In the mid-1770s, tension was brewing in the Americas. Colonists were becoming increasingly tired of Britain’s rule, and things eventually escalated to a boiling point with the writing of The Declaration of Independence. This abridged retelling of the founding of the United States has been heard over and over again in history classes throughout middle and high school, and yet what’s often overlooked is the crucial role the Founding Mothers played in the development of the nation.
As the last few days of Women’s History Month approach and the celebration of the United States’ semi-quincentennial unfolds, it feels fitting to discuss one of the many women who supported the patriot cause and advocated for women’s rights. This Week in History, on March 31, 1776, Abigail Adams wrote famously in a letter to her husband, John Adams, for him to “remember the ladies” when developing a code of laws for the new nation.
Over time, these words have become famous, and aside from being an incredibly catchy phrase, many associate them with a private step in the fight for women’s suffrage. However, looking into the context of these words, Adams’ letter may have served a different purpose in the fight for women’s rights.
In her adolescent years, Adams was educated at home, with her large family library shaping her ideals and opinions into ones she would carry with her into adulthood. She first met her husband, John, when she was 17, as he was a friend of her brother-in-law. Her parents insisted on a long engagement, and she eventually married the young lawyer at 19; John was 28.
In their married life, Adams and her husband were typically apart due to John’s political activity. In his absence, she served as head of the household, having control over domestic and financial decisions. Their time apart also necessitated their lengthy correspondence over the years. In this particular letter, Adams goes on to say,
“In the new code of laws, which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would 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. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation. That your sex are naturally tyrannical is a truth so thoroughly established as to admit of no dispute.”
Given what is known about the meaning of marriage in the 18th century and the legal doctrine of coverture, it is more likely that Adams asked John to “remember the ladies” in the sense of providing legal protections in marriage so that wives could not be abused by their husbands. Due to coverture, when a woman was wed, she was no longer recognized as a separate legal entity. Meaning that she could not own property, enter into contracts or sue, giving men large amounts of power.
In his response to this, John presumed she had been joking. However, Adams wrote back, clarifying that she was completely serious. While this was a private correspondence and Adams never made moves to advocate for women in this way publicly, it was still a step in the battle for women’s rights.
Throughout her life, she was an incredibly influential figure, influencing her husband’s policies in the White House and also leaving a substantial mark on her son, John Quincy Adams, during his presidency. Political opponents would make remarks that she was too outspoken and even call her “Mrs. President” when John was in office, but that shows the substantial mark she left on the nation.
Women have always been a part of this nation, from the successes to the pitfalls. During the 250th anniversary of the United States, it’s time to start looking at history beyond the lens of the Founding Fathers and instead through the eyes of the other people who helped build this nation.