The American Yawp Reader: Abigail and John Adams Converse on Women’s Rights, 1776

The American Yawp Reader: Abigail and John Adams Converse on Women’s Rights, 1776

Context of Discussion

  • The American Revolution prompted a critical reassessment of social inequalities, including women's rights.

  • Abigail Adams' correspondence with her husband, John Adams, highlights the call for women's rights to be included in new laws.

  • The contrast between Abigail's views on women's rights and John's humorous dismissal emphasizes the limitations of revolutionary liberty for women.

Abigail Adams’ Letter to John Adams (March 31, 1776)

  • Opening Statement: Abigail expresses a desire for John to write more extensively in his letters.

    • Queries regarding the status of the Fleet and Virginia's defenses against the common enemy.

    • Comments on social hierarchies in Virginia, comparing the gentry with the common people as akin to vassals.

    • Acknowledges George Washington's significance but critiquing Virginia for being misled by Lord Dunmore.

Key Themes in Abigail's Letter

  • Liberty and Social Inequalities:

    • Abigail questions whether a strong passion for liberty can exist in those who deprive others of it.

    • She suggests that true liberty should be rooted in mutual respect and kindness.

  • Call for Women's Rights in New Laws:

    • Urges John to “Remember the ladies” in the new code of laws.

    • Asserts that women need protection from tyrannical husbands, claiming that "all men would be tyrants if they could."

    • Warns that without attention to women's rights, they will foment rebellion and disregard laws without representation.

The Nature of Male Tyranny

  • Abigail asserts that the nature of men can be tyrannical, and calls upon her husband to see women not as vassals but as beings deserving of respect and protection.

  • Advocates for changes to remove absolute power from husbands and promote equality in understanding and companionship.

Personal Notes from Abigail

  • A more somber tone emerges due to personal concerns:

    • Describes a local health crisis involving her neighbor, who has lost two children.

    • Expresses deep concern for her own family’s health amidst outbreaks of disease.

    • Mentions her attempts at making essentials for her family and the community, illustrating women's roles during this time of war.

John Adams' Response to Abigail (April 14, 1776)

  • Initial Reaction: John finds Abigail's plea for women's rights amusing, indicating a dismissive attitude towards her request.

Comments on Government and Authority

  • Struggle for Authority: John lists various groups that are becoming discontented amidst the revolution, likening Abigail's call for women’s rights to an uprising against masculine governance.

  • Masculine Systems: He states that the existing systems are theoretical and that they must exercise authority carefully.

    • Asserts a preference for the current power dynamics over fearing the dominance of women's authority, which he describes humorously as a "Despotism of the Petticoat."

Broader Implications of Governance

  • John concludes by critiquing the revolutionary context and the influence that various factions (like Indians, Negroes, etc.) have on societal order and authority.

Summary

  • The correspondence between Abigail and John Adams sheds light on early conversations about women's rights amid the revolutionary backdrop.

  • Abigail's earnest appeal for recognition of women's discontent contrasts sharply with John's comedic dismissal of her concerns, reflecting the societal norms and attitudes of the 18th century towards gender roles and rights.