The Real Housewives (continued)
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Last week’s blog was half of the make-believe cast of our make-believe show “The Real Housewives of the Revolution“ which Lisa and I talked about on our most recent podcast episode. The premise behind this episode is that when all of the men with the great names that we all grew up, learning went off to fight the revolutionary war they left behind their wives and most of their children to fend for themselves take care of the Homestead, etc., but many of these women did things above and beyond the ordinary roles of housewives, and we weren’t taught about any of their accomplishments… They’re just known as so-and-so‘s wife. And I don’t know about you, but I’m really tired of women being defined by their fathers, husbands, or brothers. I mean, I loved my dad. I love my husband and I love my brother, but you would be hard-pressed to even begin to define me relative to any of them. That’s because I am my own person and so are you and so were these women!
This week I am introducing the rest of the make-believe cast and telling you a little bit about them, but you can get the whole scoop on the podcast episode.
Abigail Adams-
She famously penned a letter to her, very influential husband, John Adams asking him to: “Remember the ladies.”
Abigail was a sharp political thinker and passionate advocate for women’s rights, at a time when frankly that wasn’t mainstream. And yet, she was one of the most influential women of the American Revolution and early U.S. history.
Abigail was one of John Adams’ most trusted advisors. Through their extensive correspondence, she provided political insight, challenged his views, and influenced key decisions during his presidency. Foreign diplomats and American leaders recognized her as a sharp political mind in her own right.
Abigail believed strongly in education for women, arguing that they should be as well-educated as men so they could contribute to society and raise informed citizens. She also spoke against slavery, calling it a “most iniquitous scheme” and advocating for its abolition. She was truly a voice ahead of its time in many ways!
Phillis Wheatley-
Her poetry gained attention in both America and Europe. Prominent figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin praised her work. In fact, she wrote a poem honoring Washington, who later invited her to meet him.
As an enslaved African girl, Phyllis’s literary talent challenged the widespread belief that Black individuals lacked intellectual ability. (That makes me so damn mad!) Her book was published only after a panel of Boston elites, including John Hancock, examined and verified that she had indeed written the poems herself. Eyeroll!
Lucy Flucker Knox -
Cast member with the best name, Lucy was a loyalist who went against her families wishes, and turned patriot For the revolution. She married to General Henry Knox, which was also against her family’s Wishes.
In addition to providing emotional and logistical support to the Continental Army, Lucy was known for her frequent and heartfelt letters to her husband, which offered him unwavering support and encouragement. Her letters to her General Knox reveal the struggles of war, the hardships of military life, and the strength it took to be a revolutionary wife.
Catherine “Caty” Greene-
Our final cast member was married to General Nathanael Greene. Caty Greene didn’t just support the war effort; she helped manage supply lines, keep troops fed, and maintain morale. A sharp mind and an independent spirit, she later played a role in early American industry alongside Eli Whitney, Who was her financial help invented the Cotton gin and revolutionized industry and the economy in the post war south.
Caty was outspoken about the struggles faced by military families. She wrote letters and used her influence to push for better pay and support for soldiers, ensuring that their sacrifices were recognized.
After the war, Caty found herself in significant debt due to her husband's financial troubles. Despite this, she worked tirelessly to manage their estate in Georgia, Mulberry Grove, and sought to rebuild her family’s finances.
And that completes the cast of The Real Housewives of the Revolution. I hope this has Inspired you to know that no matter what your role is, you can be influential.