Women in American Revolution

Abstract

This paper describes some of the women who participated in the American Revolution - their lives, their stories and their motives. It examines how these significant women were examples of an undercurrent already present in the American society and how, due to the necessity of war, these women were able to be given the chance to make an impact on the society.

I. Introduction: Social Status of Women in the Revolution

II. Molly Pitcher: the real story

A. Evidence supporting her existence

B. Evidence denying her existence

C. An American Icon

D. Other Women who took up Arms

III. Women as Spies

A. Ann Bates

B. Miss Jenny

IV. Life as a Camp Follower

A. Women in Supporting Roles

B. The winds of Equality

C. Abigail Adams

D. Patriotism

V. Men's views on Women in the Revolution

A. Women as a Symbol of the Comforts of Home

From the Paper

"Women in the American Revolution played a deciding factor in the success of the colonists in winning their freedom from the Tyranny of England. Traditional roles of men and women had been heavily influenced by the teachings of Christianity in which men were above women and God was above men. The interpretation of this idea was taken rather literally during this time period and many men regarded women as lower beings. During the Revolutionary war women were not considered fit for battle and this was strictly a man's realm. Women were responsible for cooking, mending, sewing, soap making, and other forms of domestic tasks. The onset of the war forced some of these ideas to be loosened due to necessity. The war played a major role in re-defining women's roles in the late 18th century. These ideas began a long series of reforms, which later led to the suffrage movement."

Tags: women, war, america, american, revolution, britain, colonist, equality, feminism