Which 19th-century American historian, sister of James Otis, argued for women's rights, wrote a three-volume history of the American Revolution, and opposed ratification of the Constitution?

Which 19th-century American historian, sister of James Otis, argued for women's rights, wrote a three-volume history of the American Revolution, and opposed ratification of the Constitution?

• A. James Otis
• B. Mercy Otis Warren
• C. Benjamin Rush
• D. Richard Henry Lee

Answer: (B)

Mercy Otis Warren was a Boston writer and historian who lived across the late 18th and early 19th centuries. She was James Otis's sister and used her voice to push for women's education and civic participation. She authored a three-volume History of the Rise, Progress and Termination of the American Revolution, a landmark work in early American historiography. She also opposed the ratification of the Constitution, voicing concerns about centralized power and the protection of liberties. These achievements—historiography, advocacy for women's rights, and an anti-ratification stance—identify her as the correct choice.

Mercy Otis Warren was a Boston writer and historian who lived across the late 18th and early 19th centuries. She was James Otis's sister and used her voice to push for women's education and civic participation. She authored a three-volume History of the Rise, Progress and Termination of the American Revolution, a landmark work in early American historiography. She also opposed the ratification of the Constitution, voicing concerns about centralized power and the protection of liberties. These achievements—historiography, advocacy for women's rights, and an anti-ratification stance—identify her as the correct choice.