father’s library. She loved learning about philosophy, theology, Shakespeare,
government and law. Her father was a Congregationalist minister and her
upbringing stressed the importance of reason and morality. She also had
political roots in her family. Her mother came from the Quincy family out of
Massachusetts, who were a part of the Governor’s council as well as the militia.
It is said that Abigail’s grandfather’s passion for politics influenced her
greatly. (http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=2)
When Abigail met John formally, she was about 16 years old. John was a
lawyer and he was attracted to Abigail’s intelligence. Over the course of three
years he courted her, and they were eventually married. Abigail and John had six
children and lived in Boston. While John was away Abigail had to take charge of
their home and farm. She became more independent and took on roles than most
women during that time ever would have dreamed of doing. While John was in
session during the Continental Congress, they communicated through written
letters. Abigail had become one of John’s biggest advisors and he trusted her
with political matters. In one of the letters Abigail stressed to her husband
the importance of women. She said, “Remember the
Ladies, and be more generous and favourable 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. If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the
Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves
bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.” (http://www.biography.com/people/abigail-adams-9175670#political-involvement)
Abigail Adams was most likely the first woman to really voice women’s rights.
In 1797 John Adams became the second President of the United States.
Abigail found herself in a whole new position. She was now a First Lady. Abigail
had an active role in politics and even earned the nickname “Mrs. Majesty”,
because she supported her husband's stance on the French Revolution and the
Alien and Sedition Acts. She was active alongside her husband and would advise
him often. In 1800 she was the first First Lady to live in the President’s
House, which is known now as the White House.
Abigail died in 1818 after having a stroke. She lived a life full of
passion and made an imprint in our country’s history. Abigail’s legacy lives on
through her letters. To this day people still look to her letters for
information on the Revolutionary Era. (http://americanhistorycentral.com/entry.php?rec=460)
I’m sure when she was writing those letters, she never dreamed they would impact
people today. Through my research I came to know more about this women. She was
passionate, stood strong in her beliefs, and was not afraid to voice her
thoughts. She was much more than just a First Lady.
Work
Cited
http://americanhistorycentral.com/entry.php?rec=460
http://www.biography.com/people/abigail-adams-9175670#related-video-gallery
http://coursesite.uhcl.edu/HSH/Whitec/texts/AmClassics/founders/Adamsltrsdec.htm
http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=2
http://www.john-adams-heritage.com/facts-abigail-adams/
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