Esther Berdt Reed

During the American Revolution, ideas about equality and patriotism as well as wartime conditions created new experience and shaped the developing nation. Part of this development included how these ideas and wartime conditions influenced American women’s thoughts about their roles in society. This paper will examine two documents produced by women during the Revolution to illustrate the importance of primary sources in understanding people in a specific time and place. This paper will consider what historical insight or context the two sources may provide to support or expand the understanding of the female experience during the American Revolution. In addition, this paper will determine what further questions may arise from the information gleaned from the sources.

The American Revolutionary War affected many American lives, including Mary Silliman’s. During this period, women did not have much voice outside of their household. Even though not in the revolutionary army, Mary Silliman fought a war where she endured hatred, sufferings, and moral temptations.

As the British got closer to Philadelphia, it was no longer safe for Reed and her family to stay at their home. Their life wax uncertain and dangerous as it was for other women whose husbands joined the Revolution. Later in 1778 the Ladies of Philadelphia, headed by Reed, worked to raise

That the association “created an operational hierarchy with well-defined positions, outlined their goals and plans, and utilized the press and their social networks to publicize their undertakings,” represented a legitimate and overt foray into the public sphere for the women involved. The women engaged in a door-to-door fundraising campaign which brought them from the city’s most desolate neighbourhoods to the neighbourhoods where the city’s elite resided. Being that they raised a substantial amount of money, were able to spur on and assist similar campaigns in other urban centres, and generated awareness for the Patriot cause, the association’s campaign was a resounding success. Despite the success of the campaign in demonstrating women’s proficiency in the public sphere, General George Washington’s insistence that they “provide shirts for the soldiers, suggesting that the women purchase linen to make the shirt themselves,” represented a major setback for the women’s campaign. Being that the women went through such lengths to successfully infiltrate the public sphere and demonstrate their competency, having their efforts relegated to the domestic sphere defeated the

From the beginning of time, women have had to succumb to the authority of men. Women were essentially men’s slaves and had little say in the household and had virtually no voice in politics. They were to be seen and not heard. There were, however, instances of women that were able to call attention to themselves, whether negative or positive. The girls involved in the Salem Witch Trials, for example, were able to draw an awareness to themselves and become a significant heated topic. Sarah Kemble Knight gained a reputation for herself by being knowledgeable in

During the American Revolution, colonists united to fight Britain for their natural rights. Often forgotten heroes are the ladies, who have found their own ways to shape their country. Their ideas have been implemented keeping in mind women's place in society. Some of these contributions to the Revolution include dressing up as men, boycotting British goods, and influencing others' political opinions among many others. There is no doubt that women have made their mark in the American Revolution in numerous ways.

Solomon devoted some consideration to political issues. Women’s role was continually questioned during the American Revolution, when women expressed competency in many roles. While some females joined the war as undercover spies or soldiers, other women established activist groups to protest, campaign and raise funds. Solomon considers this war to be the opportunity for women to demonstrate their abilities in “public and private spheres” that could have implications in the latter movements.

The American Revolution, a war fought by the colonists in the hopes of attaining freedom, recognition, and independence. The Founding Fathers did all they could to ensure these goals were accomplished and the fruits of their labor were enjoyed by everyone. George Mason wrote the Declaration of Rights, Thomas Jefferson was “The Father of the Declaration of Independence”, James Madison was “The Father of the Constitution”, Benjamin Franklin contributed to nearly all of the early documents, and George Washington, “The Father of Our Country, commanded the American troops during the American Revolution. The (incomplete) list of accomplishments of the Founding Fathers are incredible, and they definitely deserve the abundant, almost excessive, amounts of praise they receive to this day. With the constant talk about The Founding Fathers, it easy to overlook and/or undermine other key figures who also bravely stood up for the country and contributed to the founding of this nation. However, a few do raise the important question, “What about The Founding Mothers?”. The truth is there were countless women advocating for the same rights and values their male counterparts were. Unfortunately, just as generations before and after the American Revolution have done, many seem to ‘forget’ the ever-so-important achievements of the talented women. The vital roles women played in society ranged from caring for the children and the home to the managing the local businesses while the men were

During the war some women banded together to raise money for the soldiers fighting in the continental army. So they made a pamphlet to get other woman involved. This document suggest that the roles of women was to contribute to the war in any way they could like raising money or cleaning the cloths for the soldiers. they said things like women should have the same amount of patriotism as the men that go out and fight in the war.

Women stepped up to the plate during the struggle for independence. While the men were at war the women took charge the colonie might not have kept going if it wasn't for the women's help. “Women took charge of the businesses and farms, defended their homes and neighborhoods, gathered intelligence for the patriots, saved as maids and cooks for the continental army; still others were nurse and soldiers on the battlefield.”(History of American Women). They did not just sit around and watch its happen they actually did something that helped us gain our independence.

Adams once stated in a letter to her husband, “If we mean to have heroes, statesmen, and philosophers, we should have learned women” (Taylor). Many people think women are not supposed to be able to do the things men can do, but little do they know women have played a major role in making the United States. During the eight years of the Revolutionary War women played an essential role. Women were essential to American victory in the Revolutionary War because they worked as spies, nurses, and aided in battle.

For centuries the concept of gender and equality have been issues and talking points. Attitudes toward women have gradually softened and changed for the better as they are viewed as being equal with men. Women throughout history have been referred to as housewives, and factory girls. They weren’t able to gain the respect from men until they took a stance against inequality, also known as women’s suffrage. “I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand”, stated Susan B Anthony. Many factors have contributed to the rise of the status of women throughout the history of the United States. These factors include education, income status, and political contributions.

The author of this article is Joan Hoff Wilson, and she is a history professor who focused on the women's studies. This document is intended for women to see what women during this American Revolution did to support the country. She shows that even there were restrictions on what women can do, during this time, the women took it upon themselves to help out and show that they are part of the

A women's role has changed tremendously and is making its greatest impact in our society today. Many years ago, women's contribution to society was limited and controlled by men. Women are standing tall and are playing a major role in many important areas. Women's role has changed at an accelerating rate and have part in areas such as Politics, Professional Training Jobs, Medicine,Business and Law. Formerly they were not part of any political matter, but they have advanced in many aspects. For example, women have attained power and have been growing in political office.

Gender equality is not yet a reality. Not only is it not a reality, but it never will be, so long as the misogynistic views of old-time Americans stay prevalent. Hostility toward women in positions of high power remains present in society regardless of what women try to do to advance. Surely, it has been proven that women have accelerated far beyond what was expected of them a hundred years ago. However, women have been characterized as “overly-emotional”, “sensitive”, and “weak”, therefore inhibiting their improvement socially and professionally. These oppressive opinions must adapt to the modern image women have worked so hard to obtain. Women are strong leaders. Females are over fifty percent of the voters as well as over fifty percent of the population, and have been brainwashed with the misconception that their voices do not matter. The disparity between the respect society shows men and the respect they show women must be closed immediately.