The Role Of Women
In The Revolutionary War
By Marlee Meek
Before the Revolutionary War
Since women could not participate in political events in the colonies, their protesting of the British was not as noticeable as the men's protesting. However, women still made an impact by expressing their views and sometimes taking part in rallies.
Some women formed a secret society called the Daughters Of Liberty, much like the Sons Of Liberty, who staged protests against British taxes. Since the women did not buy and use British goods, they often had to make many of the items themselves, such as clothing.
During the Revolutionary War
Many women were married to men who helped in the war. Some women, including Martha Washington, came with their husbands to army camps. The women prepared and cooked meals, washed clothing, nursed sick and wounded soldiers, made bullets, sewed uniforms, and some women even helped fight.
Women of the Revolutionary War
Nancy Hart
When Nancy was being forced to cook meals for the British loyalists, she took one of their muskets and held the loyalists prisoner until a group of patriots arrived to hang the them.
Deborah Sampson
Deborah Sampson dressed up as a man and enlisted to fight in several engagements using the name Robert Shurtleff.
Abigail Adams
Abigail Adams was married to John Adams, a diplomat in Erurope. Abigail was an early promoter of women's rights.
After the Revolutionary War
After the war ended, a new system of government called republicanism started in the United States. This idea stated that instead of a king, the people would rule. At first, only land-owning white men could take part in governing by voting, or holding public office. However, women could help their nation by teaching their children the virtues that benefited public life such as honesty, duty, and the willingness to make sacrifices.