What did Abigail Adams think of the French Revolution?

OCR: 5 cited passage(s) are machine-read (OCR) text of old printings; quotations reproduce the stored OCR text, misreadings included.

1. WHAT SHE SAID (the record)

Record ledger

• BELIEF (1791-02-11): Abigail Adams thought the French Revolution had led to 'horrid cruelties' and expressed disappointment in the conduct of the revolutionaries, who she believed were acting foolishly and allowing their actions to benefit Mr. Adams. She also expressed a desire to see them unite in a just and virtuous government before she could rejoice in their prosperity. (key quote above) [1]
• BELIEF (1791-02-11): Abigail Adams believed that the spirit of a party opposing the government was similar to the Jacobins in France, and that such discord could lead to civil war. She expressed concern about the seeds of discord in the U.S. and compared them to the French Revolution's destructive potential. [2]
• BELIEF (1798-04-25): Abigail Adams initially wished the French Revolution success in obtaining and securing equal liberty and social rights, but she now believes that France, having become an oppressor and usurper, no longer deserves success. [3]
• BELIEF (1799-10-05): Abigail Adams believed the French Revolution was driven by dangerous principles and put into practice by individuals like Adam Weishaupt, influenced by French philosophers such as Voltaire. She viewed the system revealed by the Abbe Barruel with horror. (key quote above) [4]
• ACTION (editor's note) (undated; editor's note, not her words): Abigail Adams wrote to her daughter about the French Revolution at a much later period, expressing regret at the prospect for England but no sympathy for the Queen. The passage does not specify the exact date of this letter. "Mrs. Adams ... she writes to her daughter with regret at the prospect for the country, but without sympathy for the Queen." [5]
• ACTION (editor's note) (undated; editor's note, not her words): Abigail Adams wrote about the French Revolution in a letter to Mrs. Smith on 11 February 1793. "*To Mrs. Smith. 11 February. The election of a Vice President. Par-tisan politics. Attaclis upon the President. The French Revolution . 359" [6]

What cuts against it

• ACTION (editor's note) (undated): The editor notes that Abigail Adams wrote to her daughter with regret at the prospect for England but without sympathy for the Queen, which may suggest a more nuanced view of revolutionary movements. "Mrs. Adams ... she writes to her daughter with regret at the prospect for the country, but without sympathy for the Queen." [5]

2. HOW IT APPLIES (reasoning; inference is marked)

1. Abigail Adams expressed concern about the French Revolution, particularly its descent into "horrid cruelties" and foolish conduct. (key quote above) [1].

2. She believed the revolution had been influenced by dangerous principles, including those of Voltaire and the Illuminati. (key quote above) [4].

3. Initially, she wished the revolution success in securing liberty and rights, but later viewed France as an oppressor. [3].

4. She feared that similar discord in the U.S. could lead to civil war, drawing a parallel to the destructive potential of the French Revolution. [2].

5. The editor notes that she expressed no sympathy for the French Queen, suggesting a critical stance toward the monarchy but not necessarily the revolution itself. [5].

3. HER TAKE

Record coverage: PARTIAL

The record is silent on whether Abigail Adams supported or opposed the French Revolution in its early stages, and whether she had any sympathy for its ideals of liberty and equality.

Extrapolation: Abigail Adams was critical of the French Revolution, particularly its descent into violence and chaos. She viewed it as having been driven by dangerous principles and expressed disappointment in the conduct of the revolutionaries. However, she did not entirely reject the idea of revolution, as she initially wished it success in securing liberty.

Competing readings: One reading is that she was fundamentally opposed to the revolution due to its violence and excesses. Another is that she was initially sympathetic but became disillusioned as the revolution turned violent. The record supports both readings, with no clear resolution.

Confidence: Moderate, due to the partial coverage and the presence of competing readings in the record.