Abigail and John Adams Converse on Women’s Rights, 1776
- It Is an Early Call for Women’s Rights Abigail’s request to “remember the ladies” is one of the earliest and clearest arguments for women’s legal protections in American history. She challenges male authority in marriage and government.
- It Shows Women’s Political Awareness. Her letter shows that women were thinking critically about government and justice even if they were excluded from formal power.
- It Exposes Gender Roles in the 18th Century John’s joking tone reflects common attitudes of the time, that women’s demands were not to be taken seriously. His response helps historians understand how deeply rooted patriarchal systems were.