Abigail Adams - Letter to John Adams (May 7, 1776)
How many children did Abigail Adams have?
5, and her son John Quincy Adams became the 6th US President
What does Abigail Adams believe is the source of the authority of kings?
the people
Why does Abigail Adams think her husband and his colleagues are being ungenerous to "the ladies"?
they are keeping absolute power over their wives
Why was she concerned about the safety of Boston?
Boston Harbor was evacuated two months earlier, but nothing had had been done to secure it against future invasion
How many letters between Abigail and John are in the Smithsonian archives?
1,160
What do the letters demonstrate?
Demonstrate a marriage of equals during a time when women were unable to vote or participate in public office.
What was important to Abigail Adams?
Issues that impacted women of the period, not just men. She was an advocate of women's rights.
How was Abigail Adams educated?
She was self-taught using her fathers extensive library and reading. Didn't receive a traditional education.
Why must the good of the country come before the needs of others?
The country is the most important thing, other than God, so the country needs to be good for its people to be good. If the country perishes, it's impossible to save its people.
If people lose faith in their leader, what happens?
The leader will lose his power and it will lead to a disaster. She says that people do not need a king, but a king needs people to do his job
What were the topics of the letters?
Topics ranged from politics and military to household economy and family health.
Who is Abigail Adams?
Wife of John Adams - 1st US Vice President, 2nd US President
What is an author's purpose?
a writer's aim or goal
What is Abigail Adam's tone of her letter?
anger, affection, and impatience
What shows a sense of high moral purpose?
duties, stable government, duties of king to subjects, equality of political rights for women, and the moral education of their children.
Why did Abigail Adams agree to be separated from her husband?
his service to the country was more important than anything, except God
What does Abigail Adams believe about her husband's work?
it is of vital importance to the nation
What is the contrast that Adams points out between the goals of the Congress and the attitude of the delegates toward their wives?
that the men want to free all nations but insist on having complete power over the wives
What is Abigail Adams trying to convince her husband of?
women have greater power than men give them credit for
