ERA 4: Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)
Two Intimate Enemies, by Joseph J. Ellis
Guiding Questions
What influences decision makers?
Even though women in colonial America did not have the right to vote, how did they manage to get their voices heard?
In colonial America, how did politicians stay in touch with the grass roots sentiment?
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson
Teacher-to-Teacher
The relationship between John and Abigail Adams was very progressive for their time era. Not only were they deeply in love, but they also held each other’s ideas and opinions in high regard. Despite the fact that they lived much of their married life apart, they were able to keep their relationship going by exchanging letters on a very regular basis. Because of the split in political parties and due to the fact that his vice president was from the opposing party, John Adams turned to his wife Abigail as his personal and political confidante. Students will look at these two people and recognize the influence of Abigail in decisions John Adams made during his presidency.
- Two Intimate Enemies (September 2000 | Volume: 51, Issue: 5) articles_ah
- John Adams- Brief Biography historical_documents
- Abigail Adams- Brief Biography historical_documents
- Abigail Adams Obituary Notice historical_documents
- John & Abigail Adams Correspondence historical_documents