Abigail Adams: An American Woman by Charles W. Akers
The complex and somewhat troubled relationship between Jefferson and the Adamses Although both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were Founding Fathers of America, and played a profound influence in shaping the emerging nation's laws and policies after America became a nation, the two men differed substantially in their attitudes towards diplomatic relations with France. Adams was president during the XYZ affair, when Revolutionary France prevented American ships from trading with England, during France's war with England. This caused Adams to respond with fear and hostility towards France, despite Jefferson's more positive feelings towards the nation.Later, Jefferson defeated Adams in the presidential election of 1800, partly because of Adams' loss of popularity due to his clumsy handling of diplomatic affairs with France. Adams' loyal wife Abigail bitterly resented Jefferson's ascent to the preside
First of all, Adams was a kind of proto-feminist, famously urging her husband to "remember the ladies," when formulating the rights of the nation, although her desire that married women should be able to retain their property rights went unheeded. Both Adamses opposed racial discrimination. Also, Abigail disliked France, by and large, and when she visited there she always wished to return to her native America, while Jefferson was a devoted Francophile. Also, long before it was politically feasible or fashionable, Abigail and John Adams abhorred the institution of slavery, and believed that it should be abolished. But the Adams family and Jefferson, were often friends between these periods of quarreling, despite their many personal and policy differences. Despite the fact that the two men became enemies after America's founding, Adams still clearly respected Jefferson's role during the revolution, and the two men reconciled before both of them died on the same day. They corresponded frequently over the course of the events that shaped America during this time period, even when they were politically divided. She did not believe that female voting enfranchisement was possible, but she did think that women's rights should be protected in law, even if women were married. Thus, politically and culturally, the two families were at odds, despite their historical proximity and their mutual involvement in the founding of the new nation of America. Abigail allowed one of her African-American servants to be educated to read and write, despite objections. Both Adamses also feared the unchecked popular will and opinion of the people, not simply in terms of majoritarian Southern support for slavery, but because of the example the French Revolution. Adams was not afraid to disagree with her husband, but they were often of like minds. Adams passed the Alien and Sedition Acts that forbade public criticism in the press of the president, and Abigail supported his efforts although she was never afraid to voice her disagreement. Write on one topic, person, incident, or whatever, from the second half of the book that you found particularly interesting (excluding Jefferson, of course)Abigail Adam's political iconoclasm and independence are tow of the most interesting aspects of her biography.
Common topics in this essay:
Abigail Adam's,
England France's,
Thomas Jefferson,
Abigail Adams',
John Adams,
America Adams,
Fathers America,
France Adams',
America Jefferson,
Sedition Acts,
course abigail,
thomas jefferson,
john adams,
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