A Woman's Dilemma: Mercy Otis Warren and the American Revolution

Mercy Otis Warren was one of America's first historians. She lived through the American Revolution and wrote about the events of the time. The Founders all showed great respect for her intelligence and accomplishments as a writer, poet, and political theorist. Though she stepped outside of what was considered proper for women of the time by publishing her works in her own name, she also showed her expertise in the womanly fields of housework and child-rearing and accepted the status quo for women in early America. Warren got involved in politics through her family and connections. He father encouraged her educational ambitions as did her husband later. Her extended family was involved in the war and rebellions that occurred in her life (1728-1814) and Warren's writing evolved from a hobby into scathing political diatribes. Her writings, however, were always judged as lesser than what a man might do and she continually had to overcome prejudice against intellectual women. During the Revolutionary War, Warren found herself in uncertain and unfamiliar circumstances. With her husband gone to help the war effort, Warren had to manage the family estate as well as carry on her duties in raising her children. It was during this time, however, that she began to write History of the American Revolution and political works. She also wrote letters to other women that gave both comfort and information. One of the women Warren corresponded with was Abigail Adams. Her political leanings, though, were strongly Democratic-Republican, so her relationship with John Adams, Federalist leader, became strained. He had once been her mentor, but later denounced her major writings bitterly, perhaps perceiving them as an attack upon him, personally. She did not give him much space in her book and Adams's famous ego could not take the slight. His letters to her became more and more vicious, even as she attempted to placate him and retain their friendship. He even blamed her for his failure to be re-elected, even as he pronounced that women has no effect on politics. Today women have more opportunities than did Warren, but discrimination still exists. Many people still feel that women should stay out of politics, should not challenge traditional family values, and should be subservient to the men in their family. It is still more difficult for a woman to gain respect in the political arena, even as a writer. Warren, though, was no feminist and never overtly challenged traditional gender roles. She just wanted to be respected for her accomplishments as an individual.