American Revolution and Social Changes

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Who was Abigail Adams and what did she advocate for?

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Abigail Adams was the wife of John Adams. She urged her husband to remember America's women in the new government he was helping to create, resented the absolute power men had over women, and famously stated that women would not hold themselves bound by any laws if they had no voice or representation.

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What was John Adams' response to Abigail Adams' advocacy?

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John Adams replied that women, slaves, etc., were becoming insolent and that the natural order of things was not aligned with such changes.

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What was the British view of society and how did America challenge it?

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Britain believed in obedience to authority and the power of rulers over subjects. America challenged this with the idea of equality, stating that 'the floor of freedom is as level as water.'

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How did Aristotle define democracy?

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Aristotle defined democracy as a system in which the entire people governed directly, akin to the condition of primitive societies.

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What was the Pennsylvania Revolution?

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During the Pennsylvania Revolution, young lower-class radicals rose to power, opposing the prewar elite. Pennsylvania adopted a new unicameral annually elected legislature with no governor, allowing voting for all taxpayers above 21 without property qualifications.

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What were John Adams' thoughts on new constitutions?

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John Adams believed new constitutions should create a balanced government representing divisions of society, with two legislative branches, a powerful governor, and a judiciary to ensure no infringement on people's rights.

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How did the democratization of voting vary across states?

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The South was least democratic due to deferential traditions. Virginia and South Carolina kept property qualifications for voting, while Vermont removed all qualifications, allowing any free white male to vote.

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What role did Catholic Americans play during the Revolution?

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Support from France strengthened the idea that Catholics had a growing role in government. James Carroll, the first Catholic bishop of America, was welcomed in Massachusetts, which restored Catholics' political and civil rights.

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What was the impact of the separation of church and state?

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Religious leaders adhered to Christian liberty but believed government should not be involved. Jefferson advocated for a 'wall of separation,' reinforcing that rights exist as restraints on government power.

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What was the Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom?

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Passed by Thomas Jefferson in 1786, it barred the state from forcing individuals to follow one religion, viewing established churches as despotism.