How and why did Neoclassical architecture influence and shape architecture in the United States?
During the eighteenth century, Neoclassical architecture grew beyond belief in the United States. This classical style was seen as a direct expression of democracy itself. It was considered the purest form and was derived from classical antiquity. In the United States, Neoclassical architecture was influenced by Robert Adam (1728-1792) of England. His designs are very prominent and bold: “Adam filled the interior with opulent marbles, stucco decoration, Corinthian colonnades, and alcoves to contain sculpture copied from the ancients” (Sayre). Also, one of the most eye-drawing parts of his design is the open-ended oval staircase the leads to the
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Passages like “no man has natural authority of his fellow” and “all men are born equally free and independent and have certain inherent natural rights…” (Sayre) only states men as equals. It neglected the rights of women, which is why Abigail Adams felt it necessary to write her husband a letter about her thoughts towards these passages. These laws reject the rights of women, because back then women were just thought of as needing to stay home to cook, clean, and watch the children. In spite of this, Abigail consulted her husband knowing that he was on a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. In her letter, written in the spring of 1776, she advised him that no attention was paid to ladies, which may start a rebellion because they will not be bound by any laws that they have no voice or representation in creating. She goes on to say that she is disgusted by these laws and how they blatantly discount women. “Why then not put it out of the power of the vicious and the lawless to use us with cruelty and indignity with impunity. Men of sense in all ages abhor those customs which treat us only as vassals of your sex” (Sayre). Although Abigail Adams was more private about expressing her feelings, she and other women fought for these