Abigail lived during times which were much more difficult for women than today. Despite this fact, Abigail Adams traveled, believed in women's rights, and experienced the American Revolution. A devoted wife, mother, and American patriot, Abigail influenced history by helping her husband, John, make important decisions.
From the Vikings to Henry Hudson, the great explorers sailed across uncharted waters during the Age of Discovery in search of many things, including adventure and wealth. Their exploration not only changed maps of the world but also paved the way for the settlement of the New World.
The Declaration of Independence was a document that declared the right to be a country that would make its own decisions, starting with the decision to separate from the British control. From taxation to the Boston Tea Party to Thomas Paine's Common Sense, tension was building against Great Britain. Events finally led to a resolution in Congress that the colonies would form an independent governmentâ€”a resolution that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence.
World War I, or the Great War, began in Europe as a military rivalry between France and Germany. As other countries took sides and joined the conflict, the war grew and became worldwide. In 1917, the United States entered the war in an effort to make the world safe for democracy, and afterwards it became a world power.
The Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain during the 1700s and spread to America in the early 1800s as the colonies formed and grew. Industrialism provided the means for development and expansion in America as life transitioned from rural beginnings to large cities. Industry was a large factor for innovation and employment at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Although slavery was illegal at the beginning of the twentieth century, segregation was prevalent, especially in the South. Through many uprisings, protests, and demonstrations, segregation was finally abolished and civil rights were established for people of varying colors, races, and genders. Today, we celebrate diversity in our nation because of the Civil Rights Movement of the twentieth century.
In 1939, another war that would encompass the world began in Europe. World War II began as a conflict of beliefs concerning government among countries in Europe. The United States stayed on the sidelines, unwilling to become involved in the war until Japan attacked a Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.