Abigail Adams – The Founding Mother of The United States

Introduction

Do you know one of the two women who have been both the wife and mother of U.S. presidents? Abigail Smith Adams wasn't just the strongest female voice in the American Revolution; she was a key political advisor to her husband and became the first First Lady to live in what would become the White House. Her spouse, John Adams, was the second president, followed by their son, John Quincy Adams, who was the sixth president of the United States.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 22, 1744, in Weymouth, MA, Abigail Adams gave birth to six children, and five of them lived to adulthood. Her father, William Smith, was a minister, and Abigail and her three siblings grew up in a home full of love. Her mother, Elizabeth Quincy Smith, supported William and stayed at home with Abigail. Like many women of her time, Abigail had no formal education, but she spent time at the family’s library to master subjects most women never considered. This self-education created a strong bond between her and young John Adams because he, too, was an avid reader (Smith, 2020).

Advocacy for Women's Rights

Some notable achievements in Abigail’s life include her advocacy for women's education rights and her ability to raise five out of her six children, even without John. During the eighteenth century, a few women began to work for women's rights and fought for individual freedoms that were attainable for men but rarely for women. One of these women was Abigail Adams. More than just a First Lady, she was an early female voice who refused to stand by and allow women to be seen as unequal. Her letters to John Adams often included strong opinions about the need for women's education and equality (Adams, 1776).

Traits of Perseverance and Courage

One trait that shaped Abigail Adams into one of our Founding Mothers was her perseverance. Abigail had to raise her children on a farm in Braintree, where she planted and harvested crops, and sheared sheep for clothing. It was even more challenging while John was away serving in the Continental Congress. She kept going no matter what. If she hurt herself, she had to forget about it and move on; if one of her children got sick, she would have to get them well. All by herself, she took care of her family. Another trait she exemplified was courage. She showed courage by fighting for women’s rights. She believed that a woman’s education should be the same as a man’s. She thought, if men can do it, why can’t women?

Legacy and Conclusion

Abigail Adams was a brave woman who believed that women should have the same rights as men. Without her advocacy, women might not enjoy the rights they have today. Her legacy as one of our Founding Mothers is well-deserved, as she laid the groundwork for the women's rights movement that would gain momentum in the centuries to follow.

References

Adams, A. (1776). Letter to John Adams. Retrieved from National Archives.

Smith, J. (2020). The Life of Abigail Adams. New York: History Press.