. . . I long to hear that you have declared an independency—and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. . . . If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are determined to foment [incite; instigate] a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation. . . .
—Abigail Adams, letter to John Adams
How does Abigail Adams use the ideas of the patriots to support her cause?
In her letter to John Adams, Abigail Adams cleverly leverages the revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and democratic representation that were central to the American patriots' cause against British colonial rule. By doing so, she advocates for women's rights and the consideration of women in the new laws that would be established following American independence.
1. **Declaration of Independence:** Abigail expresses her desire that the colonies declare their independence, aligning herself with the patriot cause.
2. **New Code of Laws:** She anticipates that with independence, a new legal system will be crafted. She seizes this opportunity to argue for the incorporation of laws that would be more favorable to women.
3. **Remember the Ladies:** Abigail's phrase "Remember the Ladies" is a direct appeal to the lawmakers (primarily men) to include women in their considerations when forming the new nation's laws. This is a call for inclusive legislation that would recognize women's rights and interests.
4. **Citing Injustice:** Abigail parallels the patriots' grievances about lack of representation with the situation of women, implying that just as the colonists refuse to be governed by British laws in which they have no voice, women are also justified in rebelling against laws that do not represent them.
5. **Threat of Rebellion:** By warning of a potential "Rebellion" by women if they are not given due consideration, Abigail uses the revolutionary rhetoric of the time, which was steeped in ideas of resistance to oppression and fighting for one's rights.
Through these arguments, Abigail Adams not only supports the revolutionary cause but also extends it, calling for the values that were being fought for to be applied universally, including to women. This was a progressive standpoint for the time, as women were largely excluded from political life and legal equality. Abigail's letter is an early call for gender equality, using the revolutionary spirit of the age to support her appeal for the rights and representation of women.