How Did Abigail Adams Support For Women's Rights

Abigail Adams was a very intriguing woman who is best known as being the wife of the second president of the United States, and mother to the sixth president. She was a very compelling and courageous woman who had a strong sense of dignity that she believed all women should have. Abigail was an unofficial advisor to her husband before, during, and after his time as a president. Because of her beliefs and his support, Abigail was able to view herself as an individual and respected intellect at a time when women were not thought of highly in society. Though others often overshadowed her, I believe Abigail Adams truly is one of the most important women in history. Throughout Abigail’s life she was a strong advocate for women’s rights, especially

Abigail adamantly advocated for women’s education. She believed that in order to be a good wife, mother, and citizen, it was essential that women received at least a small amount of education. Abigail wrote, “It is very certain that a well-informed woman, conscious of her nature and dignity, is more capable of performing the relative duties of life, and of engaging and retaining the affections of a man of understanding, than one whose intellectual endowments rise not above the common level.” (216). Abigail did not demand sexual equality, she only hoped for a legal system where women could find fulfillment in their roles as wives and mothers (48). Abigail never advocated for women to vote or hold public office, but another thing she urged was a separate legal existence for married women that made it easier for a wife to take action against an abusive husband (49). Abigail had a specific view for women in society. She believed that women should be educated members of society, and be able

Abigail was an exceptional women compared to others of her time. She was born into a successful family, and married a man who eventually became the second President of the United States. Most women had no choice as to the kind of man they would marry. Abigail married a man who respected and valued her as an individual. Very few women of that time were educated in any way. Abigail was determined to educate herself, and was constantly surrounded by books, unlike most other women of her day. Abigail also subscribed to a series of lectures on natural science in 1787 (113). Throughout her life Abigail had various chances to enhance her political knowledge, unlike other women who would acquire very little political knowledge over their lifetime. Another reason Abigail differed from women of her time was the number of places she lived. Most women lived in the same place their whole lives. Abigail lived in many areas, including England for a few years. Very few other women of Abigail’s time had similar experiences to