Question

8th grade social studies
primary source: abigail adams and john adams letters
“time has been given for the whole people, maturely to consider the great question of independence, and to ripen their judgment, dissipate their fears, and allure their hopes, by discussing it in newspapers and pamphlets, by debating it in assemblies, conventions, committees of safety and inspection, in town and county meetings, as well as in private conversations, so that the whole people, in every colony of the thirteen, have now adopted it as their own act. this will cement the union . . . .”—john adams, philadelphia, 3 july 1776
“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 favourable to them than your ancestors. do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. remember all men would be tyrants if they could. if particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or representation.”—abigail adams, braintree, 31 march, 1776

1. determine author’s point of view how does john adams think that the colonists can form a unified opinion on the question of declaring independence from britain?
2. determine author’s purpose what was abigail’s purpose in writing to her husband while he was a member of the continental congress?
3. draw conclusions what happened in 1776 that may have sparked abigail’s interest in women’s rights?

Explanation:

1. John Adams believed that through widespread public - discussion in various settings like newspapers, assemblies, and private conversations, the colonists could form a unified opinion on independence. This collective adoption of the idea of independence would strengthen the union.
2. Abigail's purpose in writing to her husband was to advocate for women's rights in the new code of laws being considered during the time of independence. She wanted men to be more generous and favorable to women and not give husbands unlimited power.
3. In 1776, the discussions and the push for independence likely made Abigail realize the opportunity to advocate for women's rights as new laws were being considered. The revolutionary spirit and the idea of forming a new nation may have sparked her interest in ensuring women had a voice.

Answer:

1. Through widespread public discussion in various forums such as newspapers, assemblies, and private conversations, the colonists could form a unified opinion on independence.
2. To advocate for women's rights in the new code of laws being considered during the time of independence.
3. The discussions and push for independence, along with the consideration of new laws, likely sparked her interest in women's rights.