The American Revolution was a time of social turmoil, both good and bad. The streets were filled with men carrying guns ready for an uprising against Great Britain, and factories were filled with women sewing and making firearms for the soldiers. Women were being used more and more and being looked to serve larger roles in the War and in Politics. Both Foner and Zagarri conclude that women did start to breakthrough during and after the Revolution, but their ideas differ when it comes to the length in which their efforts were received by society. Zagarri presents the idea that because of the Jacksonian Era, the up and coming participation from women in politics that expanded during and immediately following the Revolution, created a “backlash” …show more content…
Yes they were finally allowed to read and write, but teachers were taught to enforce to the younger generation they must encourage their husbands and brothers to serve the country, and instill patriotism and virtue in our country; to the boys. Women were finally “receiving some kind of formal education” and they were taught to support the men in their lives with their new knowledge (Zagarri pg 52). One of the first examples of this is Abigail Adams. In 1776, Adams wrote her well-known letter to John Adams, she professed the need for women in politics, because men will become tyrants if they get the chance. She was Adams's’ “keen observer in public affairs [and] kept her husband informed of events in Massachusetts and offered opinions on political matters” (Foner 210). It was denied that she was involved in any official role in politics, but was proven to be an asset during John Adams’s presidency. This is a perfect example of women having to use their knowledge and education to benefit males. In her case, he was her husband and he was the President, however, this proves the power of all politics will be for white males for a long