Women in the American Revolution

1.) There were a few reasons why women had a desire to be involved in the Revolution. They wanted to support their family and loved ones who were fighting, and for this reason many took roles as nurses or would bring water or supplies to the soldiers.
Women also wanted to have a role in creating new lives for their families. Women, like men, knew that the Revolution was the beginning of a new life seperate from British rule and that it would be historically important. They knew that it meant the beginning of a whole new country. Women wanted to be a part of this as much as men did.
Women, perhaps more than men, sought change in government and desired representation. Women were belittled under the prestigious government of the British empire, and felt that they would have a better chance of representation in free colonies where there were fewer people, a more pliable government, and focus on liberty and rights.
The desire of colonial women to participate in the Revolution led them to have a large role and impact on America.

2.) Women had a large role in the Revolution. As their husbands went to war, women were left to manage farms and family life entirely on their own. They were responsible for operating their households and keeping basically everything outside of the fighting itself running smoothly.
Women also took an active role in uniting to help the Revolutionary cause. The Daughters of Liberty came together and held spinning bees in order to participate in nonimportation. Although what was actually produced at these bees wasn't enough to sustain a country, it sent a strong message of colonial unity and interest on the part of women to participate in political affairs.
There were also women who took a more active role in the war. Women like Molly Pitcher brought water to the men fighting on the battlefield and were even willing to take over their position at a cannon. Many colonial women signed up to be nurses for soldiers wounded at war. There were also women like Deborah Sampson who disguised themselves as men so that they could fight in the war themselves.
The impact made by women in the Revolution was one that increased feelings of unity throughout the colonies. It also showed the active role that women were eager to take during the war. Their role impacted the lives of women because it was one of the first times that women had large responsibilities and an evident desire to be involved in things that were typically handled by men.




CC and AK